About
The Barkhamsted Recreation Department has many enjoyable programs for you and your family throughout the year. To stay up to date on all of our current programs please check the website and also "like" the Town of Barkhamsted's Facebook Page. Town traditional events and programs include-The Halloween Dance, Thanksgiving Hike and Pot Luck, Christmas in Riverton-Christmas Crafters Workshop, Ski Club, Karate, Mindful Movement/Yoga, Pickleball, Earth Day, Summer Recreation Camp, Family Fun Summer Event, Moonlight Canoe and Kayak Trip, PaddleBoarding and Kayaing during the month of July and August with Collinsville Canoe and Kayak and many joint programs with the FRCC River Steward Team, FALPS and with other town and local organizations throughout the year. When registering for a program, please mail the registration/payment forms to Barkhamsted Parks and Recreation Department -67 Ripley Hill Road Pleasant Valley, CT 06063. Please sign up before the deadlines to reserve your spot for classes/programs and help ensure safe and fun programs. The deadlines are set prior to the class to help finalize staffing and supplies.
Meetings
Upcoming
Recently Held
May 15, 2023
Recreation Commission meeting
Recording available
Apr 17, 2023
Recreation Commission meeting
Recording available
Mar 20, 2023
Recreation Commission meeting
Recording available
Feb 6, 2023
Recreation Commission meeting
Recording available
Jan 9, 2023
Recreation Commission meeting
Recording available
Latest News
Additional Info
Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Bunny Visit 2023
BIG NEWS!
THE EASTER BUNNY WILL BE HOPPING INTO RIVERTON FOR THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL EGG HUNT!
When: Saturday-April 8, 2023
Where: (The egg hunt will be on the lawn next to the Peter Greenwood Glass Blowing Studio in Riverton)
What time: 2:00 p.m.
What to Bring: Your Easter Basket to join in on the Easter Egg Hunt and a camera! The children will be broken up into two separate age groups for a candy and toy filled Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Recreation Commission. The event will be held rain, snow or shine!!) Please register for the Easter Egg Hunt before Wed. April 5 through this link-https://forms.gle/mvmtnhHDRrVsbXL37
Summer Camp 2023 Registration link and Summer 2023 Employment Application Link
Barkhamsted Recreation Summer Camp Week
Save the Date!
July 17-21, 2023
Register at https://forms.gle/inTtpAXDMYQQyS2d7
The registration deadline is June 3, 2022 or when program is full. Be sure to register early. Space is limited.
We have many new fun activities planned. We hope your child will be a part of this year’s Barkhamsted Recreation Camp week.
Summer Help Wanted
Applications are being accepted for Counselors, Junior Counselors and staff for Summer Camp. Please complete the application from this link- https://forms.gle/E65uMN2ZUHETPD9NA
Deadline is-Monday, April 3 or when positions are full (completed applications must be received by this date.) Junior Counselors must be at least 14 years old and counselors must be at least 16 years old.
Stanclift Cove
Click Here for detailed information about Stanclift Cove
Helping the Wild and Scenic Farmington River
Are you passionate about the Farmington River? Do you enjoy being outdoors and making a difference in the community? Consider offering a few hours of your time to help a great cause. What can you do?
There is a new team of 'Assistant Stewards' for the summer. They will help spread the word about proper etiquette on the river and provide a presence during the busier times. This could be a great learning experience for students majoring in environmental studies/conservation, or just someone who enjoys interacting with others. If interested in learning more please contact - Stephan Bastrzycki - River Steward. The River Steward Team partners with the Recreation Department and other local groups to put on joint events throughout the year. The Steward team is also a part of the Recreation Department's Summer Camp.
Periodically there are river cleanups held on specific stretches of the river. A few people volunteering a couple hours of their time can make a big difference. Check our calendar of events on the home page of the Farmington River Steward website-http://farmingtonriversteward.org/ when the next cleanup become scheduled.
- Consider 'adopting' a small stretch of river and help keep it clean.
If you do not want to actually commit to any hours, be our eyes on the river. The next time you are out on the Farmington and see something that needs reporting, let us know via email.
Maybe it is a downed tree creating a hazard in the water or an area of trash that needs to be cleaned up.
Recreation Program Volunteers
Volunteer Opportunities and Fun Community Events!
