PLAYGROUND OR RECREATION COMMISSION
STAFF
William D. McKenney, Director
June Howell, Program Supervisor
Linda Barry, Program Coordinator
Susan Weiner, Special Needs Program Coordinator
The Belmont Recreation Department provides an opportunity for each of the Town's residents to participate in an enjoyable activity during their leisure. The Department sponsored programs are selected, organized and staffed with the objective of providing appealing programs to satisfy the diverse interest of local citizens. The Department provides a comprehensive and balanced recreation program by:
1. Offering public recreation programs for all ages.
2. Sponsoring special event and special interest programs.
3. Assisting community groups in recreation oriented activities.
4. Assisting in the maintenance of public playground and recreation areas and facilities.
In presenting our accomplishments of 2002 and our thoughts for the future, our areas of interest will be:
A. Areas, Facilities and Maintenance
B. Recreation Programs
C. Long Range Planning
AREAS, FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE
The Recreation Department continued to work closely with the Buildings and Grounds Department to continue improvements at the Town's playgrounds, athletic fields and recreation facilities.
RECREATION PROGRAMS
School Year Programs
The Year 2002 Recreation programs sponsored by the Playground or Recreation Commission, during the School Year are divided into the following categories:
I. Children's Programs
II. Teen Programs
III. Adult Programs
IV. Senior Citizen Programs
V. James "Skip" Viglirolo Ice Skating Facility
VI. Field House and Indoor Pool Complex
VII. Special Needs Programs
VIII. Summer Programs
CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS
Youth Basketball
The Department once again co-sponsored this popular program with the Belmont Youth Basketball Association (BYBA), a group of local volunteer parents and students. Registration for this program continued at a high level with a large enrollment as close to 700 boys and girls registered again this year. A comprehensive program of instruction and competition, featuring many different levels for boys and girls, was held. Increased "Open Gym" time continued in the year 2002.
Conley League Baseball
The Conley League Baseball program again provided an opportunity for all Belmont youngsters ages 8 - 12 to participate in organized baseball this spring. No players sit on the bench in this program, as everyone plays in their games. Volunteer assistance was once again a key factor in the program's success as many adults donated their time to coach and umpire. The Department provided baseball caps and T-shirts for all of the players in the League in 2002. The program is open to all Belmont children not in the Little League Baseball Program. Games were held at the Winn Brook and Belmont Hill School playgrounds.
Conley League Softball
This weeknight program was held at the Washington Street playground and the Belmont Hill School. Girls ages 8 - 12 participated in the program, which includes instruction on the fundamentals of the sport and a full schedule of weeknight games. The Department provided softball caps and T-shirts for all of the players in the league this year.
Conley League Middle School Softball
This weeknight program was held at Washington Street and the Pequossette playgrounds and included girls in grades 5 through 8. A full schedule of games was completed during May and June. The Department provided tee shirts for all of the players in the program.
Children's Soccer
The Department continued to assist the Belmont Youth Soccer Association and the 2nd Soccer Association. This sport continued to be very popular with boys and girls. The soccer fields at Grove Street, Pequossette, Town Field, and Winn Brook and at the High School Athletic Complex were used for the games and practices.
Youth T-Ball
The Department continued to sponsor this popular program for young boys and girls for the tenth consecutive season. This year the weeknight instructional program was held at the Wellington School Playground and the Payson Park Playground. The basic fundamentals of batting and base running are provided with the use of special batting tees for the boys and girls in this program. Caps and T-shirts were provided to all of the children who participated.
Babe Ruth Baseball
The Department continued to be a sponsor of the Babe Ruth League baseball program in Belmont. This popular program is held in the spring and summer at the Concord Avenue and Conley fields for boys ages 13 - 15.
Vacation Week Specials
During the major school vacations, the Department sponsors a full schedule of varied activity. Included in the program are additional afternoon hours at the Skating Rink, Wenner Field House and the Higginbottom Pool.
TEENAGE PROGRAMS
Saturday Night Ski Program
The Nashoba Valley Ski Program offered by the Department continues to be one of the most popular teenage activities in Belmont. A total number of six buses of Belmont teenagers traveled to Nashoba Valley each Saturday evening for the first six weeks of the year. Two hundred eighty six boys and girls were registered for the program of skiing, snowboarding and instruction.
ADULT PROGRAMS
Men's Basketball
The Belmont Basketball league known as the B.B.L., was held on Monday evenings throughout the school year at the Wenner Field House. The program continued with six teams, with the top teams advancing to the Championship Play-offs.
Volleyball
This popular recreation sport continued to be held on Monday and Thursday evenings as part of the Field House program. The Field House Supervisor organizes informal games among those in attendance.
