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

Granby Youth Basketball

Still taking registrations. Granby Parks and Recreation strives to provide a positive recreational basketball program for youths in grades K-8. Coaches develop individual skills, foster teamwork and proper sportsmanlike attitudes and strive to establish a foundation of basics for future support of the high school programs. Most importantly, we create an opportunity for children to be with their friends, make new friends and have fun. We are following all state and local COVID policies and masks will be required by all indoors. This program is open to girls and boys in grades K–8. Fee: $130.

Special Holiday Events

Santa at Salmon Brook: Saturday, Dec. 11, 2–4 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park. Don’t miss this opportunity to spend some time with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch. It is a great beginning to the Ho-Ho-Holiday season. Change your game from “naughty” to “nice” before it is too late and spend some time with Santa before he embarks on his annual journey around the world. Bring your wish list and your camera and snap a selfie with jolly old Saint Nick. Activities include a craft, holiday music, cookies and hot chocolate, make reindeer food and enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride around the park. Children will be able to sit on Santa’s lap for parents to take photos. Pre-registration is required at GranbyRec.com and register early as space is limited. This is a free program limited to Granby residents.

Holiday Marketplace: Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6 at Holcomb Farm. The Granby Artists Association and Granby Recreation are collaborating to offer you a wonderful holiday shopping event. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and check out this fantastic marketplace and art sale, featuring work from Granby’s finest artists. You will find treasures to wrap, handmade cards, stocking fillers and much more.

Fall Family Photo Session: Ready to pause time with a beautiful memory? Check out our portraits at beautiful Holcomb Farm. You choose the location either inside near the fireplace or outside 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 three or four 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 up to Dec. 15. Last year’s event filled up quickly so be sure to reserve your spot today.

Holiday House Decorating Contest: Do you decorate your home or business every year? Why not enter a contest to get rewarded for all of your hard work and creativity? Join the Granby Recreation Department for the second Holiday House Decorating event to spread some holiday cheer. This free event is for Granby residents only. Last year’s response made this a huge success. One winner will be selected in each of the following categories:

Griswold Award: Because you can never have too many lights!

A Christmas Story Award: Best display that has an organized appearance or theme

The Norman Rockwell Award: Best traditional display

The winner in each category will receive a $50 account credit towards any Granby Recreation program and bragging rights. Your house will be featured on the Granby Rec Facebook Page. Registration by 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 13.

This year we are opening up the voting to any town resident. Please email your votes to recreation@granby-ct.gov by 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 20. Winners will be notified, announced on our website and posted on our Facebook page Tuesday, Dec., 21. We will post a link with the map of all entries on Dec. 14.

Create Your Own Holiday Centerpiece: Tuesday, Dec. 21, 6–7 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Create your very own Holiday Centerpiece to put on your dining room or living room coffee table this holiday season. It will brighten up your room and your guests will be in awe that you created such a masterpiece. Join us with professional florist Jessica from Long Stem Floral Shop in East Granby. The Do-It-Yourself project includes a candle, fresh winter greens, fresh flowers and berries. We will also add a bow, pinecones or small ornaments. Everything you need will be proved for you. Please feel free to bring your own snacks and beverages. Great night out to be creative and share some fun holiday time with friends. Fee: $48.

Food Explorers Christmas Break: Monday, Dec. 27, 2–5 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. For grades 2–6. Join Food Explorers for an afternoon of holiday recipes. You’ll learn how to make a tasty Peppermint Bark Dip and Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberry Santas, plus you’ll play some fun games and activities about food. Each child will make their own individual portion. All recipes are nut free but do contain dairy. Fee: $52.

Holiday Modeling and Fashion Camp with Photo Shoot: Monday through Thursday, Dec. 27–30 at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. John Casablancas’ Modeling and Fashion Camp provides girls and boys ages 5–11 years with a wonderful experience of learning the tips of looking like a model, developing their etiquette skills for a setting, feeling good about themselves by strengthening their confidence inside and out and tapping into their fashion talents. This four-day camp over the school holiday break consists of a different activity each day. Makeover Monday: campers will learn about one another, walking the runway, and practicing makeup and hair. T-Shirt Tuesday: campers will design their own t-shirts. Bring runway shoes. Photo Famous Wednesday: campers will get to work with a High Fashion photographer. Bring an extra outfit just in case it is needed. Fashion Show Thursday: campers will do their hair and makeup for their fashion show performance. Fee: $122.

