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 2003 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 Department of Public Works to continue improvements at the Town’s playgrounds, athletic fields and recreation facilities.
RECREATION PROGRAMS
School Year Programs
The Year 2003 Recreation programs sponsored by the Playground or Recreation Commission, during the School Year are divided into the following categories:
I. Children’s Programs
II. Teenage 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
I. 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 2003.
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 2003. 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, Winn Brook and at the High School Athletic Complex were used for games and practices.
Youth T-Ball
The Department continued to sponsor this popular program for young boys and girls for an eleventh 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. Offered are additional afternoon hours at the Skating Rink, Wenner Field House and the Higginbottom Pool.
II. TEEN 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 seven buses of Belmont teenagers traveled to Nashoba Valley each Saturday evening for the first six weeks of the year. Over three hundred boys and girls were registered for the program of skiing, snowboarding and instruction.
III. 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 its 39th 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.
IV. SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAM
The Department sponsored both day and overnight trips for Belmont Seniors in 2003.
The first day trip of the year included a tour and luncheon in West Brookfield, Massachusetts. The luncheon was held at the Salem Cross Inn and tours included the Brookfield Orchards and the Hyland Orchard Brewery.
The first overnight trip was a 3-day, 2-night tour to Long Island, NY. Guided tours of The Hamptons and other local attractions highlighted this trip from May 12-14.
A day trip to the popular Foxwoods Casino was held on June 4. The group tried their luck and enjoyed the many attractions at Foxwoods.
From June 13-20, a group traveled to Mackinac Island in Michigan. On the return trip, the group toured magnificent Niagara Falls.
In July, a trip was held to the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly. A luncheon was held at the nearby King’s Grant Inn prior to a matinee performance of the award winning musical “CATS.”
On July 28-30, a group made a return visit to the Valley Inn of New Hampshire for their “Joys of Summer” tour. Activities included a lake cruise, Summer Music Theatre and guided tours of local attractions.
A Day at the Cape on August 7 included a sightseeing cruise on Hyannis Harbor, a luncheon at Christine’s Restaurant and a stop at the always popular Christmas Tree Shop.
A Day in Maine on August 20 offered a Clambake at Bill Foster’s in York Harbor, a sightseeing tour and a stop at the Kittery Outlets for some bargain shopping.
From September 6-12, a group of seniors visited Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The group stayed in Fredericksburg Virginia and Charleston, South Carolina as part of this trip.
On September 25, many seniors enjoyed the Tony Pace Show at the Castleton Ballroom in Wyndham, New Hampshire. A delicious luncheon was an added highlight for the day.
A day trip on November 19 was held, which included the variety show, “Laughing with the Legends,” a show featuring tributes to many stars of the past. A luncheon was held before the show at the Log Cabin Resort in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
The year concluded with an overnight trip to Newport, Rhode Island from December 3-5. The “Christmas in Newport” trip was highlighted by tours of Newport’s famous mansions which are lavishly decorated for the holiday season.
The Recreation Department wishes the Council on Aging great success with this program in the future.
V. 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, Stars, Rangers and Black Hawks.
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.
VI. 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 week nights 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. Lisa Pargoli, a certified fitness trainer, monitored and assisted residents in the proper use of this equipment. Family Night/Open Gym 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 Fitness and Aerobics classes. The Field House and Fitness Room continued to be a popular center for recreational activity for adults throughout the season.
VII. SPECIAL NEEDS 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. Also to better meet the needs of the S.P.O.R.T. Program, the Town purchased a new 15 passenger van, which was desperately needed to facilitate transportation between programs and Special Olympic events. 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 grew rapidly. Once again, Belmont S.P.O.R.T. had the distinction of sending a cyclist to World Games in Ireland. Continuing with honors, a Belmont S.P.O.R.T. unified golf team had the privilege of competing in a national Special Olympics tournament in Florida. Skill and perseverance in their respective sports contributed to their success earning them various medals and accolades. With a generous contribution from the Woody Dacey Foundation, the S.P.O.R.T. Program hosted a unified softball tournament that
welcomed athletes from other communities. 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. To meet the unique social needs of our pre-teens, a new program, the Variety Hour, offered a combination of sports and crafts on Friday evenings. A BINGO night welcomed young and old participants along with friends and family members. At our annual Shaws/Star Market softball game and cookout, families, Special Olympians and employees of Shaws met for an evening of light-hearted competition followed by a sumptuous cookout. Our family trip to Nova Scotia epitomized the meaning of inclusion; S.P.O.R.T. participants and their families were warmly embraced by crew and guests aboard the cruise ship, Victory.
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.
VIII. 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.
Historic 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 week-end 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.
“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 Debbie DiScipio 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 sport 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, field hockey and baseball and one week of roller hockey and volleyball. New offerings for the season were a Jr. Soccer program for 5-8 yr. olds, one week each of wrestling, karate and a popular All Sports program. 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 fourth 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 was led by Staci Marino and offered a wide variety of daily activities. “Field Trip Thursdays” included visits to Canobie Lake Park, Crane’s Beach, Lake Cochituate, Roll-On America and the Omni Theatre at Boston’s Museum of Science.
Adult Tennis Instruction
Two sessions of tennis instruction for beginners and intermediates were held in July and August at the High School Courts and were very well attended.
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 Department once again sponsored the popular Payson Park Music Festival in 2003. A series of free concerts were held on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer season.
This year the schedule included concerts by the Concord Band, BackBeat Blues, Inca Son, Java Jive, the New Orleans Jazz Band, the Powers Jazz Ensemble, Black Sea Salsa, The Roy Nutile Big Band, 60’s Revival, Horns in the House, Pick 3 and the John Penny Band.
In addition to the evening schedule, two special events for children were offered on Friday afternoons. A performance of Beauty and the Beast, presented by the Gingerbread Players and Jack was presented and the tremendously popular Teddy Bear Picnic was held again at Payson Park.
Adult Softball League
The Department continued to sponsor two Men’s Slow-Pitch Softball Leagues in 2003.
The “AA” League Championship was won by Renaissance Remodeling. The “A” League Championship was won by Benton Square. These teams are longtime members of the league that have won their first championships in 2003.
LONG RANGE PLANNING
The Department continued to co-sponsor Recreation programs and add new programs to the schedule in 2003. The new summer programs, Karate, All Sports and Jr. Soccer, were well attended.
The Department is currently working on a new Musical Theatre program for children and a February vacation week sports program that we are optimistic about.
We are looking forward to working with the Department of Public Works on improving recreation facilities in the Town.
The revenue generated from Department programs and membership sales reached an all-time high in 2003. With the upcoming addition of online program registration, the Department hopes to continue that trend.
Respectfully submitted,
Lee Barber, Chairman
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