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

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.

Watertown Parks Remain Closed, But Gradual Reopening Could Start Soon

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.

Recreation Department Seeking Applicants for Part-Time, Summer Jobs

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.

Dance Classes for Kids & Adult Available Through Watertown Recreation

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).

Winter Programs for Kids Hosted by the Recreation Department

Watertown children can join a variety of programs put on by the Recreation Department this winter, including skiing, floor hockey and the community sports and games weekend

The Recreation Department sent out the following information:

Wachusett Mountain Ski-Board Program

Who: Grades 6 – 12

Description: This program is designed to provide middle and high school students with a fun and safe atmosphere to learn elements of skiing or boarding or to improve their skills. All participants must wear helmets while skiing or boarding. Space is limited on the bus provided by the recreation department. Please register early. All participants’ parents must register online with Wachusett Mountain.

Registration Open for Watertown Recreation’s Fall Programs

The Watertown Recreation Department has a wide variety of programs available this fall, from flag football to yoga to crafts. The Watertown Recreation Department is offering the following program opportunities. The registration information is included below, posted on the Watertown Recreation Website www.recreation.watertown-ma.gov and in the Watertown Recreation Office in the Town Hall. If you or your child is planning to participate in a program this fall, it is important to register as soon as possible. Space is limited and participants will be accepted on a first come first serve basis.