Around Town

Recreation Adds K-2 Program at Casey Park, Scholarships Available

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The Watertown Recreation Department still has a couple more weeks of its Park Adventure program for children, and the department has added a program for children in grades K-2 at Casey Park. The park on the Southside of town already had programs for older students. The one-week sessions run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the fee is $100, but there are scholarships available from the Watertown Community Foundation (click here for information). The Park Adventure program is a half-day summer program for all with activities ranging from arts & crafts, sports, drama, and many other geared toward their interests and age. More information can be found on the Watertown Recreation website (click here).

Around Town

Scholarships Available for Summer Recreation Programs from Community Foundation

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Watertown Community Foundation’s (WCF) Community Resilience Fund, created to respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 emergency and similar crises, has announced a $10,000 grant to the Watertown Recreation Department. The fund is for scholarships for families in need who want to participate in the summer 2020 program. 

“WCF is committed to ensuring every Watertown child that wants one has a camp experience this summer,” said WCF co-president Darshna Varia. “As there were no planned camps for kids in Watertown for this summer, the foundation discussed trying to help the town find a way to give some relief to families and get some outdoor activity for children. With the RecreationDepartment’s announcement of the Parks Adventure Program, we found a perfect partnership.”

“It’s been a long tough spring and now there may be a little relief for families during the summer mornings,” added Peter Centola, Director of Watertown Recreation. Any family in need of financial assistance can contact PCentola@watertown-ma.gov.

Online registration here.

Around Town

Watertown’s Camp Pequossette Cancelled Due to COVID-19

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Watertown’s summer camp, that has run for more than half a century, will not be taking place during the summer of 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, announced Recreation Director Peter Centola. Centola sent out the following letter:

The Pequossette Summer Program has served our Watertown residents for the past 52 years and made a life changing positive impact on our children in terms of physical, emotional and social learning and development. The Pequossette Program has also fostered a nurturing and mentoring environment for our adolescent and young adult staff to assist them in theirdevelopment. Over the past several years, under the direction of Director Brian Donato, the Pequossette Summer Program has served approximately 237 children per week and employed over 70 dedicated and talented staff. As you are well aware, the COVID19 pandemic has negatively impacted life as we know it and dramatically limited our ability to offer opportunities as we once did in a safe and practical atmosphere.

Government

Watertown Courts, Other Rec Facilities Remain Closed Despite Start of Phase 2

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The basketball courts at Casey Park are among the facilities that remain closed in Watertown even with the beginning of Phase 2 of the Governor’s reopening plan. Recreation Director Peter Centola had to turn away some disappointed people hoping to make use of Watertown’s basketball courts and other facilities that are allowed to open under Phase 2 of the Governor’s reopening plan. While Monday was the first day that many recreation facilities were allowed to reopen, Centola said that the ultimate decision lies with Town officials. “Courts, dog park, the spray park, all things said we were closed continue to be closed until you hear differently from the Town of Watertown,” Centola said. Centola said he has not heard when the other facilities will reopen.

Around Town

Watertown Parks Remain Closed, But Gradual Reopening Could Start Soon

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Watertown’s parks, like Filippello Park, are empty these days due to the COVID-19 shutdown, but they may slowly reopen in coming weeks. Recreation Department Director Peter Centola spends parts of his day driving around town asking people to leave Watertown’s parks, fields and playgrounds which are closed by COVID-19, but he may soon be welcoming visitors to the Town’s Recreation facilities. On Monday, May 18, Gov. Charlie Baker is expected to unveil his plans for reopening Massachusetts from its COVID-19 shutdown, and Centola said he hopes that will allow a partial reopening of Watertown’s parks and recreational facilities. Town officials have started looking at what could be possible, while still maintaining social distancing. “I don’t think could go from zero to 60,” Centola said.

Around Town

Recreation Department Seeking Applicants for Part-Time, Summer Jobs

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Recreation Department:

The Watertown Recreation Department is now accepting applications for the following positions for the 2020 calendar year. This includes immediate employment as a part time member of the staff throughout the year or seasonal work during the summer months. Applicants must be entering the 9th grade (Fall 2020) or older to be considered. Positions Available: Program Directors, Program Supervisors, Program Staff, Program Counselors, Counselor in Training, Nurse, Specialists, Pequossette Staff, Park Instructors, Program Staff, Park Rangers, Coaches and Scorekeepers. If you are looking for employment to begin before the summer season, please complete your application and an interview will be scheduled with the Director of Recreation.

Ballroom in Boston

Dance Classes for Kids, Adults Available Through Watertown Recreation

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Watertown Recreation has teamed with a local dance studio to offer classes in ballroom, line dancing and a kids dance camp with various styles. Watertown Recreation provided the following information. Aladdin Kids Dance Camp

Come learn fun Dance/Broadway/Hip Hop routines to “One Jump” and “Prince Ali” from Aladdin. This course will allow students to learn beginner/intermediate age appropriate choreography, try different styles of dance, enhance presentation skills, learn the basics of being on stage, and gain self-confidence. No experience necessary.

Around Town

Dance Classes for Kids & Adult Available Through Watertown Recreation

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Watertown Recreation will team with a local dance studio to present dance classes for children and adults. The Recreation Department provided the following information:

Aladdin Kids Dance Camp

Come learn fun Dance/Broadway/Hip Hop routines to “One Jump” and “Prince Ali” from Aladdin. This course will allow students to learn beginner/intermediate age appropriate choreography, try different styles of dance, enhance presentation skills, learn the basics of being on stage, and gain self- confidence. No experience necessary. Who: Grades: 3 – 5

When: Thursdays, February 13, 2020 – May 14, 2020 (Meets once a week for 10 weeks).