Newsletter | January 3, 2023

NEWSLETTER

January 3, 2023

Make a Splash this New Year!

Registration for Winter Learn to Swim will open on Monday, January 23rd for Residents and Tuesday, January 24th for Non-Residents.

Winter Learn to Swim - Saturdays

Winter Learn to Swim - Sundays

Looking Back at 2022

We are proud to present the 2022 Annual Report showcasing BPRYCS impacts and accomplishments from this past year.

Download the 2022 Annual Report

Join us in welcoming Jay Crowley to the BPRYCS team as a Youth and Family Coordinator!

Crowley previously served the state of Connecticut for years in the Department of Children and Families as a Youth Services Officer for two decades. Crowley supported the Meriden Public School district as a climate support specialist and behavior tech after he retired from his state position. Before coming to Bristol, he worked with youth as a corporate trainer with the ICES We do Life Together initiative. Having attended the University of New Haven, Crowley has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Welcome Jay!

Letters of Love

January 30 - February 10

We invite you to write a kind valentines letter to an elderly Bristol community member and BPRYCS will deliver it to a senior in need of a little love for Valentines Day. Calling all kids and those young at heart to help make Valentine’s Day Cards for Bristol seniors! Participants are encouraged to make their own cards, draw pictures, write letters or simply sign boxed Valentine’s cards. Completed cards can be mailed to or dropped off at the following locations:

BPRYCS Main Office (51 High Street)
Dennis Malone Aquatics Center (325 Mix Street)

Learn More

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Aqua Zumba

Ages 16+

Tuesdays, 6:15 - 7:15 PM

January 17 - March 7

Dennis Malone Aquatics Center

Aqua Zumba brings new meaning to the idea of an invigorating workout. Combine the South American Zumba rhythm and dance steps with a pool party. It offers a fun, but challenging, water-based, body-toning workout. Liven up your work week with some Latin fever! Learn More

9th Annual Retiree Golf League

Ages 55+

April 25 - September 12

Pequabuck Golf Club

The league includes 9-holes of golf every Tuesday for 20 weeks (4/25 - 9/5) from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. On the last Tuesday (9/21 - tentatively), players will enjoy an 18-hole tournament and a banquet sponsored by the Pequabuck Golf Club (PGC). There will be a pre-league meeting at PCG on April 18th beginning at 10:00 AM. Fee is $520 which includes green fees, banquet, USGA handicap card, and great prizes. PGC Member fee is $95.00 (proof of membership required). Learn More

Registration for the 2023 Retiree Golf League will open on February 1st.

Space is limited to 36 players enrolled.

Co-Ed Flag Football

Ages 8 - 12

Fridays, 6:00 PM - 6:50 PM

January 6 - February 10

Chippens Hill Middle School - Gymnasium

Participants will be introduced to the game of football while utilizing flags. Players will work on basic football skills such as passing, catching, offense and defense in a safe and fun environment. Each week, new teams will be formed to give players a chance to socialize with everyone in the program. Learn More

Basketball Skills

Ages 6 - 8

Fridays, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

or Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

January 10 - February 18

Chippens Hill Middle School - Gymnasium

This program will teach the vital basketball skills of dribbling, passing, and shooting. Techniques and game play will be taught in a fun and safe environment to enhance the overall knowledge of the game of basketball. Learn More

Co-Ed 3 on 3 Basketball

Ages 9 - 12

Tuesdays, 7:40 PM - 8:25 PM

January 10 - February 14

Chippens Hill Middle School - Gymnasium

Participants in this program will work on the fundamental skills of the game of basketball, as well as participate in organized games of 3-on-3 each week. Teams will be changed every week to ensure that games are fair and players have an opportunity to play with new teammates. Learn More

Ice skating will be available on select weekends during the winter months. Ice skating is weather permitting and requires sustained temperatures at or below 30 degrees. Once conditions are suitable, select Park ponds will be flooded, swept and maintained by the parks, facilities and grounds crew. Please follow all posted signage and do not play on the ice during hazardous conditions. Please check our website and/or Facebook for winter activity schedules and weather condition updates.

Looking for a place to spend that "snowy day"? Why not visit one of our popular sledding hills at Page Park or Nelson Field! Grab your friends and hang on to your hats! See who can race down the hill first – winner gets his or her sled carried back up the hill by the other racers! Please note, sledding hill availability is subject to change depending on weather conditions. Please follow all posted signage. Sledders assume full risk and responsibility for determining safe conditions.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Michael Tingley hired as new Drug Free Communities Project Coordinator

We are pleased to announce the selection of Michael Tingley as the new Drug Free Communities Project Coordinator for the Bristol Eliminating Substance Use Together Coalition (BEST). Michael has held many roles including serving as a Prevention Specialist for Wheeler/Connecticut Clearinghouse and most recently as the Prevention Coordinator for Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services. Michael holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Communications from Emerson College and a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Connecticut.

In anticipation of his role Michael stated, “I am feeling enthusiastic about getting to know the City of Bristol and its unique needs. Prevention is a passion of mine and I cannot wait to use my skill set to help improve the community. I intend to help Bristol thrive through the use of evidence-based practices, collaboration, outreach and more. Great things are ahead for Bristol!”

Project Updates

Transformative projects are underway across the City of Bristol parks system. The new renovations and amenities provide increased access to high-quality parks for residents and community members.

Parks Project Portal

In an effort to continue to increase transparency and community engagement, we are also pleased to launch an interactive Parks Project Portal that provides residents access to up-to-date information on projects, presentations, and opportunity to provide real time feedback!

Visit the Parks Project Portal

#AllHeartParks

City of Bristol

Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services

51 High Street

Bristol, CT 06010

www.BristolRec.com