Park & Recreation Commission

EARLY SCHOOL DISMISSAL FIELD TRIP

Our next field trip will follow the 1:00pm school dismissal on Friday, February 10. Join the Park & Rec Camp Counselors for an afternoon of BOWLING! Children in grades 1 through 6 will be transported with our staff by school bus to AMF Saybrook Lanes. We will return to Chester Elementary School at 4:30pm. The cost is $22 and includes an afternoon snack.

TO REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS Call 526-0013, extension 223

Try a new sport or warm up for the season with LACROSSE PRESEASON CLINICS, on Tuesdays, after school in the Chester Elementary School gym.

ROLLERSKATING is offered in the Chester gym, right after school, throughout the winter and spring.

IT'S HERE! THE SUMMER CAMP ACTIVITIES AND THE CEDAR LAKE SWIMMING LESSON SCHEDULE ARE AVAILABLE. Traditional Camp for students entering grades 1 through 7 will be offered for 6 weeks, from 8:30am until 3:30pm and Introduction to Day Camp for children ages 4 through 7 will meet for four, 4-day sessions, from 8:45am until 12:15pm. Sign up for as many or afew weeks as you wish. Registration information and forms are now available.

CHILDREN'S JAZZ DANCE, THEATRE WORKSHOPS AND ANOTHER SESSION OF KARATE will be offered after school this spring.

ZUMBA
Zumba is offered on Mondays and/or Wednesdays 5:30 until 6:30 at the Chester Town Hall. The price is $30 for 3 classes per per month, $35 for 4, $40 for 5, $45 for 6, $50 for 7, and $55 for 8. Pick how many classes you wish to attend and mix and match Mondays and Wednesdays during the same month. Participants may take a single class for $12.
Zumba WILL NOT MEET on February 20 and February 22.

Children's Summer Program Day Camp

THIS PHOTO ILLUSTRATES GARY STEVENS AND THE CHILDREN CREATING THE MURAL IN THE GAME ROOM AT THE FORMER CHESTER COMMUNITY CENTER.

Our traditional day camp is open to children entering grades 1 through 7. It will meet from 8:30am until 3:30pm, the weeks of July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, August 6, and August 13, 2012, at Chester Elementary School on Mondays and Thursdays and Cedar Lake on Tuesdays and Fridays. The children take field trips on Wednesdays. The fee is $95 per week.

Introduction to Day Camp

If you have ever wanted to try the Chester Parks and Recreation Children’s Summer Program, this half-day camp may be just right for you! The program is offered to children ages 4 through 7 and meets from 8:45am until 12:15pm, Mondays and Thursdays at Chester Elementary School and Tuesdays and Fridays at Cedar Lake, with no camp on Wednesdays, the weeks of July 9, July 16, July 30, and August 6, 2012. The staff and programming are designed specifically to meet the needs of younger children. Activities include games, sports, crafts, nature, swimming and story time. The cost for each 4-day session is $55.

Swimming Lessons 2012

The Swimming Lessons offered at Cedar Lake are open to Chester residents and park pass holders. Non-residents must purchase the pass before registering. These classes are not certified. The small group classes meet on July 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, and 17 with make-up days on July 19 and 20 if there is severe weather during the first session. A second session will be held on July 30, 31, August 2, 3, 6, and 7 with August 9 and 10 as make-up days. Children must be at least 3 years old and able to attend the classes independent of their parent or guardian. The fee is $40 per session. The schedule is nonswimmers 1:00-1:25, swimmers 1:35-2:10, nonswimmers 2:20-2:45, nonswimmers 2:55-3:30, and swimmers 3:40-4:15. Advanced swimmer classes will be made by appointment.

Cedar Lake 2012 Summer Season

The Town Beaches on Cedar Lake are scheduled to be open for the 2012 season beginning June 16 through August 19 with scheduled hours from 10:30am until 6:00pm.  Hours may vary according to staff availability, training, weather, or special programs.  It is the policy of the Chester Park and Recreation Commission that access to the Town parks, including the beaches on Cedar Lake, is by permit only.  Vehicles of residents parked at unstaffed parks must display a public access sticker, which is available at the Town Clerk's Office.  Non-residents must display a park pass on their vehicles at unstaffed parks and show their pass and identification when entering a staffed facility. Non-resident passes are available at Pelletier Park during operating hours for $60.  Chester residents may enter staffed facilities by showing a driver's license, or other proof of residency or taxpayer status with identification.  Residents may bring up to three guests, but must accompany them.  All other guests are $2 each.  Groups of 10 or more must make reservations in advance, submit a certificate of insurance to the Town, and pay a group fee.  

Cedar Lake

The Town of Chester owns Cedar Lake and maintains two public beaches on its shores. The area of the lake is about 80 acres and is fed by two springs and two inlet streams with outflow into the Pattaconk Brook. The lake is about 60 feet deep in the middle. The Town owns approximately one third of the shore. Another third is owned by Camp Hazen YMCA. The remainder is private residences and State owned property, including a boat launch. Chester's main beach, on West Main Street, has a 50,000 square foot swimming area that is as deep as 20 feet in one corner during the spring. The park at the shore is named Robert H. Pelletier Park in memory of the Chester resident who was the Head Lifeguard for more than two decades. The area is 0.7 acres and includes seasonal lifeguard coverage, picnic tables, a pavilion, grills, and a food concession. The smaller beach is located on Cedar Lake Road. It is unstaffed and has no designated swimming area. The beaches require patrons to have a permit. Details and prices may be found on the Park Fee Schedule.

North Quarter Park

North Quarter Park is a 22 acre, multi-use facility, located at the corner of Main Street and Middlesex Avenue. It includes a playground, picnic area, volleyball net, baseball field, and an open field in a wooded setting. The northern section of the park has a well-maintained .5 mile nature trail loop. The end of the trail offers beautiful views of the wildlife and habitat of the Chester Creek. A variety of water fowl, birds, and vegetation can be seen along the trail and in the creek.

Parker's Point Boat Launch

This .6 acre boat launch facility is located at the end of Parker\'s Point Road on the Connecticut River. It offers boat trailer parking and a picnic area with a beautiful view. The shore is a favorite winter eagle viewing location. A permit is required for parking. Details and prices may be found on the Park Fee Schedule.

Chester Creek Overlook

The overlook is a waterfront spot with a .4 acre deck, seating area, and parking lot on the Chester Creek, just a stone's throw from the Connecticut River. It is located at the end of Railroad Avenue. The Town dock at the overlook houses marine rescue and law enforcement watercraft.

Chester Elementary School Baseball Fields

Three baseball fields are maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department at Chester Elementary School, on Ridge Road. This property was originally donated to the Town in 1928 by Jessie C. Bates, Hilton C. Brooks, and William P. Holden for athletic fields. The fields may be available for group usage by submitting the Group Use Application for Chester Park Facilities.

Elizabeth Netsch, Parks & Recreation Director
860 526-0013, Ext. 223
Email: ParkRec@chesterct.org

Register for Programs at 860-526-0013, extension 223

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L'Hommedieu Park

This old mill site is located on Spring Street, along the Pattaconk Brook. It is a peaceful setting with a dam, rushing waters, a picnic table, and views of Mallards, Wood Ducks, Great Blue Heron, and beavers. An historical narrative is posted at the park.