Portland Parks & Recreation Activities

To register or to obtain additional information for any Parks & Recreation programs, please call 860-342-6757, or you may go online to www.portlandct.org, click on Departments, then to Parks & Recreation. The individual registration forms will be listed as a link on the web page. Forms can be printed, completed and returned back to the Parks & Recreation office. Registration Forms must be completed for each program prior to the program start date. The Parks & Recreation Hotline is 860-262-7234. This number is for closures and cancellations or updates.

Town of Portland Lighted Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

This year the CT Cellar Savers and East Of The River Classics will join hands with Portland Parks & Recreation to celebrate the upcoming holidays with the lighted parade and lighting the town tree on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 5 p.m. The big event begins at the town hall on East Main Street, ending at the Brownstone Intermediate School. Gather with friends to enjoy some hot cocoa and cookies as we wait for a special visit from Santa! Unwrapped toys and non-perishable foods will be collected for the Portland Food Bank.

Vehicles, floats and marching units wanting to participate in the parade may pre-register through the Parks & Recreation Office. With questions concerning the parade, please contact Bob Currier at 860-342-0161. The event is dedicated in memory of Bob Baines Jr., founder of the Lighted Holiday Parade. 

American Red Cross Babysitting Course

This program provides ages 11 to 15 who are planning to babysit with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care for children and infants. This training will help participants develop leadership skills, learn how to develop a babysitting business, choose safe and appropriate toys and games, diapering, basic first aid and how to keep themselves and others safe.  Class is held at the Buck Foreman Community center on Nov. 21 and 22 from 12:15 to 3:45 p.m. The fee is $55.

Youth Basketball Registration Still Available

For grades K-2 and 3 to 8, Travel Basketball grades 5 – 8, a Fall High School League and the HotShot Contest in January.

The Parks & Recreation Youth Basketball flyer has been sent home through the schools. Forms are also available in the office, online, at the town hall and library.

A $10 late fee will be added to registrations taken after Nov. 21.

Adult Co-Ed Volleyball

Adult Co-Ed Volleyball will be held Wednesdays beginning Nov. 2 at Gildersleeve School. The competitive program is 5:30 to 7 p.m. and the non-competitive program is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. You must be 18 and older and sneakers must be worn in order to participate. This program is free.

Men’s Drop-In Basketball

The Over 30 Men’s Drop in basketball will begin Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Portland Middle School from 8 to 9:30 p.m. The program will run through March 27.

Men’s Under 30 Drop-In Basketball

The Under 30 Men’s Drop in basketball will begin Thursday, Nov. 3, at Portland Middle School from 8 to 9:30 p.m. This program will run through March 29. 

These programs are both free and you must be a Portland resident to attend.

Youth Softball Instructional Clinics

Get ready for the new softball season! Fall instructional clinics, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, through Dec. 16 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The fee is $10.

Winter Instructional clinics, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Jan. 16 to Feb. 20 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The fee is $15.

Both clinics are held at the Gildersleeve Gymnasium for Grades 5 to 12. Your instructor will be Frank Cavaliere. Please register through the Parks & Recreation office.

New York City on Your Own – Saturday, Nov. 26

Reminder to those registered for the NYC Bus Trip, departure time is 7:30 a.m. from the Brownstone Intermediate School, 314 Main St.