Director of Parks and Recreation: Kristine Vincent, CPRP
Recreation Supervisor: Daphne Shinder
Program Supervisor: Terri Ziemnicki
Telephone: 860-653-8947
Website: GranbyRec.com
Summer Camp Registration is now open. Day Camp, Mission Adventure and a plethora of summer sports, enrichment, fitness and wellness camps for children of all ages just announced. Visit GranbyRec.com
Special Event
Junk in your Trunk Community Tag Sale: Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Join us for our first–ever Junk in your Trunk Community Tag Sale, a lot full of cars with folks selling unwanted treasures. Shoppers browse and buy with the convenience of it all being in one spot.
To sell, register online. Each parking space is $25. Register for one or more.
To shop, just show up at Salmon Brook Park, admission is free. The event is in the open air but please follow local health guidelines in place at time of the event. It’s best to bring some cash, as some sellers may not have a way to accept cards. An outside company will pick up any items that didn’t sell that you would like to donate.
Toddler and Preschool Programs
Basketball Skyhawks Hoopster Tots, ages 3 and 4: Saturdays, April 2–May 21, 11–11:55 a.m. for age 3; 12–12:55 p.m. for age 4, at SBP Basketball Court. We play a variety of fun games to develop balance, movement and other motor skills. The program introduces fundamental basketball skills and team concepts to participants as well as promoting listening and following instructions. The class is very active, engaging and fun. Adjustable hoops and appropriately sized basketballs are used to always provide just the right amount of challenge. Cost $99.
Soccer Shots Mini-Toddlers, age 2: Sundays, April 10–May 22, 8:15–8:45 a.m. at Salmon Brook Park. Soccer Shots Mini is a high-energy weekly program introducing young children to fundamental soccer principles such as using your feet, dribbling and the basic rules of the game. Through fun games, songs and positive reinforcement, children will begin to experience the joy of playing soccer and being active. Each child will receive a Soccer Shots jersey. No equipment is necessary. All COVID guidelines will be followed. Cost $90.
Super Soccer Shots Classic Program, ages 3–5. Sundays, April 10–May 22, 9–9:45 a.m. or 10–10:45 a.m. Soccer Shots Classic utilizes creative and imaginative games to focus on basic soccer skills like dribbling, passing and shooting. We also highlight a positive character trait each session such as respect, teamwork and appreciation. All COVID guidelines will be followed. Soccer balls are provided during this 6-week program. Cost $105.
JumpBunch Little Jumpers, 18 months to 3 years: Tuesdays, April 5–May 31, 3:30–4 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. JumpBunch classes are 30 minutes of structured fun. Classes open and close with obstacle courses and creatively scripted songs using ribbon wands, stretch bands, scarves, rhythm sticks, bubbles and maracas. After our opening activities— classes feature a different sport or fitness activity each week, with 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. Caregiver must remain with their child. Visit JumpBunch.com to find out more about this popular program. Cost $139
Jump Bunch Big Jumpers, ages 3–5: Tuesdays, April 5–May 31, 4:15–5 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. JumpBunch classes are 45 minutes of structured fun. 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, with 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. Please wear athletic clothes, sneakers and a mask and bring a water bottle. Cost $155.
April Vacation Programs
Tennis Lessons: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday, April 11–13. Ages 6–9 from 10–10:55 a.m. and ages 9–16 from 11–11:50 a.m. at SBP tennis court. These tennis lessons are geared to the beginner and intermediate youth player. Instructed by Kevin Imbt, GMHS tennis team coach. Participants should bring an appropriately sized racquet, lots of water, towel and sneakers. Friday will be used to make up cancelled lessons due to heavy rain, etc. Cost $30.
Granby Bears Youth Basketball Clinic, grades K–8: Wednesday/Thursday/Friday, April 13–15. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at SBP basketball court. Led by the Granby Memorial Girls Varsity Basketball Coach, Mike D’Angelo, join us for some fun in this co-ed skills clinic outdoors at Salmon Brook Park. D’Angelo and his coaching staff and players will work with the kids on ball handling, passing, shooting and incorporate skills games. It is a great way to spend time with friends during spring break and get some outdoor exercise. Each participant should bring their own basketball and water bottle. Cost $60.
Granby Bears Spike Volleyball Camp, grades 6–8: Monday–Thursday, April 11–14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at SBP volleyball court. Join Coach Cindy for something to do over the break, enjoy the spring weather while playing and learning all the skills of volleyball outside. Groups will be made by skill level. Both individual and small group instruction will be provided. Players will learn and refine their volleyball skills: passing, setting, hitting and serving. Each day will be packed full of fun and fast-paced drills, games, activities, and prizes. Cost $110.
Chess Camp with Chess Wizards, ages 6–12: Monday–Friday, April 11–15, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. or 9 am–3 p.m. (half or full day option), at SBP Gathering Room. Team chess games, puzzles, skill-building, and team and individual physical games are just some of the ways we integrate the whole person into our camp activities. A sample day might include exploration of a technical chess concept, fun group challenges which hone specific chess thinking patterns, a healthy snack, a mini-tournament, capture-the-flag and blob tag. Or creating and designing your own chess piece to be used in a practice game with your new friends. After all, it’s camp— we want to make memories that students will carry with them through the upcoming school year and beyond. We include all the materials necessary for your child to participate, but full day kids should bring a lunch. Cost: $259 half day / $392 full day.
