Around Town

Summer Camp Openings Still Available for Watertown Residents

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Space is still available for Watertown residents in summer programs run by the Watertown Recreation Department and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office. Watertown Recreation Camps
Parents can still sign up their children for summer programs run by the Watertown Recreation Department. All paperwork is due by Tuesday, June 30 for all participants regardless of the week your child is attending. The Recreation Office in Town hall is open Monday until 5 p.m. and Tuesday until 7 p.m.

Full payment for week one is today and 10 days before the day your child starts the program. For more information and to register for the following programs click here. Camp Pequosette

The Pequossette Summer program will be offering your children a variety of activities that will help promote physical well being as well as a good sense of self esteem.

Entertainment

Police Teaming With Rec Department for Movie Nights, Street Hockey

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The Watertown Police Department will work with the Recreation Department to put on some fun activities for youngsters and families this summer. 

Two free family movie nights will be held behind the Watertown Police Station. Aimed at elementary school students and their families, the events will be held on Friday, July 17 and Sunday, Aug. 9 from 6:30-10 p.m.

The evening begins with games, face painting, pizza, popcorn and refreshments. The movie begins at 8 p.m.

Parking is available in front of the Police Station. Cops & Rec Street Hockey
On Sundays beginning in July, the police and Recreation Department will host street hockey for girls and boys in grades 2 to 12.

Government

Recreation Director Discusses Possible Improvements, New Programs

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Watertown Recreation Director Peter Centola shared some of his ideas for how to improve the Recreation facilities and programs when he appeared before the Town Council for his budget hearing. The redevelopment of the Grove Street entrance at Filippello Park is one of the bigger projects coming up. Centola said he planned to hold public meetings on the project soon. Other park improvements include:

Court resurfacing and improve batting cages at Bemis Park and O’Connell Park
Court resurfacing at Lowell School Playground and Arsenal Park

The town’s artificial turf field at Victory Field has been very popular with youth and high school sports teams. So much so, that it been difficulty getting teams on the field when they want time. Councilor Aaron Dushku said that he is part of Watertown Youth Soccer, and coaches have complained that they cannot get time on town fields in the spring time.

Around Town

Register for Summer Basketball, Summer Recreation Programs

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The Watertown Recreation Department is holding sign ups for the men’s Summer Basketball Leagues and summer youth programs.

In addition, it is not too late to sign up for some spring programs. See mor information on the Recreation website: www.watertown-ma.gov: “Online Payments”: Recreation Program Payments. Men’s Basketball Leagues
The Watertown Recreation Department Men’s Basketball League begins on May 26 and teams are asked to sign up this week. An informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the same location. This is a mandatory meeting to attend. In addition to some discussion of rules and regulations, the deposit must be provided. The League will begin on Tuesday, May 26, 2015.

Around Town

Watertown Residents Invited to Gore Place for Some Snowshoeing

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The Watertown Recreation Department invites residents to do some snowshoeing on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. at Gore Place. Recreation Director Peter Centola writes: All are welcome, snowshoes and instruction provided. We are filling up fast so email stephaniev@livewellwatertown.org to reserve your snowshoes. The event is co-sponsored by Live Well Watertown, Watertown Recreation Department, and Watertown Public Schools. “Thank you to Ernie Thebado for taking the lead for the recreation department in this collaborative effort with other town agencies,” Centola said.

Government

Recreation Department Seeks Ideas for Improving Facilities, Programs

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Recreation Director Peter Centola and his staff have begun putting together requests for next year’s budget and the capital budget and they seek ideas for ways to improve parks and programs.

Centola put out a request for input and ideas from residents this week. “Please feel free to send the department thoughts and recommendations for improvements in our recreational facilities or our programming,” Centola wrote. Messages may be sent directly to Peter Centola at pcentola@watertown-ma.gov, or call the Recreation Department at 617-972-6494.

Around Town

Time to Sign Up for the Recreation Department’s Vacation Programs

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The Watertown Recreation Department will host programs for children over both February and April school vacation weeks. 

You can register your child now for either or both of the programs.

The February Vacation Program will be held at Watertown Middle School and students will participate in activities such as basketball, whiffle ball, floor hockey and indoor soccer. In addition, there will be arts and crafts, board games, movies and various special events. Participants should bring a bag lunch, snack and drink. The program runs from Tuesday, Feb. 17 to Friday Feb.

Government

Council Wants to Discuss How to Handle Future Park Projects

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With the recent controversy over how the Victory Field Phase 2 renovation was handled, a Town Council subcommittee will discuss whether a new policy should be developed for handling park projects. Last week, the Council voted to create an ad hoc committee to oversee the design of the renovations of the track and tennis court area at Victory Field. Councilor Aaron Dushku said he wanted to consider having a policy for park rehabilitations and enhancements. Councilor Cecilia Lenk said she is not sure such oversight is needed for all projects. “I understand people are frustrated with what happened,” Lenk said.