Portland Parks & Recreation Activities

News for the week of June 6

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 & 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.

The Parks and Recreation Summer Playground Information and Summer Sport Camps are all available at the Parks and Recreation Office or online at www.portlandct.org

Parents please note: Health Forms and Drop Off/Pick Up Forms are required with all Summer Camp registration. The forms are available on line or in the office.

New “Travel Unit”

This new program will allow youth that have completed grades eight and nine to continue to experience the summer playground programs, meet new friends, and have all new experiences! Each week there will be new trips around the state of Connecticut.  The group will meet at PMS Monday to Thursday from 9 to 3 p.m. from June 27 to July 22. Please call the office to inquire about the fees as they are different each week.

Camper to Counselor Program

This program is designed to give future camp counselors a chance to gain experience by volunteering at one of our summer camp locations. A max of 10 youth will be chosen for volunteer positions. These are not paid positions and do not guarantee a future placement at the summer playground program as a counselor. For full information, please call the Parks and Recreation office. You must have completed grades 9 and 10 to volunteer for this position.

Counselor in Training

This program will allow participants the opportunity to spend hands-on time working at the Parks and Recreation Summer programs as well as learning activities for team building, self-esteem, first aid/CPR, field trips and more!  The purpose of this program is to involve students who may be interested in working in the Parks and Recreation department in the future, but does not guarantee employment. The program meets at PMS and various playground sites from 8:00 to 3:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Youth must have completed grade 2011, nine and 10. The program runs from July 25 to Aug. 5. The fee is $200.

Sky Hawks Tiny Hawk Summer Camp

The essentials of soccer and basketball are introduced in a fun, safe environment with lost of encouragement.  Campers must be between 42 and 48 months of age and toilet trained in order to participate.  Youth will learn balance, body movement, hand/eye coordination and skill development through a series of sport-specific games. This camp is open to ages 3 & 4 (parents must stay on site), the program is held Monday to Thursday session one is 4:30 to 5:15 and session two is 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. held at Gildersleeve School June 20 to 23. The fee is $45 per session.

American Red Cross “Babysitting”

This program provides youth 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.  The training will help develop leadership skills, learn how to develop a babysitting business, choose safe & appropriate toys and games, diapering, bedtime and keep themselves and others safe, along with basic child care and basic first aid.  Class is held Tuesday, June 21, from 9 to 3 p.m. at the Buck Foreman Community Center. The fee is $55.

Pilates

Pilates is an exercise option for everyone. Designed to develop a strong core while maintaining loose, limber limbs, the exercises provide multiple variations to meet the needs of different body types. Class is held Thursdays, June 30 to Sept. 1, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at The Buck Foreman Community Center. The fee is $60, $70 for non-residents. 

Jr. Golf with Gerry D’Amora

This workshop is designed to acquaint youth with the game of golf. The daily schedule includes demonstrations, learning the rules, skills and techniques, golf etiquette and a chance to walk and play Portland’s Executive Course, Portland West!  Your instructor is Golf Professional, Gerry D’Amora. If you have clubs please bring them & sneakers are allowed.  The instructor will give the rain date. The workshop is held Tuesdays, July 26 to Aug. 23, at Portland West. Grade entering K – 2 will be 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. For Grade entering 3 – 5 will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and for Grade entering 6 – 8 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  The Fee is $75.00 per session.

Portland Parks and Recreation Walking Club; Walking the Parks

The Portland Parks and Recreation Department is starting a walking club for eight Tuesdays this spring.  It a great way to get to know the Town of Portland Parks, meet some new people, and get some exercise.  Please call the Parks and Recreation Office if you are interested in joining.  The walks will be between 2 to 3 miles. Everyone can walk at there own pace. Each week we will start from a different location in town. 

The program is free. 

Day: Tuesdays. Time: 4:30 p.m. Site: Buck Foreman Community Center.

 5K Road Race

Portland’s 2011 “Come On Over” 5K Road Race will be held Friday, Aug. 12, rain or shine! You may register now or register the night of the race beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Town Hall. Race starts at 6:30 p.m. Directions, road race course map, entry form, etc. is available on the Portlandct.org web site, under Parks & Recreation. Prizes awarded to top three finishers in each age category, and a T-shirt for the first 100 entrants. Entry fee: $15 per runner/walker prior to 8/5 and $20 per runner/walker after Aug. 5. Cost $10 for any Portland resident 19 and under through day of the race. 

Baseball Trips

The Parks & Recreation Office is offering the following baseball trips through Dattco bus Company to Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park.  Departure from Portland will be at the Brownstone Intermediate School, 314 Main Street and the bus will depart one half hour after the game ends.

Red Sox vs. Baltimore, Sunday, July 10, at Fenway Park. Tickets are Section Right Field Grandstand, Section 7 for a 1:35 p.m. game. The cost is $96. Depart at 8:30 a.m.

Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay, Saturday, Sept. 17, at Fenway Park for a 7:10 p.m. game!

Tickets are Section Right Field Box 89, the cost is $111. Depart at 2:15 p.m.