Westborough rec directors report surge in community-center registrations, expand adaptive and adult programming

Recreation Director Jen Kirkland and Senior & Social Services Director Kendra Valdetta told the Select Board on Jan. 13 that the Town of Westborough’s community center at 1500 Union Street has expanded programming and participation since opening.

Kirkland said the recreation department recorded 4,754 registrations in 2025, up from 3,626 in 2024 and 3,823 in 2023, and provided details on programming: "We serve, about 540 kids, from pre-k all the way through high school," she said, while noting the department offered 963 programs and activities in 2025 and estimated about 2,700 participants in open play and pickleball.

Directors said the recreation operation runs with four full-time staff and seasonal/part-time hires funded from the departmental revolving fund and that vendors and volunteers help deliver many programs. Highlights included successful indoor pickleball, expanded adult education classes (digital photography, Spanish, improv), a holiday store that served about 150 families, and the start of birthday-party offerings. Staff also reported a successful monthly adult adaptive social program for adults with disabilities and partnership work with Grafton Recreation to build adaptive youth programming.

Board members asked for clearer metrics and benchmarks to link activities to goals, and staff agreed to produce more detailed MyRec reports backing the presentation’s charts. The board also recommended a sign-in system to better count open-play participants and noted liability and operational implications. Directors said they will continue outreach and marketing (wesperrec.com) and consider adjustments to hours and program timing based on demand.

The board thanked staff for the update and encouraged continued goal-setting and improved data tracking ahead of budget discussions.