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Bristol readies summer camp, new playgrounds and a slate of trips and concerts
Summary
Bristol officials say summer camp registrations closed June 1 with 470 children enrolled, recent playground replacements finished and a slate of trips and concerts planned; a campership program and local donations will help low‑income families attend.
Bristol Town Administrator Steve Kenti and Recreation Director Warren Renous told listeners the town’s recreation department has finished multiple playground replacements, enrolled 470 children in this year’s summer camp and organized concerts and trips through the summer.
"Right now we have 470 children," said Warren Renous, the town’s recreation director, noting registrations closed June 1 and enrollment is roughly 30–40 children higher than last summer. He said the six‑week camp (32 days) costs $300 for the first child and $250 for each additional sibling and includes an option for daily lunch and bus transportation from five neighborhood playgrounds.
The recreation department recently completed upgrades at Cedar Crest Park (Fatima Drive) and the Rock B playground near the marina, replacing unsafe equipment and coordinating the work with Harbor Master Greg Marc. Renous said air conditioning was added this year to the Quinta Gamblin community center on Asylum Road so rainy‑day programming can continue indoors.
Renous described a local campership program that provides scholarships to children who cannot afford camp fees. "We’re offering about 20" camperships so far, he said, and added that private donors and organizations have contributed, highlighting a $2,000 gift from the Knights of Columbus. He also said the recreation department will run a nine‑hole tournament to raise additional campership funds.
On entertainment, Renous outlined a lineup of trips and performances — including a Neil Diamond tribute, Mama Mia and Hamilton — and said bus seats for some trips sold quickly. Maryann Quinn, coordinator of senior activities, described the "Concerts on the Common" schedule: a beach kickoff on June 18, weekly Commons concerts starting July 11 and a final beach performance Sept. 6.
Renous said Peter Squatrito, the concession operator at Bristol Town Beach, will continue to provide food during events and that hours will expand around special summer programming. He encouraged residents to stop by the community center on Asylum Road (the entrance to Colt State Park) or visit the town website for program registration and information.
The recreation department emphasized that scholarships, transportation and upgraded facilities aim to broaden access to summer programs; residents interested in sponsoring a child or volunteering were directed to contact the recreation office.
