Director’s Message

D I R E C TO R ’ S M E SS A G E D I R E C TO R ’ S M E SS A G E

Molly Keays Director of Parks & Recreation

Wow, what a busy and fun summer in the 06074!! We hope that everyone enjoyed the variety of opportunities we offered to the community to recreate. We had a blast meeting new residents and seeing familiar faces enjoy the live music at the concerts, swimming at VMP, supporting the Farmers’ Market, and attending our programs. By the time this magazine arrives in your mailboxes, we will be winding down our summer programs and preparing to offer a fun-filled year of programs and events. This year, we are bringing back our traditional programs and adding some new ones to accommodate the changing needs of our community. Some of the new offerings include: new adult and teen fitness classes, additional open gym time for a variety of sports, and we will also be bringing back the Poker Ryed on September 17, located on our mountain bike trails at Rye Street Park.

No t a b l e h i g h l i g h t s i n t h e 0 6 0 74 !

•Our Farmers’ Market has grown immensely during the second season! We have more vendors, a variety of themes and activities, and made improvements to the property to enhance the space. Driving by the property, you will notice a beautiful new sign at the entrance to the market.

The market season will happen every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. through October 8.

•Rye Street Park has eight new pickleball courts that were installed this summer by our parks crew and Hinding Tennis.

Pickleball has become a massive sport in our community, and we are happy to have a dedicated space for these players to recreate! Look out for lessons and leagues this Spring.

•We received funding through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Max Challenge Day of

Giving to create an inclusive outdoor fitness space at Nevers Park. Our goal is to offer a workout space at Nevers that will connect residents to fitness and our park trails and we hope to have residents participate in healthy ways to stay active and socially engaged. We will be completing this project in the Fall of 2022!

We look forward to our community’s continued support during our facility transition. We promise that as we transition out of the Wapping building this upcoming Spring, we will continue to maintain our current high-quality programs, parks, events, and activities.

We are excited to share an abundance of fun, engaging ways to recreate this upcoming fall and winter with the community. Whether you plan to enjoy some of our traditional activities or try a new offering, the South Windsor Parks and Recreation Department has something for everyone!