Registrations strong for summer programs; schedules set for playgrounds and swim lessons

Parks and Recreation staff reported that summer playground staff are hired, training is underway, and registrations are above average for the first session; playground programs are set to begin Monday, June 15. The department highlighted upcoming events: 'Sips, Snacks and Sounds' (a beer garden at Centennial Park sponsored by Hartford Community Service, Inc.) scheduled for June 19 with Brewed Omen and Mr. P’s Grilled Cheese as vendors and music by Van Bibber, and 'Cops, Rods and Reels' on June 24 at Mill Pond for ages 7–14.

At Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center, open swim began May 30 with regular season hours starting June 11 and morning water walking beginning June 8. Swim lesson sessions are scheduled to begin the week of June 15 (two-week Monday–Thursday sessions) and another session begins June 29. The Indoor Family Aquatic Center’s sessions began May 27 and the next session starts June 22. Staff noted attendance has been a bit low early in the outdoor season due to windy and not especially hot weather, and maintenance staff are improving startup logs and documentation to track mechanical and maintenance issues.