Toddler and Preschool Programs

Granby Parks and Recreation Department has on-going classes for toddlers and preschoolers. Please call 860-653-8947 to try one out.

Jumpbunch: Tuesdays, Jan. 4–Feb. 22, 4:15–5 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Little Jumpers (18 months to 3 years) at 3:20-4 p.m. Big Jumpers (ages 3–5) at 4:15-5 p.m. Each class includes warm-ups, floor exercises, the sport/activity of the week, stretching and then cool down. A different sport or fitness activity is introduced each week. We strive to have little or no “sit and wait” time. Children will have the chance to touch and experience each sport with their own piece of equipment for each class. Classes also include use of creatively scripted songs to open and close class that include ribbon wands, rhythm sticks, stretch bands, maracas, and scarves. Sports may include lacrosse, paddle sports, field hockey, t-ball, basketball, soccer, football, etc. Fee: $139 Little Jumpers/$155 Big Jumpers.

Songs and Seasons Preschool Music Class: Thursdays, Jan. 13-Feb. 17 at the Workshop at Holcomb Farm. Join us as we learn about music through play. Children ages 6 months to 4 years (with caregiver) will experience the joy of making music together, all 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. Fee: $125.

Youth Programs

Granby Parks and Recreation Department has on-going after school programs. Your child can join any time. Programs include Rock Wall Climbing, Volleyball, Spirit Club, Hip Hop, Irish Step Dancing, Yoga, Food Explorers, Fashion and Modeling, Tennis Lessons and PE Games and Activities.

Chess Wizards Chess Camp One Day Program: Saturday, Dec. 11, 12–4 p.m. at Holcomb Farm Workshop. Chess Wizards has been teaching the game of chess since 2002. Children aged 6–12 can 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. The 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. Fee: $65

After School Spirit Club: Thursdays, Jan. 27–March 3, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Wells Road and Kelly Lane schools. Join us for a six-week after-school cheerleading program. This fun class is for boys and girls in grades K–5 and is being held at both Kelly Lane School and Wells Road School. This program is being offered by All Star Certified Coaches from World Cup Connecticut. Participants will have a great time learning cheerleading basics, such as beginner tumbling, stunts and jumps. Fee: $100

Adult Programs

Adult Basketball: Mondays and Thursdays, Jan. 3–April 21 at the middle school gym. Granby Parks and Recreation is again offering the very popular adult, co-ed pick-up basketball program. Granby residents can either pay $75 for entire season, both nights (which comes out to under $2.75 per night) or pay a $5 drop-in fee per night. Non-residents will pay a drop-in fee of $10 per night.

Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED: Sunday, Jan. 30, 2–4 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. This course for ages 16 and up 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. The course includes an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. Upon successful completion 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, 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 taught by Laura Fetzer/Seger.

Yin Yoga Aromatherapy: Friday, Dec. 17, 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.

TAZ Fitness Challenge: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 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.

TAZ Low Impact Fitness: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9–9:55 a.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room.

Indoor Pickleball: Thursdays, Jan. 6–Feb. 17, 7:30-9 p.m. at the high school gym. Do you want to learn the game of pickleball—or do you already know how to play and looking for a place to play this fun game with your friends and also meet new people? Join us for this 6-week indoor winter program. All abilities are welcome. Equipment will be provided or you are welcome to bring your own racquet. Please wear sneakers and bring your own water bottle. Popular instructor, Nancy Geaglone, GMHS PE instructor is running this program. She will be teaching the game/rules to interested beginners and will set up tourneys for advanced players if they would like. This lifelong activity is gaining a lot of popularity and fun for all ages. Fee: $65

Scrapbooking Weekend/January Crafting Event: Jan. 21–22 at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Friday, Jan 21, 1–9 p.m. for $25 and Saturday, Jan. 22, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. for $40. Sign up for both days for $60 and 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. There will be demonstrations and classes. Enjoy the fun crafting with fellow crafters.