Around Town

Get Out Your Skates, Watertown’s Outdoor Ice Rink is Open

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A family enjoys some skating at Watertown’s Outdoor Ice Rink at Casey Park. Watertown’s outdoor skating rink has opened for the winter and has already been popular with residents young and old. The ice rink is located at Casey Park, on Watertown Street south of the Charles River. Recreation Director Peter Centola announced that the rink is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless the ice is being resurfaced. “We are on to day 6 of the Casey Ice Rink and the conditions are the best ever thanks to the great work of our DPW and Recreation staff,” said Centola, who also took some videos at the rink on opening day (see below).

Around Town

Assistant Recreation Director Looks Back on 30 Years Working with Watertown’s Youth

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Assistant Recreation Director Ernie Thebado has worked with the children of Watertown for three decades. Photo provided by the Watertown Recreation Department. Ernie Thebado, the assistant director of the Watertown Department of Recreation, recently reached the 10 year mark working for the Town, and prior to that he had another 20 years working at the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. During his three decades in Town he made some strong and lasting connections. His career, however, did not begin in Watertown. 

“It all started with the Marlborough Boys and Girls Club,” Thebado said. “It was a stone’s thrown from my home.”

Around Town

Filippello Park’s Grove Street Project Adding Green Area, Dog Park & Hard Courts

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Planning for the renovation of the Grove Street entrance to Filippello Park began six years ago, and discussions for what to do with the section of the former Watertown Landfill date back to 1984, so Recreation Department officials are excited to that construction is nearly complete. The area used to be the location of the incinerator at the landfill. While the rest of the land was turned into Filipello Park, the property near Grove Street had largely been paved over and used for parking, basketball courts and, in the winter, the Town’s snow dump. Recently, Recreation Director Peter Centola met with Glenn Howard, project designer from CDM Smith to go over some of the last details in the project. Discussions about how to reinvigorate the area began in 2012, Centola said, and morphed over the years. The Grove Street entrance will have a large dog park, two gazebos, a hard court playing area, and additional parking.

Around Town

Recreation Department Hosts Free Kayaking Event on Charles River

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The Watertown Recreation Department announced it will host a free Kayaking event on the Charles River – in partnership with Live Well Watertown. Participants will pair up in a double kayak for a fun, leisurely, or active ride along the Charles River. Charles River Recreation will provide basic instruction and safety rules for all who participate. This program is open to new and experienced kayakers. Comfortable, layered clothing is recommended; wear shoes that can get wet.

Around Town

Registration Open for Cops & Rec Basketball, Hockey and Rock Climbing

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Children can get to know members of the Watertown Police Department and have some fun during the Cops & Rec programs.

There are three programs which are filled on a first come, first served basis. Register for the programs online by clicking here, or in person at the Recreation Office in Town Hall, 149 Main St., Watertown. Cops & Rec Basketball League

The Watertown Recreation and Police Department are collaborating to offer a summer basketball league. The general objectives of the program are to promote sportsmanship and teamwork in a fun and positive setting, while focusing on basketball fundamentals. There will be a girls league and a boys league.

Around Town

Sign Ups Open for Watertown Recreation’s Pequossette Summer Program

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Summer is around the corner and now is the time to sign up for the Watertown Recreation Department’s Pequossette Summer Program and Kindergarten Program. The Recreation Department sent out the following information:

PEQUOSSETTE SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAM

June 25 – August 17, 2018
Kindergarten through Grade 8

This is our 50th year of providing a fun, energetic summer for your children with the very best in recreational activities. Activities are scheduled on a rotating basis with flexibility for special events. The children will participate in arts & crafts, drama, music, sports, physical education as well as active and quiet games. The Watertown Recreation Department is offering the Pequossette Summer Program to children who are entering grades one through eight in September 2018.

Around Town

Find Out How to Apply for Jobs With Watertown Recreation

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The Watertown Recreation Department announced it is now accepting applications for the following positions for the 2018 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 2018) 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 and Park Rangers. For all new applicants, the following documentation must be completed and returned to the Watertown Recreation Department as soon as employment is desired on or before Friday, April 20, 2018
• Cover Letter (Word Document)
• Current Resume (Word Document)
• Letter of Reference
• Application for Employment – Recreation Section Included
• All new candidates will be interviewed by the Director of Recreation
• All returning seasonal employees must provide documentation for First Aid, AED and CPR
• New hires will have 6 months from their date of employment to complete First Aid, AED and CPR Certification
• All applicants will also complete CORI and SORI forms, and other documents as part of the application process.

Government

Community Meetings Coming Up About Casey Park, Moxley Field Renovations

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The Recreation Department will hold a pair of Community Meetings about planned renovations to two Watertown Parks. 

The Rec Department sent out the following information:

Casey Park Renovation

The Watertown Recreation Department will be hosting a community meeting to review a draft preliminary rendering of potential facility renovations at Casey Park. If interested, please feel free to attend the event. Community Meeting
Thursday, February 1 at 7 p.m.
Town Council Chambers, Town Hall, 149 Main St., Watertown. Moxley Park Renovation

The Watertown Recreation Department will be hosting a community
meeting to review a draft preliminary rendering of potential facility
renovations at Moxley Park. If interested, please feel free to attend the event.