WESTFIELD-For Matthew Wroth, the first Father-Daughter Dance in 2002 was the catalyst for his involvement in the Westfield Parks and Recreation Foundation.
“I was asked in 2002 to help start this committee and to kick-off the first Father-Daughter Dance,” said Wroth. “Fourteen years later it’s still going strong.”
Westfield Parks and Rec coach Jeff Sarat rallies his team before a match.
Wroth, a sixth grade teacher at the Westfield North Middle School, also serves as president of the Foundation, along with board members Donna Gogol, Marlene Leblanc, Melissa Alvarado, Crystal Miller and Michelle Johnson.
“We have lost six board members because their children have aged out of Park and Rec programs,” said Wroth, who has a daughter, Jillian, 18, and son, Patrick, 20. “The Foundation is in need of new members who have great ideas for children and family activities.”
Wroth said the commitment to joining the Foundation only requires attending a few meetings a year and most discussions are done using email.
Charlie Anne White receives some tips from Westfield Parks and Rec coach Jeff Sarat on being a goalie prior to the start of a Pee Wee soccer game.
“Our major role is the Father-Daughter Dance which practically runs itself now and only requires tweaking each year,” he said.
The nonprofit Foundation is independent of and separate from the City of Westfield, and promotes and encourages the advancement of parks and recreation, according to Wroth, adding that with fundraisers and other opportunities to solicit funds, the members are able to provide the “extras” to ensure that programs have the resources they need to flourish.
“The Foundation provides a parachute just in case a need arises within a program,” said Wroth.
Charlie Anne White, 5, defends the goal during a Pee Wee soccer game, sponsored by the Westfield Parks and Recreation Department.
On a recent evening in the field behind the North Middle School, four Pee Wee Soccer teams through the Parks and Recreation Department were practicing drills with their coaches before their match began. For parents, the Parks and Rec programs are a vital part of their child’s life.
“Our son Joshua, 5, saw his big brother playing and wanted to follow in his footsteps,” said Jennifer Escarpita. “Parks and Rec programs are cost-effective because they allow a child to try the sport to see if they are interested in it. Also, programs at this age allow children to get to know kids across the city and can form a bond.”
Escarpita said she also sees a benefit for her son in a few years by participating in Parks and Rec programs.
Westfield Parks and Recreation Department coach Jeff Sarat watches as Joshua Escarpita, 5, practices kicking the soccer ball prior to a Pee Wee soccer game.
“When Joshua enters middle school and classes merge, he will already have friends from his time on the soccer field,” said Escarpita.
Keith Plant’s son Shane, 6, was on one of the Pee Wee teams also playing that night and noted that Parks and Rec programs are a “good investment” for kids by teaching them sportsmanship.
“I encourage parents to consider involving their kids in these programs because not only will they enjoy the interaction with other kids but it is also good exercise for them,” said Plant, who was also getting some exercise himself showing his daughter, Jaidon, 9, some soccer moves on the sidelines.
While Keith Plant’s son Shane, 6, was participating in a Parks and Rec Pee Wee soccer game, he was providing some pointers to his daughter, Jaidon, 9, on the sidelines.
For Wroth, these types of programs throughout the year are why he encourages other city residents to consider getting involved or emailing ideas to the Parks and Recreation Department.
“I love being involved and helping out,” said Wroth, adding that during the past few years he has also involved his daughter and son in helping out with programs.
“I enjoy sharing my time and talents and being a part of the team that provides exceptional park and recreation services for the Westfield community,” said Wroth. “I’m also passing on the baton to my children so they understand the importance of giving back to the community.”
For more information on becoming a Foundation member, or to submit ideas for future programming, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (413) 572-6263 or email Jim Blascak, program coordinator, at [email protected].
Westfield Parks and Recreation Coach Jeff Sarat reviews rules of kicking a soccer ball prior to a Pee Wee soccer game.
