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Useful News from Windham Parks & Recreation

January & February 2023

Department Updates

Snowshoe Rentals

Are you looking for a great way to explore local trails this winter? Why not try snowshoes!


We have men’s, women’s, and youth sizes of snowshoes that are FREE to borrow for the day, for a few days, or for a weekend. Please CALL AHEAD for availability, as these are particularly popular during vacation weeks.

2023 Summer Day Camp

Registration Opens Monday, March 27!

For more information and pricing, please see our FAQ linked below.

Day Camp FAQ

Park & Facility Updates

Winter Recreation Conditions

Once the snow accumulates and the ice forms, we will keep you updated on conditions at our parks and preserves. Whether you like cross-country skiing, taking the family on a snowshoe hike, or just getting outside to enjoy nature, you'll find plenty of places to play. You don't have to stay indoors just because there is snow on the ground!


To view snowshoe, ski, and skate conditions around Windham, check out map linked below! Conditions are updated at least weekly, often more frequently.

Current Winter Conditions

Dundee Park

2023 Season Passes On Sale!

Season passes are not intended for Community Groups, Day Camps, Day Care Groups, or reservation payments.


Windham residents may request an additional pass for a household with multiple vehicles; non-residents may request a second pass at half price for a household with multiple vehicles.


Pass stickers may be purchased at the Parks & Recreation office, at Dundee Park's Gatehouse or Boathouse, or online at windhamrecreation.com.

2023 Season Pass Rates



Windham Residents $65

Windham Seniors (55+): $45

Non-Residents: $80

Non-Resident Seniors (55+): $60


Veterans & Active Military - Same as senior rates, but must purchase pass in-person to show Military ID.

Purchase Season Pass

Facility Reservations

Host your event at one of our parks and facilities!

Town Hall Gym


The gym is available for sporting groups, birthday parties, and many other types of events! There is no reservation fees on weekdays, reservation fees on the weekends are $20/hour for residents, $30/hour for non-residents.

Reserve

Donnabeth Lippman Park


The pavilion next to the pond is available for parties and get togethers! Reservation fees are $25 for the pavilion, with giant lawn games available for rent for an additional $15.

Reserve

Windham Community Park


Outdoor basketball and volleyball courts are available for reservation, as well as our new pavilion! Plan your next outing for a low hourly rate!

Reserve

East Windham Conservation Area Update

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a site walk on November 20th! Despite the cold temperatures, dozens of community members joined to learn more about this exciting opportunity to conserve over 750 acres.


Special thank-you to the Windham Eagle for attending and covering the event.


We are hoping to close on the property in the spring...stay tuned for updates on the Project Overview page!

Project Overview & Updates
Windham Eagle Coverage

Wednesday Winter Walks

with Presumpscot Regional Land Trust

We are excited to partner with Presumpscot Regional Land Trust to offer two winter walks here in Windham! Join us for a walk at Lowell Preserve on Wednesday, January 4 and a walk at Black Brook Preserve on Wednesday, February 1.


Snowshoes are available for rental if desired and conditions allow!

Pre-registration is required.

More Information & RSVP

Community & Family Programs

S'mores & Skate Nights

Windham Parks and Recreation is hosting our annual FREE old-fashioned skating parties… And you’re invited! We provide a campfire for warming, s’mores ingredients, lights, and music – just bring your ice skates and your friends or family!


Friday, January 13 & 27

6:00-8:00pm


S'mores & Skate Nights are held at Donnabeth Lippman Park, weather pending. Date changes or cancellations will be posted on our website and on our Facebook page during the week of the event.

Date Nights

Registration for both events opens Monday, January 9!

February Formal
Gym Jamboree

Winter Photo Contest

Have you captured that special moment with your child enjoying our Maine winters, snapped a photo of your pet frolicking in the snow, or found that perfect photo opp to capture the beauty of winter? We would love to showcase your photograph!


2023 Categories:

Family - Nature - Pets - Town of Windham


1. How to Enter Online: 

  - Select the appropriate category and register for the program.

  - Upload your photo when required documents are indicated during the checkout process.

  - Choose "Check Out Online" and process your registration; no fee will be charged, but this will insure a completed registration.


2. How to Enter via Postal Mail:

  - Complete an Adult Registration or Youth Registration form.

  - Mail completed form and a copy of your photo to:

       Winter Photo Contest

       Windham Parks & Recreation

       8 School Road

       Windham, ME 04062


3. How to Enter In-person:

  - Visit the Parks & Recreation office Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm.


Maximum of 3 entries per person.


All entries must be received by Friday, March 31st.