Would you like to help as a volunteer for the Recreation Department? There are many opportunities available such as serving on the Recreation Commission which meet the third Monday of each month from September-June at Town Hall at 7 p.m. and program volunteers. Or do you want to help keep the Farmington River Beautiful and a Fun and Safe Place to Recreate? Consider giving some time as a volunteer assistant River Steward or a volunteer for the Recreation Department. There are many opportunities to become invloved. We have several fun joint events throughout the year and are always looking for new volunteers! For more Recreation program info please email-Donna Bastrzycki-Recreation Director barkhamstedrec@barkhamsted.us
Resources and Activities for Families during the COVID-19 pandemic
Resources for Families during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Free Educational Apps, Games and Websites link- https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/free-educational-apps-games-and-websites
Help your family De-Stress with Fun Games and Apps -https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/help-your-family-de-stress-during-coronavirus-uncertainty
Ideas and Links for Movement/Games and Apps- https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/movement-apps-games-and-websites
Apps to help with behavioral health https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/apps-to-help-with-mental-health
Tips from Autism Speaks-https://www.autismspeaks.org/science-news/what-should-autism-community-know-about-coronavirus-outbreak
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
- 5 Ways to View Coverage of the Coronavirus, The American Psychological Association
- Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Child Trends
- How to Talk to Your Child about the Coronavirus, Kids Health
- Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource, National Association of School Psychologists
- Promoting Positive Mental Health for Teens Feeling Isolated, Erika’s Lighthouse
- Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- Free Printable Social Stories to help teach children about the Coronavirus-https://theautismeducator.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-Corona-Virus-Free-Printable-.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1ulf42_sHE6gejRqSA3l-1z6FFpRvVpIiZXzggPDDGiKPn5LJgK0oWIXM
HEALTHY HABITS
- Stay Active While Quarantined with These Fun Videos, Boosterthon
- VIDEO: Trauma-Informed Parenting During COVID-19, Attachment & Trauma Network
- Physical Activities & Family Health and Nutrition Classes, CATCH.org
- Help Your Child Eat STEM for Breakfast, Our Children Magazine
- How to Keep Kids Active & Motivated, The Aspen Institute Project Play
- 8 Indoor Activities to Release Kids’ Energy, PBS Kids
- Dealing with the Cancellation of Youth Sports, Positive Coaching Alliance
- Tackle Spring Cleaning the Right Way with these Tips, Our Children Magazine
Cool and Fun Activities
20 Fun Screen Free Activities-https://savedyouaspot.com/2020/03/12/20-screen-free-things-to-do-with-your-kids-indoors-when-school-is-closed/?fbclid=IwAR3YaV9i_Gq1nP2XFu4ZmqkN6xeiXpaLBjcznFa_sRjFzBlRJ0fZJkHxDYg
Virtual Field trips- (Take a cool trip without leaving the house!) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SvIdgTx9djKO6SjyvPDsoGlkgE3iExmi3qh2KRRku_w/mobilebasic
Boredom Busters-Some fun ideas for the family! https://familyeguide.com/boredom-busters-110-fun-at-home-activities-for-families-kids-2/
Cool Craft ideas! https://projectkid.com/best-quarantine-craft-ideas-for-kids/
Awesome Indoor Ideas including DYI Indoor Bowling! https://www.hisawyer.com/blog/activities-to-do-at-home-as-a-family
Virtual Family Outings!
Travel the globe without leaving the house-- check out Earth cam! https://www.earthcam.com/
Explore Africa and cool animals with this live web cam- https://explore.org/livecams/african-wildlife/african-watering-hole-animal-camera
Check out the National Aquarium with its live broadcast! https://www.aqua.org/Experience/live#btr
Watch adorable puppies on Explore.org live cam! https://explore.org/livecams/currently-live/service-puppy-cam
Coloring Pages
At Home Exercise Workouts
Awesome video series-NCHPAD (National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability
Relaxation and Mindfulness
An Excellent Resource for Parents and Caregivers for supporting those with Autism in uncertain times-from UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Instructive Team-
Game for Autism & SPARK for Autism! continues its free tour across the state of Connecticut in appreciation of SPARK at Yale (https://SPARKforAutism.org/Yale). The event uses the Project CASY Mobile Inclusion Arcade and other cool games. Please see Dr. Roger Jou's post from this link-https://www.facebook.com/165053420875425/posts/529316707782426/
I hope you find these resources helpful and will be putting up more resourceful links.
