Portland Parks & Recreation Activities

To register or to obtain additional information for any Parks and Recreation programs, please call 860-342-6757, or you may go online to www.portlandct.org, click on Departments, then to Parks and 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 and Recreation office. Registration forms must be completed for each program prior to the program start date. The Parks and Recreation Hotline is 860-262-7234. This number is for closures and cancellations or updates.

Weight Watchers

The Parks & Recreation Department is hoping to continue to hold Weight Watcher Meetings at The Buck-Foreman Community Center on Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. Weight Watchers has begun a new program where monthly passes can be purchased online at the cost of $39.95 plus tax via a special Portal. This new program has several plusses to joining: It is much more affordable, free e-tools, automatic renewal, you can join at any time and continues rather than worrying about have to renew every 14 weeks! A minimum of 20 participants is required in order to keep the meetings running in Portland. If you are interested in joining the group, please call Parks & Recreation for information regarding registration. We are currently at 19 people! One more neded!

Triangle Sports Academy

The basics of soccer, basketball and baseball are introduced in a fun, safe environment with lots of encouragement. Parents must attend. The program is held Mondays, April 23 to May 28, at Gildersleeve School from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Open to boys and girls age 3 and 4 years old. The fee is $25.

Introduction to Baseball and Softball

This program is designed to introduce 4-year-olds to the game of baseball/softball. Each session will have stations in throwing, catching, hitting and base running. The program is all instructional and open to both boys and girls. Will be held on Fridays at Veteran’s Park from April 27 to June 1 from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Parents must stay and are encouraged to help. The fee is $30.

April Vacation 2-on-2 Tournament

The Parks & Recreation Department will be hosting a Co-Ed 2-on-2 April vacation basketball tournament on Monday at the Brownstone Intermediate School play area.  Sign up with a friend and a team name. Each team will get three 10 minute games. Note:  players coach themselves. Grades 3 and 4 at 9 a.m., Grades 5 and 6 at 10:30 a.m. and Grades 7 and 8 at noon. Get some March Madness in April! The fee is $20 per team.

American Red Cross “Babysitting”

This program provides ages 11 to 15 the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care for children and infants. The training will help participants to develop leadership skills, learn how to develop a babysitting business, choose safe and appropriate toys, games, diapering and basic child care and basic first aid. The class is held on Tuesday, April 17, at the Buck Foreman Community Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The fee is $55.

Chris Corkum’s Baseball Mini Camp

This program will consist of a series of drills and instructional games which will serve to educate, train and create a feeling of enjoyment one can derive from participating in baseball. Throwing, fielding, hitting and team play are the major areas of concentration.  This is a great way to get ready for your season! The program is open to ages 7 to 12 and held Thursday and Friday, April 19 and 20, at Valley View School fields, from 1 to 3 p.m. The fee is $50.

Joe Reilly Jr. Basketball Clinic

Joe Reilly Jr., head basketball coach at Wesleyan University, will be hosting a school vacation clinic. The clinic consists of a series of offense drills and instruction, and teaches different aspects of offense such as dribbling, shooting and passing! This program will be held Friday, April 20, at PMS from 9 a.m. to noon. It is open to grades 2 through 6. The fee is $30.

Ladies Spring Golf Clinic

Always wanted to learn how to play golf or just brush up on your skills? Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Portland West will offer a ladies golf clinic. Golf Professional Gerry D’Amora will be the instructor of this five-week session. The clinic will be held Tuesdays, April 24 to May 22, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Portland West. The fee is $110.

American Red Cross “When I’m In Charge”

This class is designed for youth ages 7 and up. It will give youth increased confidence and the ability to feel safe and in control when home alone by teaching them to act safely, think responsibly and be independent decision makers. Topics include answering the door or telephone, internet safety, gun safety, who and when to call in an emergency and much more! Class is held at the Buck Foreman Community Center on Tuesday, April 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The fee is $30.

New:  Kickball League!

One of America’s fastest growing sports and it is played just like the elementary school game you remember with a red playground ball! We will play for six Friday nights during the spring. You must be registered to play. The League is co-ed and open to grades 7 to 12  and you must be a Portland resident. Games held at Veteran’s Park from April 27 to June 1 at 6 p.m. The fee is $25.

Family Photo Day

The Third Annual Family Photo Day with The Image Source will be held on Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20, at the Buck Foreman Community Center. Each portrait session includes multiple groupings, studio lighting and a neutral background to go with any décor. “Instant Proofing” will also be provided so you can pick your favorite poses.  Customized packages and dozens of designer frame choices available. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to gather your family together for that long overdue professional portrait. Special requests are encouraged, so bring the grandparents and pets to get the most out of your sitting! All of your $29 sitting fee will help support great programs for our children through Parks & Recreation.  Please call Parks & Recreation to schedule your appointment or visit www.FamilyPortraitSession.com.

New Revamped Junior Golf Workshop

This workshop is designed to acquaint participants with the game of golf. The daily schedule includes demonstrations, learning the rules of golf, golf skills and techniques, learning the short game (putting and chipping), golf etiquette and a chance to walk and play Portland’s Executive Course, Portland West. If you have clubs please bring them.  Sneakers are allowed. The program will be held Sundays from noon to 1 p.m. at Portland West from May 20 to June 10. Open to ages 8 to 12. The fee is $75.