More Information & Registration

Discounted Cross Insurance Arena Tickets

Harlem Globetrotters

Purchase tickets through Windham Parks & Recreation and save! We have reserved a number of seats (in Section T) so you can enjoy the performance with other Windham families! 


Tickets will need to be picked up at the Windham Town Hall in the Parks & Recreation office prior to the show. An e-mail will be sent when tickets are ready for pickup.


Date: Thursday, February 9

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Cross Insurance Arena Portland, ME

Fee: $32 per ticket (original price $37+)

     Everyone ages 2 and older must have a ticket


Ticket sales close Tuesday, January 31 at 4 PM!

Click Here to Purchase

Youth Programs

Kiddie Gym

For Ages 5 & Under

Indoor fun with balls, slides, parachutes and plenty of playmates! All toddlers must be accompanied by a "participating" adult.


Dates: Tuesday & Fridays, November 1 - April 28

(Exclusion Dates: 11/11, 11/25, 12/23, 2/24, 3/3 & 4/21)

Time: Tuesdays: 10:00 - 11:30am, Fridays: 9:00 - 10:30am

Location: Windham Town Hall Gym

Fee: $2 drop-in, multi-visit passes available in quantities of 6, 15, and 30 visits

More Information

Creative Movement

For Ages 2-5

Creative Movement is back at Windham Parks & Recreation! Join us on Friday mornings at the Windham Public Library for a creative twist on dancing! Instructors from the Drouin Dance Center will use props and music to inspire creative movement and dance. This is a fun and exciting way to introduce your little one to the world of dance!


Music, Movement & Play for ages 2 to 3 is a 30 minute class that keeps your little dancer moving. We will play dance games, dance with props, and learn concepts like stop/go, fast/slow and high/low. This class is a great first experience for your child to be in a group setting independently.


Creative Movement for ages 3 to 5 is a 45 minute dance/movement class. We will be exploring movement, basic ballet terms, and dancing with props. Skills such as taking turns, sharing, forming a line, and respect will be encouraged.


Winter 2023 Session

Dates: Friday's, January 13 - February 17 (snow date: 3/3/23)

Times: 10-10:30am for ages 2-3; 10:45-11:30am for ages 3-5

Location: Windham Public Library - 217 Windham Center Rd

Fee: $50 


Registration closes Wednesday, January 11th.

Register Here

High Touch High Tech

For Grades K-3

Engineering & Energy

Learn all about physics from Newton to flight, light, and electricity. Find ROY G BIV, launch a rocket, and more. Follow energy as it transforms and finds other forms.


Dates: Wednesdays, January 11 - February 15

Time: 1:15 - 2:15pm

Location: Windham Primary School Art Room

Fee: $90 (6 classes)


Registration closes Monday, January 9.


Planimal Party

Enter the world of biology and learn about fascinating creatures and where they live. Explore everything from plants and bees to octopuses and jellyfish. Even the tiniest organisms are included!


Dates: Wednesdays, March 8 - April 12

Time: 1:15 - 2:15pm

Location: Windham Primary School Art Room

Fee: $90 (6 classes)


Registration closes Monday, March 6.

Register Here

Mad Science: Mad Lab Medley

For Grades 4 & 5

Join us in discovering the many ways science helps us explore our world! “Mad Lab Medley” is full of exciting sampler “courses” aimed to meet the varied interests and imaginations of today’s young minds! Unravel the mystery of chemistry by watching crystals form in a water glass. Experiment with hovercrafts, foaming concoctions, and Technicolor Blenders. Grab your ticket to the stars with your own pocket sky map. Walk in the shoes of detectives and examine fingerprints, mystery powders, and ink samples. Learn about how different animals adapt to their environments, and get bug-eyed with Insect-A-Vision take-homes sure to challenge your perspective.


From telescope to microscope and everything in between, this class will leave you inspired by the wonders of science!


Program: Mad Lab Medley

Grades: 4-5

Dates: Wednesday's, January 11 - March 8 (excluding 2/22/23)

Time: 1:15 - 2:15pm

Location: Manchester School Music Room

Fee: $110 (8 classes)


Registration closes Monday, January 9.

Register Here

WMS Early Release Day

For Grades 6-8

Looking for something to do on the Windham Middle School early release days? Windham Parks & Recreation offers a full day program that may include outings to local destinations, supervised games, activities and free time.


February's Early Release Day will be a trip to Pleasant Mountain!

Grades: 6-8

Date: Wednesday, February 1

Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location: Windham Middle School Cafeteria

Fee: $65 for lift ticket & transportation, $25 for transportation only


Register by Wednesday, January 25 at 4 PM

Register Here

Creative Kiddie Craft Time

For children ages 2-5

Children ages 2-5 and their adult caregivers are invited to craft and create together! Moms and dads, grandparents, babysitters, aunts and uncles… All are welcome to join us at Town Hall for simple craft projects with all supplies provided.


