MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

January 2025

Happy New Year!

The Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services (BPRYCS) Office will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

We are proud to present the 2025 Annual Report showcasing the impacts and accomplishments of Bristol's Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services over the past year.

Winter Weather Closure Policy -

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

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

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

See you at Jersey Mikes on

Tuesday, January 20th!

The Bristol Splash Swim Team is raising money for a new Scoreboard at the Dennis Malone Aquatics Center (DMAC) and Jersey Mike's Subs (located at (641 Farmington Ave.) is donating 20% of their sales from January 20th to the cause!

Mention the fundraiser at the register or in your online order notes and be sure to bring your appetite!! 

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Water Exercise Classes at Dennis Malone Aquatics Center (DMAC)

The next session of Water Exercise Classes begin the first week of February!

All fitness levels welcome! Options available to modify class intensity.

Register or Learn More more about Water Exercise Classes

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, Jan. 17th | 5:00 - 10:30 PM

The Soul Session is an evening dedicated to celebrating music through live performance art, and spoken word. This year’s theme is Motown & Soul. 

  • Grand Slam Poetry Champions – Live and Unleashed
  • Electrifying Performance by Independent Artists
  • Silent Art Auction – Bid on Bold, Original Works
  • Specialty Concessions – Sips, Bites and Creative Delights All Night Long!

Over 15 independent artists from across Connecticut will ignite the stage, showcasing everything from dance and song to instrumental performances and powerful poetry. Learn More

Harvest & Rust – A Neil Young Experience

Saturday, Feb. 6th | 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Harvest & Rust has earned acclaim as one of the premier Neil Young tribute bands in the Northeast USA, praised for their stirring and authentic performances. Their concerts are a journey through Young’s prolific career, featuring songs from his solo work as well as his time with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Learn More

Sports Fun (Ages 2-3)

Wednesdays, January 21st - February 25th

5:00 - 5:30 PM OR 5:40 - 6:10 PM

Sports Fun is designed to introduce children to a wide variety of sports and active games in a safe, controlled, and fun environment. Participants will develop key skills each week such as running, jumping, balancing, and moving safely while learning important lessons in sportsmanship and how to interact positively with fellow athletes. Learn More

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training

(Includes CPR/AED and First Aid)

Ages 15+

Sunday, Feb.15 - Wednesday, Feb. 18th

Time varies by day

Following the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Curriculum, participants will learn the fundamentals of water safety, CPR/First Aid and lifeguard skills for responding to emergency situations in and around the water.  Learn More

Special Needs Bowling & Social Program

Saturdays, January 10th - March 28th

9:00 - 10:30 AM

Spare Time Bristol (177 Farmington Ave.)

  • Youth (Ages 6 - 16)
  • Adult (Ages 17+)

BPRYCS welcomes individuals with disabilities to join this fun opportunity to enjoy bowling and time with friends. Pre-Registration is required. Fee is $8.00 per week which includes two games and bowling shoes. Learn More

PLAN AHEAD

February Vacation Camp

Grades 1-6

Monday, February 17th - Tuesday, February 18th

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

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

April Vacation Camp

Grades 1-6

Monday, April 13th - Friday, April 17th

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Stafford Elementary School Gym (212 Louisiana Ave.)

Celebrate Spring with us! April Vacation Camp is a a five-day program filled with fun games, creative crafts, and engaging activities while Bristol Public Schools are on break. Learn More

April Vacation Climbing Camp at Pine Lake Adventure Park

Grades 1-6

Monday, April 13th - Friday, April 17th

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Pine Lake Adventure Park (100 Birch St.)

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

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

2025 Winter/Spring Registration is Open!

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!

City of Bristol

Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services

51 High Street

Bristol, CT 06010

www.BristolRec.com

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