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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
March 2026
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We are seeking nominations for the 34th Annual Youth and Prevention Leaders Awards!
BPRYCS is teaming up with the Mayor's Office and Bristol Eliminating Substance Use Together (BEST) to recognize youth who have given exceptional service to the Bristol community. Nominations will be accepted for any Bristol youth and/or youth group that have made a meaningful contribution to their school, a service agency, and/or the community. Nominations accepted for Elementary through High School age youth. Award recipients will be honored in front of friends, family, and neighbors at an annual ceremony held at Muzzy Field in May. Learn More
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Reminder: Spring Learn to Swim (LTS) classes will begin on March 28th!
Spring Learn to Swim (LTS) registration opens at 12PM on Tuesday, March 17th for Residents and Wednesday, March 18th for Non-Residents.
Spring LTS registration does not begin until Winter LTS has ended and participants have received their level recommendations. Not sure what level to register for? Check out the skills in the Red Cross Achievement Booklet OR schedule a swim test at DMAC by calling (860) 584-3837. The Dennis Malone Aquatics Center (DMAC) is located at 325 Mix Street, Bristol, CT 06010
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Summer 2025 - Important Dates:
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Tuesday, April 7th - Summer program and event opportunities will be posted to BristolRec.com
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Tuesday, April 14th - Summer Registration opens to residents at 12PM
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Wednesday, April 15th - Registration for non-residents opens at 12PM with the exception of Summer Camps, which will open to non-residents on Tuesday, April 21st.
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Tuesday, May 26th - Summer Learn to Swim Registration Opens to residents.
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Wednesday, May 27th - Summer Learn to Swim Registration Opens to non-residents.
| | | VACATION CAMPS - PLAN AHEAD | | | | |
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
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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
| | UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS | | | | 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 | | | |
HUSH Crew – KPop Dance Crew
Saturday, March 7th | 7:00 - 9:00 PM
HUSH Dance Crew is a K-pop dance team that started in Boston in 2019 and has since expanded to Los Angeles. The crew is known for its K-pop dance covers and has become a staple in the city’s street performing scene. Learn More
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Fleetwood Macked: The Ultimate Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Saturday, March 14th | 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Fleetwood Macked the Ultimate Tribute to Fleetwood Mac is a New York based Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band. Hailed as the most authentic Fleetwood Mac tribute band in the U.S., much of the realism comes from the bands history. Learn More
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Luck O' The Lap
Tuesday, March 17th
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Dennis Malone Aquatics Center
Test your luck! One raffle ticket will be given for each 200 yards you swim. The more you swim, the more chances to win! We will draw tickets for chances to win prizes such as a free annual membership or gift certificates! All ages are welcome to participate. Registration includes a T-Shirt. Learn More
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75th Annual Perry J. Spinelli Fishing Derby
Saturday, April 25th
7:30 - 10:00 AM
Rockwell Park - Back Pond
Join BPRYCS for an exciting morning of fishing , prizes, and family fun! The 75th Annual Fishing Derby is a free event for children ages 2 - 13 years old. Participants should bring their own fishing poles and legal bait. Learn More
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Man Up
Thursdays, March 26th - June 4th
6:00 - 7:00 PM
Grades 6 - 8 | Ages 11 - 13
Bristol Boys & Girls Club - 225 West Street
Man Up is a confidential support group for adolescent males to discuss issues, receive support, develop new skills, and form positive relationships with peers and mentors. This program consists of one hour weekly sessions for ten weeks. Transportation and dinner provided weekly. There is no cost to participate. Learn More
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Empower Hour
Thursdays, March 19th - May 14th
4:15 - 5:15 PM | Grades 4 -5
BPRYCS Main Office - 51 High Street
Empower Hour is a social skills group that addresses a new topic each week, such as self-awareness, impulse control, relationship building, emotion regulation, and responsible decision-making through age-appropriate discussion and activities. An after school snack is provided each week! Learn More
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USA Swimming Splash Team Practice Continuation
April 7th - July 31st
4:30 - 6:00 PM
Ages 6 - 18
Dennis Malone Aquatics Center
This program is a continuation of Splash practice for registered USA Swimming members who will participate in USA sanctioned meets following the conclusion of the 2025-2026 Splash season. Considered, "USA Long-Course". This is an optional program for swimmers who wish to continue on in their swim season as USA Swimmers. Learn More
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American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
Saturday May 29th - Wednesday, April 16th
Ages 15+
Dennis Malone Aquatics Center
This is an official certification class that follows the newest 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. The course will feature both classroom style lectures, video and in water skill training.
