WESTFIELD—With school over and adults wanting some outdoor activities for their children, the Westfield Parks and Recreation Department just may have what you’re looking for.
The Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of programs again this summer, and many come with a relatively affordable cost. According to Jim Blascak, event coordinator for Westfield Parks and Recreation, the offerings include many different camps, from sports to leisure activities to creative arts. In addition, other options are provided for children to help get rid of the occasional summer vacation doldrums they experience.
“We have camps,” Blascak said. “We have about four or five different soccer camps, some drawing and painting-type classes, dance camp, field hockey camp, tennis lessons, skateboarding.”
Willow, age 6, is having fun on the swings during Adventure Zone in June 2016, Westfield Park & Rec Adventure Zone. (WNG file photo/Photo by Kellie Adam)
Blascak also said that there are nature programs that children from kindergarten to 5th grade can attend, as well as horseback riding and volleyball camps. In addition, there are even camps that teach potential babysitters, the Children and Babysitters Safety Program, which helps to educate about how to care for younger children, as well as proper safety.
Most of the above programs cost anywhere from $60 to $135 to attend, with supplies often being provided.
But if programs aren’t what you are looking for but rather the traditional summer camp experience, then the city also offers two different versions for children.
“Our big summer program is called Adventure Zone,” Blascak said. “It’s our version of daycare, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.”
The program, which is designed for working parents as an affordable form of child care, consists of care and activities that include field trips on Wednesdays, such as roller skating and going to the movies, as well as trips to the Agawam state pool once a week. The age range is from 5 years old to 12 years old, and costs $110 a week per participant, with additional cost for any field trips. The program has already started but people can still sign up. Adventure Zone runs until Aug. 11.
Children and adults stay cool during the grand opening of Chapman Park in July 2012. (WNG file photo)
If you’re looking for something less costly, or in fact, free, but still allows a child to have activities for most of the day, then the Summer Playground Program may better fit. The program, which is free, runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, starting July 3 and running until Aug. 4, at Papermill Playground, Munger Hill School Playground, Municipal Playground, Chapman Playground, Sadie Knox Playground and Hampton Ponds Playground, is listed as appropriate for children from 6 years old to 12 years old. Children are provided with “games, crafts, sports and tournaments” according to the brochure, and two to three first aid and CPR certified staff members supervise each park.
Finally, if you’re just looking to find a place for your children to cool off this summer, then perhaps spray parks are the answer.
The city provides three spray parks for those seeking a cool refuge from the summer heat—at Municipal Playground, Chapman Playground and Sadie Knox Playground. All three are free to use, have bathrooms and are open seven days a week, from 10:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.
