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Date: 6/21/2021
HOLYOKE – After a year filled with COVID-19 restrictions and limited interactions, the Holyoke Parks and Recreation Department is planning a variety of summer programs for children in the community.
Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Maureen Tisdell said the department was unable to host any programming during the summer of 2020. And while restrictions were being lifted in the commonwealth, they were offering a slightly smaller programming schedule than they had in previous years.
“This summer we’re doing all outdoor programs because we can’t rent indoor spaces,” she said. Tisdell said one of the programs being offered this summer was a chess club, which would be hosted at the Community Field Pavilion.
“We have the space, and are making use of outdoor amenities,” she said.
While the department is hosting a chess club, Tisdell said the majority of programs being offered to community children during the 2021 summer were sports based. Programs being offered by the department includes the Edge Soccer Academy Summer Program, tennis for kids and Tennis in the Parks with a USTA tennis coach.
Additionally, Tisdell said they were also hosting a program with a local business. “It’s called 413 Family Fitness, a local fitness place. They’re running kind of a physical dance games obstacle course in Community Field,” she said.
She said while programs would be outside, they would be practicing social distancing. “Because the restrictions are lifted and all our programs are outside, social distancing is recommended, but it pretty much happens anyhow,” she said. “Masks are optional, you don’t need to wear them outside anyway for sports, which is great because it’s hot anyway.”
Tisdell said those participating in programs would just need “basic equipment” such as sneakers, a water bottle, snacks and sunscreen. She said registration fees were dependent on the program, but ranged from $30 to $150.
Those interested in signing their children up for summer programming should visit https://www.holyoke.org/parks-2021-summer-programs/ to print a registration form. Forms and fees should then be sent into the Holyoke Parks and Recreation Department. A full list of times, dates and fees for programs can also be found on the website.