Stretching, Toning And Aerobics
This class, led by certified trainer Donna Ognibene, attracted large crowds to the Wenner Field House Upper Gym on Monday and Wednesday evenings. The format for this year's program includes a variety of stretching exercises, toning and aerobics to improve health and physical fitness.
Women's Bowling League
The Department continued to co-sponsor a morning candlepin-bowling league for Belmont women, now in it's 38th consecutive year. A large enrollment continued for this weekly program held at the Lanes and Games Bowling Center on Concord Turnpike.
Roller Hockey
This program was held at the Viglirolo Skating Rink. Teen and adult players meet 2 nights each week throughout the summer season.
SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAMS
The Department once again had a very active year of programming for Belmont's large population of seniors. Highlighting the year were day and overnight trips, a weekly aerobics exercise program and the annual holiday party in December.
The first event of the year was a day trip to the popular Hu-Ke-Lau Restaurant in Chicopee, MA. The group enjoyed an outstanding luncheon and a colorful show.
The first overnight trip of the year was to Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Tours of historic Gettysburg and Hershey, PA were among the highlights of this trip.
A trip in June proved to be one of the most popular of the year. The group enjoyed 4 days and 3 nights on the beautiful island of Nantucket and made a day trip to Martha's Vineyard.
In late June a group enjoyed a unique day trip to Deerfield, MA to tour the Bridge of Flowers and the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. A delicious luncheon was included on this trip.
A luncheon and show at Yoken's in Portsmouth New Hampshire was held in July. An outstanding country music show was enjoyed by all who attended this event.
Also in July was a 3-day, 2-night trip to Maine. The group enjoyed sightseeing tours, an ocean cruise and a Down East Style Clambake during this tour of the Rockland/Camden area.
Concluding the month of July was a guided tour of the city of Portland. A buffet lunch at the Dunston School House Restaurant highlighted this trip.
In August, a day trip to Newport, Rhode Island was very popular. The day included narrated tours, a luncheon at an oceanside restaurant and a sightseeing harbor cruise.
In early September a trip into Boston included a Boston Harbor cruise and a guided tour of the Museum of Fine Arts.
A 3-day, 2-night trip to the scenic Woodbound Inn of New Hampshire was well attended. The group enjoyed the colors of the season and much more during this trip to Rindge.
A trip to the Venus de Milo Restaurant in Swansea, MA was also held in October. The group enjoyed a delicious Italian feast and the lively Festa Italiana Show.
The final day trip of the year was to the North Shore Music Theatre. After a delightful luncheon the group enjoyed a performance of the hit musical "Chicago".
Again in 2002, the annual trip to the White Mountain Hotel and Resort was a huge success and sold out early. The group spent 4 days and 3 nights during the annual Colonial Christmas event.
Our last event in 2002 was the annual Holiday Party held at the St. Joseph's Center on December 12. A large crowd enjoyed the festivities that included entertainment, lunch, raffles and a visit from Santa.
The popular Senior Gentle Aerobics program, held at the Senior Center continues to grow in popularity. We continue to work with the Council on Aging and Elder Affairs to coordinate schedules and appreciate their assistance in making this program a success.
JAMES "SKIP" VIGLIROLO SKATING RINK
Child Beginner Skating Instruction
Two seven-week sessions of beginner and advanced lessons for children grades K through 4 are held on Saturday mornings. Children are taught the fundamentals of skating in this class and earn badges as part of the U.S.F.S.A. program.
Pre-School Instruction
These classes were held on Saturday mornings at the rink. Basic instruction for boys and girls ages 3-4 is provided. Beginner lessons were also held on Tuesday afternoon for preschool and Kindergarten children.
Teen And Adult Lessons
These classes, held on Sunday evenings offer an opportunity for young and older adults to learn the basics or improve their skills in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Figure Skate Lessons
This class allows advanced skaters the opportunity to improve their ice skating skills and figure skating techniques.
Recreation Hockey
This popular weekend program was held on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings once again this year, providing instruction in the fundamentals of the game to hundreds of young boys and girls. This is one of the programs that benefits from valuable volunteer assistance throughout the season. Teams were formed and each team received N.H.L. style jerseys with team logos that are always very popular. Featured teams this season were the Bruins, Sharks, Flyers, Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Stars, Hurricanes and Coyotes.
The Department once again co-sponsored an Annual Invitational Tournament, the Belmont Mite Holiday Classic, during the Christmas vacation week. The tournament was held in two divisions with teams from Belmont, Lexington, Winchester, and Arlington participating. Large crowds were in attendance at the skating Facility to enjoy the action.
Special Memorial Awards were presented at the annual ceremonies to officially conclude the season. These include the Duncan Lyons Memorial, the Frank D. Napoli Memorial, the Richard Leonard Memorial Trophy, the Richard Pomer Memorial Trophy, and the Richard Fitzgerald Memorial. Youngsters are chosen for these awards by the supervisors based on their improvement, team play and good sportsmanship. All youngsters in the program received a souvenir hockey medal.
