Recreation Newsletter

Department of Parks & Recreation

Town of Greenwich, CT



June 30, 2015

  

 

Parks and Recreation has many special events on tap for summer including concerts in the park, fireworks for Independence Day, and Sandblast! Sand Sculpture Festival.  For additional special events in Greenwich, click here.  You too can reap the benefits of sponsoring a future concert or other program of Greenwich Parks and Recreation.

 

Tennis tournament and program information  for youth and adults can be found below. Also, registration continues for Summer Soccer with Aldwin for youth ages 4-12 years.    Mail-in registration is open for  Fall Field Hockey, for youth in grades 1 through 8 in the fall of 2015. 

 

For questions on any of our programs, please call Parks and Recreation at (203) 618-7649.  The office at Town Hall is open weekdays, 8 AM to 4 PM; closed Friday, July 3.  Plus, much sports information can be found on our Recreation Sports Website in addition to the Town Website.

     

Best regards,

Sue Snyder,

Recreation Superintendent

Fireworks Fireworks

  
We are hosting fireworks at both Greenwich Point Park and Binney Park on Friday, July 3rdDownload a flyerAs a reminder, pets should never be brought to a fireworks event.  Also, the following are not permitted:  open flame candles, Chinese fire lanterns, sparklers, bomb bags, or any other personal fireworks.  For complete rules and information, read here.
  
fireworks-summer.jpg
Tennis Tennis
Programs and Tournament
We offer many opportunities for tennis instruction throughout the summer for ages four years through adult.  For the tennis summer schedule, click here.  Also, registration is open through July 10 for the 2015 Tennis TournamentEarly bird discount rates are available only through July 2. The tournament has various age group divisions and for singles and doubles.  The tournament runs from Saturday, July 18 through August 1 with a rain date of August 2.
  
Tennis Passes are required for all "in season" play on Town of Greenwich Tennis Courts.  The tennis season runs from May 15 through December 1.  Courts are only available to Tennis Pass holders.  To purchase a Tennis Pass, proof of Greenwich residency is required.  For additional information on courts and obtaining a tennis pass, click here.
Summer Concerts SummerConcerts
R & B, Swing, Country, Jazz, and more
Greenwich's Summer Concert Series gets into full swing in July with the following performances:
  
July 8, 7:15 PM at RSBP - Billy and the Showmen- R&B
July 15, 7:15 PM at RSBP - Gunsmoke - Country
July 11, 5:00 PM at BWGCC - Survivors Swing Band
July 12, 4:00 PM Island Beach Ferry - Dixieland Jazz Band  (Park Pass and Ferry Fees apply)
  
For more complete information and additional upcoming concerts in our 2015 Summer Concert Series; download the flyer here.  For weather postponement/cancelation information: call (203) 861-6100 after 4:00 PM.
  
BILLY & THE SHOWMEN

GUNSMOKE
Sandblast!  Sand Sculpture Festival Sandblast
Saturday, July 25 12:30PM
Along with the Greenwich Arts Council, we will co-host the popular SANDBLAST! Festival at Greenwich Point Beach on Saturday, July 25 with a rain date of Sunday, July 26.  For complete details, download the flyer.
  
Meli-Melo of 362 Greenwich Avenue is a sponsor of the event.   They serve delicious, freshly prepared and all natural foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Meli-Melo of Greenwich remains committed to quality and value and as a family owned business, Meli-Melo regularly supports community events.  

sandblast whalesandblast penguin
  

Openings in Town Summer Camps

Kamp Kairphree and Adventurers 

Greenwich Recreation has several options for summer camp.  Kamp Kairphree is a co-ed program for children ages 5-12, operating out of the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center and Greenwich Point, weekdays from 9 AM to 4 PM.  There are four two-week sessions from June 22 to August 14.  There are still openings in sessions 2, 3, and 4.  Busing is available to and from twelve pre-selected bus stops throughout Greenwich.
  
Adventurers is a co-ed program for ages 8-15 which runs from 9 AM to 4 PM, based out of the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center. The program includes one special field trip for each age group per week, and local beach days.  The summer is split into two sessions, totaling 7 weeks from June 23 to August 7.   There are limited openings in the second session which begins July 20. 
  

Greenwich Skatepark

Open for the Season

Weather permitting,  the Greenwich Skatepark is open for the season.  For hours and fees, click here.  Information is available for the  Summer Ramp Camps for ages 6 through 14.  The skatepark is located at the foot of Arch Street adjacent to Roger Sherman Baldwin Park.
Indoor Turf
At the Dorothy Hamill Rink
  
While the Dorothy Hamill Rink is closed for ice skating, the rink is open for play on the indoor turf.  Have a birthday party, instruct a sports class or run  an athletic practice.  Download a flyer here.  Contact Rink Director, Rich Ernye, for hours of availability and fees.  The rink is located on Sue Merz Way off Sherman Avenue.
Eastern Greenwich Civic CenterEGCC
What's Happening in July
Much is in store at the EGCC for July including Veez Hoops Basketball Camp and Good Dog Training Classes.    For details on these and other events, read our July Newsletter.
  

The Civic Center has rooms of varying sizes available to rent for your next party, meeting, or class!  Call us at (203) 637-4583 or contact us by e-mail.  The EGCC is located at 90 Harding Road in Old Greenwich. 