Donna Bastrzycki-Barkhamsted Recreation Director
FALPS Events
Friends of American Legion and People's State Forest (FALPS)
Tee shirts are in. We have some of the original artwork shirts and a new style. Hats are now in also! They are avalable at the Riverton Store.
Remember to regularly check our Facebook page. You do not have to be ‘on-Facebook’ to get onto the site. Simply type ‘Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forests’ in the search box and it will bring up a link to our Facebook page. Events are FREE unless otherwise stated. Donations are always appreciated.
- Scheduled events: Inclement weather cancels or postpones hikes. Check the FALPS Facebook page or the Town Calendar for Community Events.
FALPS NEWS AND ACTIVITY UPDATE
May 2023
“I have never been for a walk in the woods and been disappointed.”
A quote by Walt Landgraf
Remember:
• The state requires pets to be on a leash no longer than 7 feet.
• New wildflowers will be blooming as the days warm and the daylight lengthens. Listen for the chorus of birds as they search for a mate.
• The woods have a healthy tick population, do yourself and your pets a favor by doing a check after your hike.
FALPS Events
May, 2023
Barkhamsted “Lighthouse” Hike
Saturday, May 6th, 9 a.m., Falls Cut-Off Trailhead, Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted.
Come hike the historical Barkhamsted “Lighthouse” Trail to the site of a Native American community with Dr.
Ken Feder, Professor of Anthropology at Central Connecticut State University. Ken will discuss the Native Americans and their presence in the forest, pointing out burial sites and other archaeological artifacts
and signs. Free and open to all.
Birding 101 and Then Some!!
Saturday, May 20th, 7-10 a.m., site in Peoples State Forest to be announced.
Registration required. Please e-mail ctfalps@gmail.com.
Join expert birder John Weeks and get tips on how to spot birds using your senses such as hearing to recognize birdsong, sight to gain familiarity with flight patterns and habitat. Binoculars are strongly suggested as well as a willingness to watch and listen.
June, 2023
National Trails Day Hike, Peoples State Forest Saturday, June 3rd, 10 a.m. Meet at Nature Museum, Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted. Come join FALPS Board President, Erik Landgraf for a 6-mile hike ,stopping along the way to talk about the history, plants and mammals of the area. Overlooks and boardwalks will be included in this outing.
Matthies North Meadows Plantings, Peoples State Forest Friday, June 23rd, 6 p.m. Meet at the Northern parking lot in Matthies Grove, East River Road, Peoples State Forest. Come join Master Naturalist and FALPS’ Board Member, Dave Lewis, to learn about the various plantings going on at the North Meadows, the reason behind the plantings and the future of the area.
July, 2023
Fairy House Program, Nature Museum, Peoples State Forest Saturday, July 29th, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Peoples State Forest Nature Museum, Greenwoods Road (just up from its intersection with East River Road), Barkhamsted. Come join FALPS Board President, Erik Landgraf and his wife and member, Helen Ann, for a fun family program to make Fairy Houses. A Nature walk to collect Fairy House supplies is included. Assembly will take place on the grounds of the Nature Museum.
Work Updates
• A multi-year project continues in the north field with the most recent work parties on planting new shrubs.
• Trees were removed from the Bronson Trail and the Henry Buck Trail.
We have long sleevet shirts, hats, and tee shirts available at the Riverton Store. Stop in for a sandwich, hot chili/soup, or ice cream and treat yourself to a new hat or tee!
Quote of the Month
“There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature –
the assurance that dawn comes after night and spring after winter.”
– Rachel Carson
If you would like to become a member of FALPS and support our mission and activities, you will eligible for member benefits such as the monthly Better Nature Newsletter by FALPS Board Member Dave Lewis, as well as special events. Please visit https://falps.org/390-2/ for information about joining FALPS. FALPS Contact Information: • Website: https://falps.org/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctfalps/ • E-mail: ctfalps@gmail.com • Mail: FALPS, PO Box 323, Pleasant Valley, CT 06063
Staff & Contacts
Donna Bastrzycki
Director
(860) 379-2895
Please email- Donna Bastrzycki-Recreation Director at barkhamstedrec@barkhamsted.us for questions about programs or camp.
barkhamstedrec@barkhamsted.usTerm:
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Staff & Contacts
Donna Bastrzycki
Director
(860) 379-2895
Please email- Donna Bastrzycki-Recreation Director at barkhamstedrec@barkhamsted.us for questions about programs or camp.
barkhamstedrec@barkhamsted.us
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