Park & Recreation Commission

It's time to register for Spring & Summer Programs!

The next session of American Red Cross Babysitter's Training will be offered on Friday, April 16, during the school vacation week.

On May 7 we will have a field trip to Six Flags New England!

Coming in April and May JAZZ DANCE, HIP HOP, LACROSSE CLINICS!

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE!
Check out the camp schedule and the schedule for
INTRODUCTION TO DAY CAMP for 4 to 8 year olds.

SWIMMING LESSONS are offered at Cedar Lake. See details below.

GuardStart for students ages 11 to 14 years old is an introduction to Lifeguarding. More information about the class is provide below.

CELEBRATE SUMMER as we open our season at the annual BEACH PARTY on Sunday, June 27, from 4:00 until 8:00pm, with MUSIC, DANCING, CHILDREN'S CRAFTS, A SAND CASTLE BUILDING CONTEST, AND S'MORES. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy lifeguard swimming until 7:45pm.

Children's Summer Program Day Camp

This program is open to children entering grades 1 through 7. It will meet from 8:45am until 3:00pm, July 12 through August 13, 2010, at North Quarter Park on Mondays and Wednesdays and Cedar Lake on Tuesdays and Fridays. The children take field trips on Thursdays. The fee is $85 per child, per week, and payable at the time of registration. Afternoon Camp is available from 11:30am until 3:00pm any week, for $40. Attending only the afternoon session does not include the field trip, but children may attend all day on Friday. Extended Supervision will be available each day for $2, beginning at 8:30 in the morning and from 3:00 to 3:30pm following the regular camp hours.

PLEASE READ and SAVE the Information Letter for more details AND REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS.

American Red Cross GuardStart!

Back by popular demand, GuardStart introduces students ages 11 through 14 to the job of Lifeguarding and general employment and water safety practices. It will meet during the first full week of the Children's Summer Program Day Camp, the week of July 12, at the same locations as the camp. The program will be held from 9:00am until 2:45pm, but students are welcome to arrive 15 minutes early and stay 15 minutes late to coordinate with the camp program hours. The cost is $45.

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 8 and meets from 8:45am until 12:15pm, Monday and Wednesday at North Quarter Park and Tuesday and Thursday at Cedar Lake, June 28 through July 1. A second session will be held Tuesday and Thursday at Cedar Lake and Wednesday and Friday at North Quarter Park, July 6 through July 9, 2010. 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 is $40 for each 4-day session.

Swimming Lessons

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 Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 29 through July 8. July 13 will be a make-up days if there is severe weather during the first session. A second session will be held on Tuesdays and Fridays July 20 through July 29, with August 3 as a make-up day. The fee is $25 per session. Children must be at least 3 years old and able to attend the classes independent of their parent or guardian.

Cedar Lake 2010 Summer Season

The Town Beaches on Cedar Lake are scheduled to be open for the 2010 season beginning June 19 from 11:00am until 5:00pm, and June 26 through August 22 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

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.