WESTFIELD-The city’s Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year for kids starting at age three, including special events that involve both parents and children.
While program coordinator Jim Blascak’s son, Brooks, age two, is still too young to participate in programming, by three, “he’ll be ready” says Blascak.
“Brooks already has a hockey stick, golf clubs, soccer and basketballs,” said Blascak, a lifelong resident who has served with the department for 13 years.
“One of the reasons I enjoy my role is that we offer a lot of youth activities for all abilities,” said Blascak, adding that some programming is not based on competition.
“Some of our programs have a non-competitive side,” said Blascak.
Westfield Parks & Recreation Department program coordinator Jim Blascak is seen at Golf Acres where the popular miniature golf tournament is slated June 18.
One popular program that involves both parents and children is the Father/Son and Mother/Daughter miniature golf tournaments. Now in its 15th year, the tournaments are slated June 18 at Golf Acres on Union Street.
“The tournament is a great way to spend quality time with your son or daughter,” said Blascak, adding, “Everyone can play mini-golf.”
The tournament is offered for children from age four to 12 and the winner in each age category receives a trophy. A fee of $30 per team includes a round of 18 holes of golf, a T-shirt and ice cream following the event.
Tee times for the mother/daughter tournament begin at 11 a.m., and the father/son tee times start at noon. There are approximately five-minute intervals between each tee time.
The deadline to register to play is June 17 by visiting the office at 4 Holcomb St.
A rain date for the tournament has been set for June 25.
“Over the years we have built up the programs and now with summer fast approaching, we encourage parents to check out our catalog,” said Blascak.
From nature activities and sports camps to first aid classes and artistic expression sessions, the Parks and Recreation Department’s staff members are ready to make a child’s summer memorable.
Blascak added that the primary objectives of programming for kids includes developing feelings of self-worth, learning the principles of sportsmanship, and most importantly, having fun.
Visit www.cityofwestfield.org and click on the Parks and Recreation Department link to view the current brochure guide.
The Parks and Recreation Department, under the division of the Department of Public Works, offers more than 75 programs year round, as well as oversees 11 playgrounds, 18 parks, four cemeteries, a skate park, three spray parks and a dog-friendly area at Arms Brook Park.