Women's Hockey League
This program continued on Sunday evenings at the rink and is proving to be very popular with registration increasing each year.
Adult Hockey
The Recreation No-Check Hockey Program continued to be a big draw this season. Adult men meet Monday evenings throughout the season.
Vacation Ice Skating
During the major school vacations and on early release days, the Department schedules public sessions of ice-skating, mostly during the weekday afternoons. These sessions continue to be well attended.
FIELD HOUSE & INDOOR POOL COMPLEX
The Department sponsors a wide variety of recreational programming at the Wenner Field House and Higginbottom Swimming Pool at Belmont High School. The Field House is open on weeknights and some Sunday afternoons during the school year and the Higginbottom Pool is utilized 37 hours per week. The facilities at the High School have fulfilled the "Community School" concept through this programming. The High School's Fitness Room, featuring modern exercise equipment, was again included in this year's membership. Family Night continues to be extremely well attended Thursday's at the Field House. The following programs are offered at the pool.
Family Swim
Three early evening sessions per week are set-aside for children with their parents. This time period is always very popular, with large crowds in attendance. Friday night Family Swim continued this year and was well attended.
Adult Swim
This public swimming session is set aside for use by adults and is generally less crowded than other time periods. Lap swimming for conditioning and therapeutic recreational swimming is common during these time periods, which are held on weeknights as well as afternoons on the weekends.
Public Swim
Public Swimming sessions are held on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Children's Instruction
Swimming instruction for children was held on the Red Cross Levels 2 through 7 for three sessions. Participation in this program continues to be at maximum capacity for these instructional classes.
Competitive Swimming (Belmont Dolphins Swim Team)
The Recreation Department sponsors the Belmont Dolphins Swim Team, a competitive swim team that is part of the Middlesex League. Instruction in all of the basic competitive swim strokes is practiced and a series of swim meets are held throughout the fall and winter. Close to 120 boys and girls participate on this team each year.
Wenner Field House
Adults may utilize the facilities for a variety of activities including jogging, walking, weight lifting, basketball, volleyball, handball, paddleball, and exercising. It can also be used for participation in the Basketball League and the Physical Fitness Class and Aerobics. The Field House and Fitness Room continued to be a popular center for recreational activity throughout the season.
SPECIAL POPULATION PROGRAMS
The Belmont S.P.O.R.T. (Special Programs Organized for Recreation Time) Program continued to offer outstanding programs for individuals with disabilities. With almost 100% return rate for participants, as well as many newcomers at various age and ability levels, programs were bursting at the seams. As more individuals registered in S.P.O.R.T. programs, outreach for volunteers expanded to accommodate the needs of the population and to ensure the quality of the program. New programs this year included Nutrition and Cooking Light, held at the Belmont United Methodist Church and Ceramics, which was enthusiastically hosted by the Belmont Hill School. Once again, the Belmont High School football team offered S.P.O.R.T. participants weekly instruction in proper use of the equipment in the high school's fitness room.
Special Olympics training and competition programs drew athletes, as well as numerous volunteers who served as coaches and unified partners into a variety of both team and individual sports. Participation levels swelled in basketball, golf, swimming and bowling. Soccer, ice-skating and cycling programs are growing rapidly. Once again, Belmont S.P.O.R.T. has the distinction of sending an outstanding athlete to World Games. A cyclist has been chosen to represent Team USA in the Special Olympics World Games this summer in Ireland. Belmont S.P.O.R.T. continued to remain the only program in the area with a year round commitment to Special Olympics.
Social events and other noncompetitive activities provided participants with opportunities for recreation and personal growth. A BINGO night welcomed young and old participants along with friends and family members. Despite the pouring rain on the night of our annual Shaw's/Star Market softball game and cookout, families, Special Olympians and community members met for an indoor evening of whiffleball accompanied by a picnic supper. A whirlwind trip to Montreal with an incredible itinerary left everyone totally exhausted but eager to plan another S.P.O.R.T. family adventure.
The success of the S.P.O.R.T. program continues to be a tribute to a caring and supportive community. Timeless and tireless commitments from dedicated volunteers remain our greatest asset. Resources from local civic organizations and merchants further enhance our program. The S.P.O.R.T. Program is grateful to everyone in the community for supporting special needs recreation.
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Summer Playground Program
The Playground program this year featured an Instructor/Arts and Crafts specialist who was at a different playground every day 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Many varied projects were featured throughout the summer.
