|
|
|
|
|
Recreation Director's Report Like past the two summers, the Recreation Area continues to be busy on the daily basis. Finally, after a wet July, the weather has been a little more cooperative during the month August. Also, according to the lifeguards, there has been an increase usage of the swim area in the early evenings. Folks have regularly been coming back after dinner to enjoy the water. 71 Season Passes for the Recreation Area have been sold for 2007, which compares with 52 passes in 2006, 60 in 2005 and 32 in 2004. The Picnic Pavilion has been a popular venue for birthday parties, family reunions, and company outings. For example during the month of July, the pavilion was reserved all except one day. Additionally, Day Camp used the pavilion for six weeks as their outdoor homeroom when they were at the Recreation Area. In 2007 the pavilion has been a popular choice and because of this we've had a number of people call to find out that its already booked. When this happens, depending on the size and nature of the party, we sometimes ask the people if they would like to host their event in the swim area where we can hold smaller events. I do not like saying no and hate loosing business so I do what I can do to accommodate everyone. Another important piece of information to mention is that 20 Tennis Passes have been sold so far for the 2007 season. This compares to the 26 passes that were sold in 2006, 24 passes in 2005 and just 14 in 2004. The 2007 Red Cross Swim Program has been going great. For the third consecutive year the Recreation Department has offered three 2-week sessions of lessons. In 2005, the Recreation Department made the transition from offering just two 3-week swim sessions to offering three 2-week sessions. The main reason for the change was that I wanted to increase usage at the Swim Area during the month August; which is always our slowest time of the season in regards to daily usage. Day Camp is usually finished by this time and it used to be our swim lessons would be finished also so our mid-week crowd was close to non-existent. Generally, our busiest times are while swim lessons are happening. We found that if the lessons are going on then the families are already at the Swim Area and they are more likely to decide to stay longer at Recreation Area on any given day depending on the weather. There were 30 kids registered in the first session of lessons (which compares with 38 in 2006 and 51 in 2005), and in the second session we had 36 registered kids (30 in 2006 and 36 in 2005), and currently now in session three there are 26 kids (34 in 2006 and 30 in 2005) taking swim lessons. Total swim lesson participation numbers are 92 in 2007, 102 in 2006, 117 in 2005, & 72 in 2004. The added session has certainly increased the number individuals the Recreation Area services during any one summer. The Recreation Department is continuing to work closely with the new senior citizen group called "Pittsford Seniors". The Recreation Department connected the senior group with the VT Police Academy in order to organize a luncheon. The two groups met and now the Pittsford Seniors will be hosting a monthly luncheon that will take place the 4th Thursday of every month at the Academy. Each lunch will feature a keynote speaker and a nutritious meal. June Kelly, Asst. Director of the Criminal Justice Training Council is the keynote speaker for this inaugural event. When she is done speaking, she will be giving a tour of the facilities. The Recreation Department is providing important technical support in many ways. For instance, we have helped the group by getting the Senior luncheon message out by creating flyers with our computers, hanging posters around town, and putting an announcement in the last town wide town newsletter. Additionally, the seniors were asked to call the Recreation Department to pre-register for the luncheon. I had residents contact us because the Town Offices are set to take calls professionally and efficiently. Seniors who are trying to pre-registered are guaranteed to reach someone, or at the very least be able to leave a message. This is a simple, but important responsibility that the Recreation Department is happy to fulfill. These seniors are dedicated to creating fun and interesting programs for that particular generation, the success of group will depend on how much they get from the community. Currently the Recreation Department is working to put together an outing for late fall/early winter to a show at the Paramount Theater in Rutland. The Recreation Department has been able to secure reduced rates for our seniors. Transportation is the biggest drawback for these folks. Many have trouble driving at night or simply don't drive at all. The Recreation Department is hoping to be able to provide transportation to and from the show at minimum fee. On Monday, August 13, 2007 the Recreation Department began offing a week long Summer Soccer Camp for kids in grade 3-6. Girls Varsity Soccer Coach at Otter Valley, Dick Williams is running the camp. 15 kids registered to advantage of this wonderful opportunity to get work on their game before their seasons begin. The Recreation Department is interested in offering other sport camps throughout the year. Since May 21, 2007 the Recreation Department has had a student "intern" working with us. Kendra Spotts, a Jr. at Gordon College, of Pittsford has been working part-time to gain experience & knowledge she just couldn't get in a classroom. From day one, Ms. Spotts has demonstrated a positive attitude and she has worked diligently to fulfill her learning plan goals. It didn't take her long to prove that she is a highly motivated individual who could be trusted to think for herself and do the right thing. During her time with us she was asked to do countless number of tasks, jobs, and even fill-in work when someone called in sick to work. Not once did she balk at, question, or belittle what was asked of her, instead, she just did without reservation this showed maturity beyond her age. The Recreation Department and the Town of Pittsford benefited a great deal the past 13 weeks having her as part of our staff. We wish her the best of luck in the future. The Recreation Department is currently working the Fall Brochure. Program highlights include Hunter Safety, Youth Soccer, Pittsford Pumpkin Party, and a Halloween Teen Dance to name a few. For adults we're planning aerobics/kickboxing, yoga, and open gym basketball for men and women.
|
|
|