This popular program can fill quickly, so be sure to pre-register!


Craft: Winter Craft

Date: Wednesday, February 15

Time: 10:00 - 11:00am

Location: Windham Town Hall Gym

Fee: $5 per child

Register by Sunday, February 12

Register Here

School Vacation Trips

For Grades K-5

Kids in grades K-5, join Windham Parks & Recreation for fun no school days of games, crafts and trips to local destinations like Smitty's, Spare Time and Seacoast! We’ll start off most days with gym games, crafts and outdoor play at the Town Hall gym and park. We will have lunch and head out to the local destination for the afternoon!

Date: Thursday, February 23rd

Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm 

Location: Windham Town Hall Gym

Trip: Snow Tubing at Seacoast Adventure

Fee: $50 per person (includes transportation & admissions for tubing)

Lunch: Please bring a bag lunch & snow gear

Please Note: Participants under 48" tall will be required to tube with a staff member.


Date: Friday, February 24th

Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm 

Location: Windham Town Hall Gym

Trip: Happy Wheels

Fee: $50 per person (includes transportation, skate rentals & admissions into Happy Wheels)

Lunch: Please bring a bag lunch or money to purchase lunch at Happy Wheels


Register by Monday, February 20th at 4 PM

Register Here

Karate

For Grades K-8

Kids from grades K-5 can learn traditional martial arts with Lisa Magiera of Bushido Karate Dojo and learn how karate makes you stronger, safer and smarter.

Spring Session

Dates: Tuesdays, March 7 - June 6 (excluding 4/18)

Time: 3:15 – 4:15 pm

Location: Windham Primary School Gym

Fee: $140 (13 sessions); $35 for uniform - not required to purchase for program

Transportation: Participants will be transported from Manchester/Middle School in the Parks & Recreation vehicles for this program. At the end of the program, pick up will be at Windham Primary School Gym at 4:15pm. 


Register by Sunday, March 5 at 4 PM

Register Here

Adult Sports

Adult Pickleball

For Ages 18+

Pickleball in Windham is growing by leaps and bounds! Grab your paddle (or borrow one from us) and join in on pick-up games at the Windham Town Hall Gym.


New to the game? Have you been wanting to try this fast-growing game that anyone can play? You are welcome to try it out - your first time is FREE!

Morning Session

Dates: Mondays and Fridays, October 24, 2022 - May 19, 2023

(see website for exclusion dates)

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Mondays) | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Fridays)

Location: Windham Town Hall Gym

Fee: $65


Afternoon/Evening Session

Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays, October 24, 2022 - May 17, 2023

(see website for exclusion dates)

Time: 3:00 - 5:00 PM (Mondays) | 6:00 - 8:00 PM (Wednesdays)

Location: Windham Town Hall Gym

Fee: $65


New this year - Unlimited Play!

For just $90, the Unlimited Play option lets you play at both sessions.

More Information and Registration

Pickleball Lessons

For Ages 18+

Maybe your friends play Pickleball. Perhaps you’re a tennis player looking for a new challenge. If you have a fun-loving mindset and an ounce of athletic ability, then Pickleball is the game you should begin playing!


In this four-week program, you’ll learn how to effectively strike the ball, maintain a rally, keep score, and the rules and basic gameplay. At the conclusion of these lessons, players will have the foundational understanding and skills to start playing Pickleball. 


We've added an Improver class. Maybe you have played a couple of times, or perhaps it's been a while since you've picked up a racquet, here is a way to brush up on those skills.  


Coach Dave Cousins is a combined PTR, USPTA, and IFP (International Federation of Pickleball) Certified Professional with many years of teaching experience in Southern Maine. He loves working with both juniors and adults, whether just starting out or playing at competitive levels. Dave's belief is that racket sports have a place for EVERYONE, of any age, ability, or skill set. 

Dates: Saturdays, February 4 - February 25

Time: 3:00 - 4:00 PM (Beginner Lessons) | 4:00 - 5:00 PM (Improver Lessons)

Location: Windham Town Hall Gym

Fee: $60


Try a lesson and decide you want to sign up for a full-season pickleball session? Ask us about a discount on your registration!

Registration

Sunday Open Gym

For Ages 21+

Join us on Sunday mornings for pickup basketball and volleyball! Multi-visit and season passes are available, however drop-ins are always welcome.

Dates: Sundays, November 20, 2022 - April 30, 2023 (excluding 12/25, 1/1, 4/9)

Time: Basketball 8:00 - 10:00 AM | Volleyball: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location: Windham High School Gym

More Information and Registration

Tuesday / Thursday Adult Pick-Up Basketball

For Ages 21+

Adults ages 21+, please join us on Tuesday and Thursday nights at the Windham Primary School Gym. Games will be played in a pick-up format.


