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Date: 12/21/2022
WEST SPRINGFIELD – After more than 25 years working in the West Springfield’s recreation program, Sonia Manley was named the director of the Park and Recreation Department in October.
She takes over from Victoria Connor, who left this year and is now executive director of Stanley Park in Westfield. Manley told Reminder Publishing she started out as an intern with the program, and advanced to administrative assistant and worked as recreation supervisor under Connor.
“I’ve been here quite a while,” she said.
She said West Springfield is “a great town with great facilities.” Her job, she said, is to make them “a little bit better.”
One challenge is parking at the facilities, which she called “huge.” Maintaining the programs is always “the biggest ongoing issue,” she added.
In West Springfield the maintenance of the parkland is the job of the Central Maintenance Department. Her job is to administer the various programs at those facilities.
“It’s a collaboration,” she said.
While the effects of the coronavirus pandemic can still be felt, Manley said, “Things are getting back to normal.”
One issue she has seen is the decline of the number of teenagers interested in the city’s athletic teams. Eighth graders are “dwindling off,” while there are not enough ninth through 12th graders to field teams. She believes those students are participating in athletics through high school programs.
The recreational athletic programs for younger children are going strong, she said, from kindergarten through sixth grade.
Manley said that in those town-sponsored programs “anyone can play” – simply register for a team and pay the fee.
The town offers youth recreational sports including basketball, soccer, baseball, football, cheerleading and swimming, she said.
Park and Recreation also offers youth art classes and summer camps.
The recreation offerings are not just for children, Manley said. There are adult basketball teams as well as yoga programs, to name two.
She added the town has recently added new pickleball courts to Mittineague Park. The sport is gaining in popularity across the country and, Manley said, “It’s actually really fun.” She described it as a combination of ping-pong and tennis.
Residents who wish to play can reserve time on the outdoor pickleball courts at https://forms.gle/AArCAuECobgELV5TA. Reservations must be made in advance, and are for West Springfield residents only. Courts can be registered for informal games only – no tournaments. Manley said she is currently working on organizing a league for the spring.
At this time of year, she is also involved in the annual Santa’s House at 1695 Westfield St. in the small building at the entrance of Mittineague Park. She said families should bring their own cameras. Admission is free, but she encourages visitors to make a voluntary donation which supports Operation Santa, another program in which her department participates that helps West Springfield families in need at this time of year.
Santa can be seen through Dec. 23, daily 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
For more information about programs, visit www.townofwestspringfield.org/government/departments/park-and-recreation.