"Kids" And Pre-School Summer Day Programs
These two programs were held at the Winn Brook School. Seven one-week sessions were offered with the option of full or half-day attendance. The Pre School Program is for children ages 4 through entering kindergarten and "Kids" is for children entering 1st grade through age 8. A variety of activities planned by director David Blake and Assistant Directors Rachel Siff and Lisa McKiernan included arts and crafts, fitness, sports and special events. These children's programs continued to be very popular and continue to be at or near capacity each week.
Summer Sports Programs/Clinics
A full schedule of instructional sports programs was once again held during the summer with most filling to capacity. These programs are held for boys and girls ages 8-14 at Belmont High School. Local college age and high school athletes serve as instructors at these programs and many of the high school coaches directed their respective sports. This year's expanded schedule featured four weeks of tennis, three weeks of basketball, two weeks each of soccer and baseball and one week of roller hockey, softball, field hockey, roller hockey, volleyball and lacrosse. Participants enjoy a full day of sports from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a lunch break that includes swimming at the B.H.S. indoor pool.
Pre-Teen Program
This popular program, now in its third year, held at Belmont High School for boys and girls ages 8-12, was very successful and was held for seven weeks this summer, with most sessions filled to capacity. The program is led by Mary Kate Bloomer and offered a wide variety of daily activities. "Field Trip Thursdays" included visits to Canobie Lake Park, Crane's Beach, Lake Cochituate, Water Country and the Omni Theatre at Boston's Museum of Science.
Underwood Swimming Pool
The popular Underwood Swimming Pool opened for the summer season in mid-June. Pool Director Lorraine Benoit and her staff of lifeguards and instructors did an excellent job throughout the season. A full schedule, featuring day, evening and weekend hours, continued through the summer. The important swimming instructional programs were once again filled to capacity. All of the instruction is given in accordance with Red Cross national standards.
Adult Tennis Instruction
A session of tennis instruction for beginners and intermediates was given in July and August at the High School Courts.
Indoor Swimming
The Higginbottom Pool at Belmont High School was utilized for indoor swimming on evenings during the summer months. Special hours were allocated for family and adult swimming sessions on Monday through Thursday evenings.
Payson Park Music Festival
The 12th season of the Payson Park Music Festival featured many new musical groups as well as some annual favorites. The free concert series was held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from June through August.
The schedule kicked off in June with the John Penny Band playing country music favorites. Java Jive, one of the most popular bands each year was back and entertained an enthusiastic audience. The Concord Band returned for another successful musical performance. The schedule also included the first bluegrass band to play at Payson Park, Northern Lights, one of the best bluegrass bands in New England.
In July, the concert schedule included the Middlesex Concert Band, the Powers Faculty Jazz Ensemble, the New Orleans Jazz Band, BackBeat Blues, the always-popular Inca Sun, Soul Kitchen, Ben Rudmich and Friends and the Doc Bastarache Big Band.
In August, the series schedule continued to entertain with the sounds of the 9:29er's Banjo Band, the 60's Revival, the Roy Nutile Big Band, the Squirrel Hill Old Time Band and Horns in the House.
As in past seasons, two Children's shows were held as part of the program. The Wizard of Oz and the annual Teddy Bear Picnic were very popular.
The Recreation Commission sponsored a reception at the Park, sponsored by Lawndale Realty, prior to the Java Jive concert on June 19. Attendance at the majority of the concerts was very high, with residents of all ages enjoying the music and relaxing atmosphere at Payson Park.
Adult Softball League
The Department continued to sponsor two Men's Slow-Pitch Softball Leagues in 2002.
The "AA" League Championship was won by Sal's Tire, a team that moved up to the "AA" League from the "A" League and won the Championship Series 3 games to 1 over the regular season champions, Renaissance Remodeling.
In the "A" League, the Wave Sports Bar won the championship for the 2nd straight season. They rallied in the final inning of the 5th and deciding game of the Championship Finals to edge Benton Square for the title.
LONG RANGE PLANNING
Attendance at many of the programs and facilities was at an all-time high in 2002. The total revenue for the Department reached an all-time high for the 5th consecutive year and equaled more than 90% of the total budget. The Department is responding to this growing demand by expanding the program schedule wherever possible. The demand for programming by residents is one area of special concern for the future.
With the Tot-Lot renovation project nearing completion, the Recreation Commission is increasing their attention on an improvement program for historic Underwood Pool. The crowds at Underwood during a very hot, humid summer are indicative of the popularity of the facility. However, equipment breakdowns resulted in the closing of the pool one week before schedule. We hope to work closely with the Buildings and Grounds Department to plan the needed improvements at Underwood in a timely, cost effective manner.
The completion of the High School Athletic Complex is a great plus for the Town. The Recreation Commission co-sponsored this project with the School Committee, and the response from residents has been very positive to date. The new track has been very popular among residents of all ages.
Respectfully submitted,
Lee Barber, Chair
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