Pre-registration is required for this program.

Session II

Dates: Tuesday, January 3 - Thursday, June 1, 2023

(excluding 2/21, 2/23, 4/18, 4/20)

Time: 8:00 - 9:15 pm

Location: Windham Primary School Gym

Fee: $40

Register Here

Adult Programs

Adult & Senior Newsletter

Keep up with our Adult & Senior Programs as soon as they are announced!

Three times per year, we release an Adult & Senior Newsletter with all of our outings and programs. This newsletter is available by both email and physical mail, and physical copies are available at Town Hall.


To be added to the email or mailing list, please call (207) 892-1905 or email parks&[email protected]

View our January-April Newsletter!

Good Theater - "Crimes of the Heart"

For Ages 40+

Join us on a trip to the Good Theater in Portland for a showing of "Crimes of the Heart," winner of the 1981 Pulitzer Prize!


"An untimely death haunts a trio of sisters, yet their love proves stronger than any familial tragedy. Three sisters with quite different personalities and lives reunite when Babe, the youngest, has just shot her husband. The oldest sister Lenny takes care of their grandfather and is turning into an old maid. Meg aspires to make it in Hollywood as a singer and actress and has had a wild, man-filled life. Their reunion is joyful but also stirs up much tension."

Date: Sunday, February 5

Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Fee: $22

Register Here

Country Sunday

For Ages 40+

Join us for an afternoon of live country, folk, and light rock by some of your favorite Maine musicians and bands.


The house band for the afternoon, The Lost and Found Band, features Windham Parks & Recreation's own Lynn!

Date: Sunday, February 5

Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Fee: $22

Register Here

Sleigh Ride at High View Farm

For Ages 40+

"Over the hills and through the woods, on a forever adventure we go..."


Join us for a trip out to High View Farm in Harrison for an old-fashioned sleigh ride. This registration includes a warm fire and hot chocolate with marshmallows!


Date: Thursday, February 16

Time: 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Fee: $38

Register Here

JFK Library and Museum

For Ages 40+

In honor of President’s Day, we will visit The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. The library is one of fifteen presidential libraries and the only one in New England. Next, we will head over to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, whose role is to educate as to the importance of the US Senate. After, we will attend a simulated Senate session and live floor debate in a full-scale reproduction of the Senate Chamber.


Please bring drinks, snacks, and a bag of lunch. There are no restaurants on site. There is a very small café at the JFK library if you want to grab a quick bite there or to go.

Date: Thursday, February 23

Time: 7:45 AM - 6:00 PM

Fee: $80

Lunch: On your own


Please note that this trip departs from Cabela's in Scarborough. We are unable to provide transportation to or from the meeting point.

Register Here

Senior Programs (55+)

Fitness Challenges

Let's face it, as we get older things don't work like they used to. We don't seem as strong as we once were and balance and falling can be a concern. As a way to help, we have put together two 4-week fitness challenges, each targeting a different goal.


** January Challenge will be working on stretching and balance


** February's Challenge we will be incorporating Resistance Bands into your weekly workouts for Strength Building.

 

Fitness Challenge #1: Stretching & Balance  

Dates: Feb. 6 - March 3   Please register by 1/30 for Challenge #1 


Fitness Challenge #2: Strength Building

Dates: March 6 - March 31  Please register by 2/27 for Challenge #2 


In order for you to receive the participation packet, registration is required a week in advance.   

More Information & Registration

Let's Play Bingo!

For the month of February, Bingo players are needed! Once you register you will get a "cool" no-need-for-daubers bingo card by mail. We will draw 2 daily numbers (M-F) until someone gets BINGO! When you get a BINGO! you will call or email us to let us know. Once we verify we have a winner, we'll start another game. If we find it's popular, we may keep playing beyond February.


Please register for this FREE program by Monday, January 25th in order to start playing on February 1st. 


To get the daily numbers call (207) 800-6187 or visit www.windhamrecreation.com and they will be posted on the homepage.

More Information & Registration

Weekly Shopping

Join Windham Parks & Recreation every Thursday morning to go shopping in North Windham. This program is FREE for seniors who can't drive or get to a store on their own. Participants are required to call our office and reserve your spot between Monday - Wednesday of that week. The route and the times may vary slightly each week based upon the number of participants that reserve a spot. Picking up from different locations may require a slight wait. Call us at 892-1905 to reserve your spot. 

Windham Parks & Recreation

8 School Rd

(207) 892-1905

Parks&[email protected]

www.windhamrecreation.com