Before & After the Bell Program For Kindergarten Through 5th

Grade

We offer before and after-school activities that combine fun and learning, all in a safe, convenient place that you already know – your child’s school! The Before & After the Bell Rec Program will engage and stimulate your child and give your child time and space to explore and grow. Our staff has put together a variety of group and individual activities which include recreation, enrichment and community as part of our daily curriculum. We focus on character development, physical fitness, health and wellness, reading and of course, fun! Busy families choose us because their kids are happy. Parents are happy, too, with the safe environment, the convenience of being at your neighborhood school, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your child is learning, making friends and having fun. Before and After the Bell Recreation Programs are for residents of Portland attending Portland Public elementary schools at:

East End Community Center and School, Rowe Elementary School, Longfellow Elementary School, Lyseth Elementary School, Ocean Avenue Elementary School, Presumpscot Elementary School, Reiche Community Center and School, Riverton Community Center and School, Peaks Island Elementary School (After the Bell only).

Letter from the Director

Public Assembly Facilities Division

Andy Downs

808-5424

Director of Public Assembly Facilities andy@portlandmaine.gov

Clare Norton

808-5435

Booking Coordinator clare@portlandmaine.gov

Troubh Ice Arena

Jake O’Donal

808-5494

Ice Arena Manager jodonal@portlandmaine.gov

Peter Magadini

808-5492

Ice Arena Facilities Manager pmagadini@portlandmaine. gov

Dear Community Members;

We hope you take the time to read this Recreation program guide and find something in here that will add to the quality of you or your family’s life. Portland has an incredible system of parks, trails and open spaces, as well as a great network of community centers and pools throughout the city. All told, we have 68 parks, 30 playgrounds, over 40 miles of walking trails, 8 miles of multi-use bike paths, 11 community gardens, a 30-hole golf course, ice arena, 20,000 street trees, dozens of basketball, tennis, pickleball courts, along with over 40 athletic fields, 4 Community Centers, and 3 public swimming pools. Our park system is full of interesting history, including the fact that Portland’s original parks plan was laid out by the world-renowned Olmsted firm that also designed the Emerald Necklace in Boston and Central Park in New York. But parks and community centers on their own only go so far to improve the quality of life for a community. The programs, sports leagues, concerts, and events that take place in our parks and facilities are what bring them to life and make them attractive and accessible to all members of the community. This Recreation Program Guide details many of those programs that will bring our parks and community spaces to life this year. Our staff have been working hard to respond to the needs of the community and offer programs that will benefit all Portlanders. We hope you take a look, sign up, and get involved in your community!

Sincerely,

Ethan Hipple