Happy New Year!

January is a time to look back on the year behind us and think about what’s ahead. Over the past year, Woodbury Parks & Recreation expanded our offerings with over twenty-five new and popular programs including Puzzle Palooza and American Mahjong, and we offered thirteen special events throughout the year, four of them brand new. In our parks, we made important improvements, renovating Baseball Field #3, laser leveling Fields #1 and #5, completing weather-related repairs at Three Rivers Park and adding upgrades like Wi-Fi and new bathroom roof at Hollow Park. We were fortunate to receive a grant to resurface the basketball court and purchase a new Bobcat sod cutter. We also took delivery of a long-awaited 2024 F-550 dump truck for our park maintenance staff.  It's been encouraging to see these improvements come together, and we appreciate the many people who help keep our parks and programs thriving.

With a fresh year comes new beginnings and one of the first opportunities to get involved in the new year is with our Woodbury Earth Day Celebration. Woodbury’s Earth Day has grown into one of our largest events, welcoming thousands of attendees each year and many helping hands are needed. Please join us on January 15 at our Earth Day Celebration Volunteer Meeting and find out how you can help.

As we look ahead, we’re excited about what is coming and hope you’ll take a few minutes to explore everything included in this newsletter.

Thank you for being part of our Parks & Recreation community. We look forward to another year of connection, growth, and time well spent together in Woodbury.  

Sincerely,

Woodbury Parks & Rec Team

(203) 263-3113

www.woodburyparksandrec.org

Parks & Recreation Office located at: 7 Mountain Road, Woodbury

Parks and Rec Programs

As we settle into January, we're looking forward to another great month of programs and activities for all ages. From favorite classes to new opportunities to get together, there's something for everyone!

For more information and to register visit www.woodburyparksandrec.org.

WPR Instructor Highlight - Say Hello to Chris Connelly

Chris is a professional guitarist actively performing and educating throughout Connecticut. Adjacent to his active background in performance and education, Chris also holds a masters of social work degree from Sacred Heart University. He has taught in a variety of settings over the last decade including Buck’s Rock Creative & Performing Arts Camp in New Milford, West Main Music Academy in Cheshire, and directing the Nonnewaug High School Rock Ensemble. Chris currently splits his time between teaching in-home lessons in the Western CT area and at School of Rock North Haven. He can regularly be seen performing with regional acts such as Noah Feldman (New London-based singer/guitarist) and Pitchdrop (Shoreline-based Pop/Rock/Funk Band). 

His approach to guitar instruction is based in a multitude of contemporary styles. We're glad to have Chris sharing his talent with our community!

Register here for Private Guitar Lessons

https://bit.ly/3XMomRY

January Highlights!

250 for 250 Fitness Challenge ~ Get moving in celebration of America's 250th! Track 250 miles by walking, running, biking, hiking, or swimming, between January 1 and July 1 and submit your tracker to be recognized as a finisher. All ages are welcome, and finishers will be entered into a raffle drawing announced at the July 8 Summer Concert! Registration is FREE but required.

Register here for 250 for 250

https://bit.ly/4arfx74

Dress Making 101 - Sewing Workshop ~ Explore your creative side in this workshop! Participants will learn essential dressmaking skills from sewing basics, to pattern work and design, while completing a simple trapeze dress from scratch.

Register here for Dress Making 101

https://bit.ly/47NZFZi

𝐊𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐎𝐅𝐅 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐙𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐀! Join our FREE complimentary class on Monday, January 5 and see what all the excitement is about. Our full session begins Monday, January 12. Perfect timing to start the year strong!

Register for Zumba here

https://bit.ly/3YYs4cj

Total Body Fitness New Year Strength ~ Our Total Body Fitness Series continues with classes focused on building strength, balance, and overall fitness.

Register here Total Body Fitness

https://bit.ly/3JYS8OX

Vinyasa Yoga & iRest Yoga Nidra ~ will now offer a Wednesday morning option this winter at Old Town Hall. This new morning class joins the long-running Monday evening sessions and is open for registration!

Register here for Monday and/or Wednesday Yoga

https://bit.ly/3SwUgyM

Introduction to Swing Dance ~ This beginner-friendly class teaches basic swing steps, rhythms, and turns in a fun, social setting. No prior experience needed, just enthusiasm and a partner! Two classes offered ~ January 24 and February 7! Limited to 10 couples.

Register here for Swing Dance Lessons

https://bit.ly/4pggB1v

Line Dance for Fitness ~ Join our most popular Line Dance class! A new session begins January 7, and beginners can enjoy a FREE 45-minute class on day one. You must register in advance.

Register here for Line Dance

https://bit.ly/3HrJNP5

American Mahjong for Beginners ~ Come have fun, meet new people, and learn a game you'll love!

American Mahjong Players' Club Night ~ Bring your tiles and meet fellow experienced Mahjong players for a fun evening of strategy and social play. This drop-in game night is for seasoned players only - no lessons provided! First Club Night is on January 29!

Register here for Beginners Mahjong

https://bit.ly/46ymWOh

Register here for Mahjong Club Nights

https://bit.ly/4aqPhth

Woodbury 2026 Earth Day Celebration

We're hosting our second Woodbury 2026 Earth Day Volunteer Recruitment Night, and we're looking for community members who want to be part of this year's event. Volunteers play a key role in making Woodbury's Earth Day Celebration possible, and this is a great opportunity to learn how you can help, ask questions, and get involved.

Woodbury Earth Day Vendor Opportunities Now Open on our website!

Submit a vendor request here:

https://bit.ly/3KyjUSW

Sneak Peek!

If you have any questions,

or need help with registration,

please call 203-263-3113

Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm