Parks & Recreation

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Director of Recreation and Leisure Services: Kristine Vincent, CPRP

Recreation Supervisor: Daphne Shinder

Program Supervisor: Terri Ziemnicki

Telephone: 860-653-8947 

Website: GranbyRec.com is open 24/7

Parks and Recreation Survey

The Granby Board of Parks and Recreation is seeking input from your household to better understand the community’s parks and recreation needs, wants and satisfaction with current facilities and services offered. 

The parks board will send out an online survey in the next couple of weeks. Your participation will inform the priorities of the development of new programs, services, events and improvements. We look forward to your feedback and input to advance how Granby Parks and Recreation Department and its Board works to best serve our residents, businesses and visitors. 

Toddler and Preschool Programs

Songs and Season Preschool Music: Thursdays, Oct. 7-Nov. 18, 4:30-5:15 p.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Come join us as we learn about music through play. During Songs and Seasons Music Time, children will experience the joy of making music together while building a foundation for lifelong music making. Class will focus on experiencing music fundamentals like in tune singing, high and low register, rhythm, tempo, and music history all though song, dance, and games. This is a parent and child class that is open to children ages 6 months – 4 years. 

Jumpbunch Big Jumpers: Mondays, 10:30-11:15 a.m., at Salmon Brook Park. For ages 3-5 years. Classes are 45 minutes of structured fun. Classes open and close with obstacle courses and creatively scripted songs using ribbon wands, stretch bands, scarves, rhythm sticks, parachutes, bubbles and maracas. Classes feature a different sport or fitness activity each week. We strive to have little or no “sit and wait” time and children will have the chance to touch and experience each sport with their own piece of equipment each class. Sports may include lacrosse, paddle sports, field hockey, t-ball, basketball, soccer, football, track and field, golf, etc.

Youth Programs

Chess Wizards One Day Chess Camp: Saturday, Oct. 9, 12-4 p.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Chess Wizards has been teaching the game of chess since 2002. For ages 6–12. Join us for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games, and cool prizes. You’ll improve your chess skills, meet new friends, and work out your most powerful muscle—your brain! Our camps include fun team chess games (like bughouse), recess time (of course), tournaments, and puzzles. Each camper receives a chess medal and puzzle folder. We include all of the materials necessary for your child to participate. Unleash your brain power and spend time with Chess Wizards!

Spike Volleyball: Tuesdays and Thursdays, Oct. 19-Nov. 11, 4-5 p.m., at Salmon Brook Park. For grades 6–8. Join Coach Cindy for some volleyball fun after school. Because of a big success this past summer outdoors, we are taking the fall program outside too on our own grass courts at Salmon Brook Park. Whether learning to play for the first time or for those looking to have some extra reps, the program will move the young athletes toward their goals. Groups will be made by skill level. Both individual and small group instruction will be provided. Players will learn and refine volleyball skills: passing, setting, hitting, and serving.

Spirit Club at Kelly and Wells: Thursdays, Sept. 30-Nov. 4, 3:30-4:30 p.m. For grades K-5. This program is being offered by All Star Certified Coaches from World Cup Connecticut. The participants will have a great time learning cheerleading basics, such as beginner tumbling, stunts and jumps.

Hip Hop Majorette: Wednesdays, Oct. 20-Dec. 15, ages 8-12 from 4-5 p.m., and ages 13-17 from 5:15-6:15 p.m. At Salmon Brook Park. Hip Hop Dance Team is a team-style specific dance that specializes in hip-hop contemporary movement and does not require technical training. Our hip-hop classes use primarily urban music and stay with the latest dance trends. This is an energetic and fast-paced dance class. This class helps students develop rhythm, musicality, coordination and precision.

Irish Step Dance: Mondays, Oct. 18-Dec. 6, ages 8-12 from 4-5 p.m., and ages 13-17 from 5:15-6:15 p.m. At Salmon Brook Park. A style of performance dance with its roots in traditional Irish Dance. It is generally characterized by a stiff upper body and quick and precise movements of the feet. It can be performed solo or by groups. 

Mad Science: Tuesdays, Oct. 19-Dec. 7, 4-5 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. For grades 1–6. Students explore famous inventors such as Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison, Archimedes, Ben Franklin and even Rube Goldberg, along with the contributions each made to science, engineering and society. Guided by our Mad Scientists, Junior Inventors use their knowledge and creativity to overcome a series of challenges using basic materials, simple machines, tips from famous inventors and the most important of all—their minds! Each student will also bring home a cool science take-away every week! While Thomas Edison said, “Invention is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration,” this program is 100 percent FUN!

After School Yoga: Tuesdays, Oct. 19-Nov. 30, 3:30-4:30 p.m., at Kelly Lane School library. For grades K-2. This yoga class, led by kid’s yoga instructor Aubrey Schulz, will help children feel peaceful in their minds, happy in their hearts and strong in their bodies. This 6-week playful class is filled with yoga, games, music and more. Students will improve strength and flexibility as well as learn how to focus and center themselves with various breathing and mindfulness techniques. They will also learn self-respect and respect for others through fun and challenging poses, partner and group poses and playful activities. There is no class Nov. 2.

Adult Programs

Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED: Saturday, Oct. 23, 2-4 p.m., or Tuesday, Nov. 30, 6-8 p.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. For ages 16 and up. This course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children and infants and meets OSHA/workplace requirements. This is a blended learning course including an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a digital certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years. 

Gentle Restorative Yoga: Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m., at Holcomb Farm North Barn Pavilion.

Gentle Flow Yoga: Saturdays in the fall, ongoing, 10–11 a.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Join Rachel Little for an easy to follow yoga practice that will leave you feeling great! We will combine deep breathing with basic yoga poses to build strength and flexibility, to energize the body and to improve posture and confidence. Modifications are offered as building blocks or to accommodate past injury. After warming the major muscle groups, deeper poses and stretches are offered, using support when appropriate. We will also build community as we reconnect to ourselves and others in a safely spaced, friendly and accepting environment.

Yoga For Strength: Mondays and Fridays, 8–9 a.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Develop strength and flexibility with this more challenging dynamic flow, integrating movement and breath with sun salutations, twists, back bends and core strengthening with an emphasis on proper alignment. Combine this with the cultivation of inner peace and the mindfulness of breath awareness. A complete practice for sure. Modifications always offered. Listening to your body always encouraged. This program is being taught by Laura Fetzer/Seger.

Yin Yoga Aromatherapy: Friday, Oct. 8, 6–7:30 p.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Slow it down with this 90-minute sequence of yin yoga postures (deep stretches held for 3-5 minutes) and aromatherapy (Wisdom of the Earth therapeutic grade essences). By combining the slower, deeper aspects of yin yoga with the healing properties of Wisdom of the Earth’s pure therapeutic grade essences used in aromatherapy, this practice will help to restore balance within the energy systems of the body, leaving you feeling relaxed, renewed and ready to face whatever life is offering you. This practice will bring peace and healing on so many levels. 

Taz Fitness Challenge: Tuesdays and Thursday, 8–8:55 a.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Join long time certified and motivating fitness instructor Terri Ziemnicki for this high energy, low impact fitness class which includes a full body cardiovascular, interval and strength training workout. All fitness levels welcome. Please bring your weights, exercise mat and water bottle. Come be a part of this fun class and great workout!

Taz Low Impact Fitness: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9–9:55 a.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Slow it down with this 90-minute sequence of yin yoga postures (deep stretches held for 3-5 minutes) and aromatherapy (Wisdom of the Earth therapeutic grade essences). By combining the slower, deeper aspects of yin yoga with the healing properties of Wisdom of the Earth’s pure therapeutic grade essences used in aromatherapy, this practice will help to restore balance within the energy systems of the body, leaving you feeling relaxed, renewed and ready to face whatever life is offering you. This practice will bring peace and healing on so many levels.

Special Events

Fall Family Photo Session at the Holcomb Farm: Until Dec. 15. Check out our portraits at beautiful Holcomb Farm. You choose the location either inside near the fireplace or on the grounds with a beautiful New England backdrop. Capture your family in a memorable way with professional, high-quality photos. Individual, couple, and family sessions are available, and we love pets too! You will receive 3-4 digital photos that you can download and print. Once you register with us, Kristen Weldon Photography will contact you to set up a time that is mutually convenient. This is a perfect way to knock that holiday card off your list early! Last year’s event filled up quickly so be sure to reserve your spot today.

Trunk or Treat: Saturday, Oct. 30, 3–4 p.m., at Salmon Brook Park. Join the Parks and Recreation Department together as a community and have a fun afternoon of “trick or treating” at Salmon Brook Park. We want YOU to come to the park at 1 p.m., decorate your trunk and be ready to start giving out goodies at 3 p.m. Get your neighbors, friends, civic groups, book club, co-workers, family and friends together to come up with a great theme—we will be giving out prizes for the best decorated, spookiest, and most creative trunk in the park. Register by Oct. 22.

Octoberfest Scrapbooking Weekend: Friday, Oct. 22, 1-9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. at Holcomb Farm’s North Barn Pavilion. The Town of Granby Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a Friday into Saturday Crop/Craft Event. Friday’s 1–9 p.m. event is $25, and Saturday’s, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. event is $40. If you sign up for both days the cost is $60 (you save $5) and you may leave your supplies set up overnight in our secure facility. Water and soda will be provided. Please feel free to bring your own food or other beverage. You may contact Cheryl Bliss at blister123@cox.net if you have any questions. She will also have demonstrations and crafting items for sale. Enjoy the fun crafting with fellow crafters!

Pumpkin Run 5K at Salmon Brook Park: Sunday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m., open to all ages. Join us for our 4th Annual 5K Pumpkin Run (rain date Oct. 24). Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. This timed, two-loop course in beautiful Salmon Brook Park is mostly grass terrain around the soccer and baseball fields. Run your best 5K ever on a mostly flat course with this no pressure, low key event. Pumpkin medals for all participants. Open to all ages. Run, walk, push a stroller or walk your dog—whichever you choose—just have fun. Advanced registration $15. Day of registration $20.

Moonlit Stroll at Salmon Brook Park: Wednesday, Oct. 20, 6:30-9 p.m., open to all ages. Please join us with this new program. Meet at the Recreation Office at Salmon Brook Park to stroll under the moonlight and stars. This leisurely walk will take you around the park—feel the crisp autumn leaves under your feet and the cool fall breeze on your faces. Please dress for the weather, wear reasonable footwear, bring a water bottle and a hand-held flashlight. Our guide is Judy Cooper. We are meeting at 6:30 p.m. and will begin our walk by 7 p.m. or before if everyone is ready to go sooner. This is a free program, but we ask that you pre-register.