BPRYCS has an immediate year round and seasonal Lifeguard positions available for those who successfully certify. Learn More
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Men's 18+ Weeknight Softball League
Weeknights, April 13th - June 25th
Ages 18+
Casey Field and Mix Street Field
Competitive and Recreational Divisions Offered
The Spring Men's 18+ Softball League includes 10 regular season games and week of playoffs. Each team is guaranteed 20 games and the top 8 teams (out of 10) make the double-elimination playoffs. Learn More
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Men's 40-and-Over Softball League
Sundays & Fridays, April 5th - July 31st
Time varies by day
Ages 40+
Casey Field and Mix Street Field
The Spring Men's 40-and-Over Slowpitch Softball League includes 16 regular season games (8 double headers), and all teams make the playoffs. Learn More
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Bristol Connecticut’s Muzzy Field named as 2025 Field of the Year
Top honor awarded by the Sports Field Management Association
Bristol, Connecticut’s Muzzy Field has been named the 2025 Schools and Parks Baseball Field of the Year by the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA). The award marks a historic first for fields in the state of Connecticut and recognizes Muzzy Field for having the best natural grass across all municipal parks, private schools, and public schools in North America.
Bristol’s Athletics and Ballfields Supervisor, Doug Trillo, was presented with the award at the 37th Annual Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) Conference and Exhibition in Fort Worth, Texas last month and honored during a Press Conference announcing the award on Wednesday, February 18th. Trillo said, “It’s a huge honor and a testament to the care, energy and money invested into the facility”. Read More
| | | | | Thank you to our Parks Crew for working endlessly this winter to keep our parks and roadways clear and accessible! | | | |
Pony League Baseball Program Looking for Sponsors
The BPRYCS Pony League is an annual summer league running from June to August for boys in 7th-10th grade. The league includes 15+ regular season games and playoffs. All games occur in Bristol at Page Park, Riley Field (at Seymour Park), or Muzzy Field. The league is made up of primarily Bristol residents and coached by volunteers. BPRYCS has been able to keep the cost affordable for families over the years, with registration at just $80 for the entire season -- which covers league fees, umpire fees, t-shirt/hat, team equipment, etc.
In an effort to not raise the registration fee for families, BPRYCS and League Director Shawn Mirmina are looking for community members/businesses who may be willing to sponsor a team with a $500 donation. We have 6 teams so we are looking for 6 sponsors. A sponsor's name will go on the back of a team's shirt, and sponsors will be recognized throughout the season in weekly league emails sent to families, and then again at the end of our season before the championship game at Muzzy Field in mid-August. If any local individuals or businesses are interested in sponsoring a Pony League team for this upcoming season, please reach out to Pony League Director, Shawn Mirmina at shawnmirmina@bristolk12.org.
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Save the Date: Swim-A-Thon on March 21st!
Proceeds go toward replacing the scoreboard at the Dennis Malone Aquatics Center!
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The Bristol SPLASH Swim Team is UNDEFEATED... AGAIN!!!
For the fourth year in a row, the Bristol Splash Swim Team is entering championships with an undefeated regular season! Go Bristol Splash!!
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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.
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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!
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City of Bristol
Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services
51 High Street
Bristol, CT 06010
www.BristolRec.com
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