MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

January 2025

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

The Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services (BPRYCS) Office will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Exciting News - As we kick off 2025, we are thrilled to announce the release of the 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan! Development of the 2025 -2027 Strategic Plan included a comprehensive and inclusive 8-month planning process.

2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan Presentation

Winter Weather Closure Policy -

This is a reminder that when Bristol Public Schools are closed, the Dennis Malone Aquatics Center (DMAC) will be closed and all recreation programs are cancelled for the day.

When Bristol Public Schools dismiss early, DMAC will close early and all recreation programs are cancelled for the remainder of the day. When Bristol Public Schools observe a delayed opening, DMAC will open at noon.

Weather closures are posted to the BristolRec.com and all program participants are notified via email and/or phone.

We are proud to present the 2024 Annual Report showcasing the impacts and accomplishments of Bristol's Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services over the past year.

Read the 2024 Annual Report

UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Kids Night Out: Glow Night

Friday, January 24, 2025

6:00 - 9:00 PM

Ages 6 - 12

Let's get ready to glow! Parents are you ready for a night out? Parents and guardians can drop their children off from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM for dinner, games, arts and crafts, and more! Pizza will be provided for all participants. Learn More

Futsal & Street Soccer

Mondays, January 27th - March 10th

Ages 6 - 9 | 5:00 - 6:00 PM

Ages 10 - 14 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Stafford Elementary School - Gym

Futsal offers a fast-paced and exciting indoor soccer experience designed to develop players' technical skills, agility, and teamwork. Open to all skill levels, the program focuses on ball control, quick decision making, and improving overall game awareness in a fun, supportive environment.

Learn More

February Vacation Camp

Grades 1-6

Monday, February 17th - Tuesday, February 18th

Mrs. Rockwell's Pavilion - Rockwell Park

Did someone say staycation? February Vacation Camp provides childcare services while Bristol Public schools are on winter break. Escape the cold and stay busy - activities include crafts, games, and a field trip. Learn More

Downtown Live features an array of curated live entertainment from musical and dance performances, to comedy shows, education and lecture series, children's series, and more. Shows range in price from $25 to $45. The Rockwell Theater is located inside the Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School (BAIMS) at 70 Memorial Boulevard, Bristol, CT 06010. Learn More

The Soul Session

Saturday, January 18th | 5:00 - 9:00 PM

In partnership with Paradigm Arts and Culture Foundation Inc., we invite you to The Soul Session, a night of live music and art at the Rockwell Theater. The Soul Session is an evening dedicated to celebrating the essence of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues and Neo-Soul music through live performances, visual art and spoken word. Learn More

Community Conversation

Featuring 1 Degree of Separation

Saturday, January 25th | 6:00 - 8:30 PM

A comedy show aimed at ending the stigma of mental illness. Join our free 6th annual Community Conversation where we aim to bring dialogue, awareness, and acceptance for those suffering from depression through laughter and vulnerability. We laugh at the dark stuff, because laughter releases the pain. We talk about depression, because no one should feel shame. Learn More

Scenes – A Billy Joel Experience

Saturday, February 1st | 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Back by popular demand – Scenes – A Billy Joel Experience!  They have been performing throughout New England and beyond since 2013. Their mission from the beginning was to celebrate and recreate the music of Billy Joel to the highest and most authentic standard. Learn More

Soul Sound Revue

Saturday, March 1st | 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Get your dancing shoes on and shake those winter blues away because Connecticut’s #1 dance party band is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary at Downtown Live! Soul Sound Revue is by far the hottest nine piece Motown show this side of Detroit, performing the greatest hits in the true “Motown Tradition.” Learn More

Water Exercise Classes

We offer a variety of Water Exercise programs for all fitness levels — low Impact & lots of fun:

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Over 400 kids were served in the Annual Holiday Gift Giving Program in 2024. New this year, we partnered with Hartford County Tattoo and received hundreds of gifts from them to support Bristol families! Thank you to our Youth & Community Services Team for their commitment and dedication to this important program!

Effective January 1, 2025, the fee to attend a Water Exercise class will increase to $7.

View the 2025 Winter Pool Schedule

Thank you to the Manning/Sisson Memorial Fund and the Main Street Community Foundation for their continued support of the Bristol Splash Swim Team! Read More

2025 Winter/Spring Registration is Open!

Download the 2025 Winter/Spring Snapshot

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 pleased to offer 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 Park Project Portal 
Project Updates

City of Bristol

Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services

51 High Street

Bristol, CT 06010

www.BristolRec.com

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