BWGCC Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center
 On-going Programs
WGCC building frontThe BWGCC is hosting a Strength and Courage Exercise Class for breast cancer patients and survivors.  For a video on the program, click here.  This summer, a Youth Basketball League will be held for children 7-10 years old on Wednesday evenings.
  
Check out the Dance Pointe for all types of dance including:  Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Tap, and more.  Invest in your health and attend a Boot Camp Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Adults of all levels can participate in fun exercise including Zumba and Body Barre. For general program information, download the WGCC Brochure.  The BWGCC is located at 449 Pemberwick Road, phone (203) 532-1259.
  
Griffith E. Harris Golf Course golf
Golf For Kids
School is out...wondering what the kids can do?  Youth 10-17 years old can join the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course for only $75, and then play for only $21 per round during weekdays.  If they do not know how to play, lessons are available from the Pro Shop.  Have them register and play with friends or spend some quality time with them and play together.  Children 7-9 years old are eligible if they take a short session (no charge) with the Pro to learn the basics.  After joining, they can play if accompanied by an adult for $21 any day after 12:00 PM.  Come to Griffith E. Harris Golf Course, 1300 King Street in Greenwich, to sign them up, or call the Pro Shop at (203) 531-7261 for lessons.  You can call the Griff at (203) 531-6944.
  
For more information and specials, check out Pro Joe Felder's golf shop.  For additional information on "The Griff", read here; download a new member application.  Visit the restaurant, Fairways at the Griff.
Special Recreation SpecialRecreation
Activities and Other Services

Greenwich Recreation has a partnership with Abilis. 

Abilis is a non-profit (501c3) agency, located at 50 Glenville Street, Greenwich.  For more information on Abilis, read their information pamphlet or check out their website here.  

Parks & RecreationDeptWideNews
Department Wide News ..... 

Whether you are interested in Greenwich Point, Byram Park, Island Beach, or Great Captain Island, you can find much information on fees, ferry schedule, and more in the Summer in Greenwich 2015 pamphlet.

 

The next meeting of the Board of Parks and Recreation will be Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30 PM at the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center.  Much additional information can be found by viewing the Parks and Recreation page of the Town Website.  Office hours at Town Hall are weekdays, 8 AM to 4 PM; closed Friday, July 3. 

     
Joseph Siciliano, Director
Greenwich Parks and Recreation 

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In This Issue
Fireworks
Tennis
Summer Concerts
Sandblast! Festival
Summer Camps
Greenwich Skatepark
Hamill Rink Indoor Turf
Eastern Greenwich CC
Bendheim Western Greenwich CC
Griffith E. Harris Golf
Special Recreation
Job Opportunities
Weather Cancellation Information
Youth Recreation Scholarship
Parks & Recreation Foundation
Recreation Credit & Refund Policy
Greenwich Health News
Senior Center News
Greenwich's 375th Anniversary
Farmers Market
Parks & Recreation Job Opportunities
  
There are several job opportunities available in Parks and Recreation, including at the Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink.  Information and applications can be found on the Human Resources Page of the Town website.
Weather Cancellation Information
  Please make note of the Recreation Division's weather cancellation hotline phone # (203) 861-6100.  Information regarding cancellations and closures is also posted on our Recreation Sports Website, where you can also sign up to get text alerts and/or e-mails notifying you of changes.  
  
Youth Recreation Scholarship
The Greenwich Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund provides Greenwich's youth access to recreation programs.  Scholarships are available for income-eligible Greenwich families. The Youth Recreation Scholarship Guidelines have changed as of March 1, 2015. The new guidelines and application are attached here.    For information on donating to the Scholarship Fund, read below
 
Parks & Recreation Foundation PRFoundation
The Greenwich Parks & Recreation Foundation was set up to receive donations, allowing the community citizens and businesses an avenue to donate to the Town of Greenwich Parks & Recreation projects and  programs.  The foundation is a 501(c)(3).  For more information and to donate, visit the Foundation website.
  
Through the Parks & Recreation Foundation, one is able to donate to the Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund.
  
Quick Links
  
Recreation Credit and Refund Policy
Credit requests for recreation program registration will be considered if received in writing prior to the start of the program.  There is a $15 administrative fee for credits.
  
The general policy of the Recreation Division is that we do not process refunds unless a program has been cancelled.  Please read all registration information carefully and call us prior to registering for a program if you have any questions.
  
Greenwich Health News                 
  
The Greenwich Department of Health has valuable information to share regarding West Nile Virus.  

Senior Center News

   
The Greenwich Senior Center has many programs and services available to the Town's mature population.  Please  click here for the July 2015 issue of The Lantern.
Greenwich's 375th Anniversary CelebrationAnniversary375
  
  
In 2015 the Town of Greenwich is celebrating the 375th Anniversary of its founding in 1640.  Historic tours of  Greenwich neighborhoods will take place during the summer.  There will be  a bus tour of Chickahominy, Byram Park, Byram Shore Road on July 8 and a slide show, exhibit and  bus tour of Northwestern Greenwich on July 11.    For additional information on tours and other events planned, visit the website or contact the committee by email.

Farmer's Market  FarmersMarket

Open for the Season

  
The Greenwich Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the commuters lot at the corner of  Arch Street and Horseneck Lane.  The market is a Producers-only market which means that the produce and products you purchase are grown and prepared by the farmers themselves.  Contact them by e-mail.