Food Explorers Camp, grades 3–6: Monday, April 11, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. at Holcomb Farm Kitchen. Join Food Explorers for a Pastry Bootcamp! You’ll learn how to make mix, roll and cut your own pastry to create two delicious recipes: pop-tarts and mini pies! Each child will make their own individual portions, all recipes are nut free but do contain dairy and/or eggs. Cost $59.
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.
Intro to Wrestling, grades 4–8: Wednesdays, April 6–May 25, 3:30–5 p.m. at Granby Memorial High gymnasium. Explore the fundamentals of Folkstyle wrestling with Certified High School wrestling coach, Officer Joe Adams from the Granby Police Dept. This 8-week program will teach basic stance, footwork, game sense and camaraderie. Team and individual development will be a primary focus. This is a great start to learning what wrestling is all about, and great preparation to play at the next level, including at the high school! If your child plays other sports, this will also enhance balance, body control, agility and mental strength with the other sports they play. Participants should wear shorts and a t-shirt. Socks are ok, but wrestling shoes are preferred. Head gear is also recommended. Please no jeans, snaps, buttons or jewelry. Granby Recreation is excited to offer this new program. Cost $65.
After School Outdoor Floor Hockey: Grades 3–5 on Thursdays, April 7–May 26 from 3:45–4:45 p.m. Grades 6–8 will meet on Tuesdays, April 5–May 24 from 3–4 p.m. At SBP Basketball Court. Join some outdoor fun on Thursday afternoons for 8 weeks playing floor hockey on the basketball courts at Salmon Brook Park. Each week different teams will be formed and games will be played. All equipment will be provided. Participants should dress for the weather. Sneakers should also be worn. No experience is required. Cost $50.
Granby Bears Spring Volleyball, grades 6–8: Thursdays, April 7–May 26, 4–5 p.m. at SBP. Join Coach Cindy for some volleyball fun in the spring. Because of a big success this summer we are taking the spring program outside on our grass courts at Salmon Brook Park. Enjoy your spring weather while playing and learning all the skills of volleyball outside. Whether learning to play for the first time or for those looking to have some extra reps, the spring 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 their volleyball skills: Passing, setting, hitting, and serving. Each week will be packed full of fun and fast–paced drills, games, activities, and prizes. Cost $110.
Food Explorers, Kids Make Dinner, grades 2–5: Tuesdays, April 5–May 10, 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Holcomb Farm Kitchen. Join Food Explorers for our weekly dinner club! Each week you’ll make your own dinner and learn all about food and cooking. You’ll be making Bruschetta Orzo Salad, Four-Fold Quesadillas, Muffin Tin Pizzas and Veggie Tot Nachos. Each child will make their own portion. All recipes are nut free, but may contain dairy and eggs. Cost $85.
Food Explorers, Kids Baking, grades 2–5: Tuesdays, April 5–May 10, 6–7 PM at Holcomb Farm Kitchen. Join Food Explorers to bake some spring themed treats: Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits, Fruity Crumbles, No-Bake Fruit Tarts and Cheesecake Trifles. Each child will make their own portion. All recipes are nut free, but may contain dairy and eggs. Cost $85.
Adult Programs
Sunflower Wreath: Saturday, April 9, 1–3 p.m. at SBP Gathering Room. Create a beautiful eye-catching Sunflower Wreath! Using colored burlap and a wire form you will fold and secure the “petals” to make a picture-perfect flower that never required watering. All supplies will be provided. Wreath is approximately 20” wide. Cost $45.
Pickleball: Outdoor Springtime: Wednesdays, April 27–June 1, 5:30–7 p.m. or 7–8:30 p.m. at SBP tennis courts. 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 meet new people? Join us for this 6–week summer program on Wednesday evenings at SBP on the tennis courts (also lined for pickleball). Equipment will be provided or you are welcome to bring your own racquet. Please wear sneakers and bring your own water bottle. Nancy Geaglone, GMHS PE Instructor, will be teaching the 5:30 p.m. session and Kim Chamberlain, Enfield PE Instructor will be teaching the 7 p.m. session. They will be teaching the game/rules to any interested beginners and will set up tourneys if the advanced players would like. This lifelong activity is gaining a lot of popularity and fun for all ages! Cost $65.
Adult Rec Basketball: Mondays and Thursdays, 7–9 p.m. at Granby High Community Gym. Join Granby Rec for our very popular men’s free play basketball program, with pick-up games. Cost $75 season pass or $5 drop in residents, $10 drop-in non-residents.
Yoga for Strength: Monday or Friday, 8–9 a.m. at SBP 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. Modifications always offered. Listening to your body always encouraged. Instructor is Laura Fetzer/Seger. Cost $100 per session/$15 drop-in fee.
Gentle Flow Yoga: Saturdays, 10–11 a.m. at SBP Gathering Room. Join Rachel Little for an easy-to-follow yoga practice that will leave you feeling great. Combining 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. Cost $100 per session/$15 drop-in fee.
American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED: Sunday, April 24, 2–4 p.m. at SBP Gathering Room. 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. The online portion must be completed prior to attending class. Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a digital certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years. Cost $100.
Pawsitive Steps Dog Training: Beginner classes Friday, 10–11 a.m.; Monday, 6:30–7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, 6:30–7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 4–5 p.m. Intermediate classes Thursday, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Classes held at SBP Gathering Room. New sessions begin every six weeks. Join well-known certified dog trainer Kim Michalewicz for this great introductory seven-week course to learn how to effectively communicate with your best friend. Time will be spent learning to socialize your dogs to a variety of situations. Learn about normal canine behavior and how to problem solve to help your dog fit into our human world. Appropriate household behavior, handler attention, basic obedience and coming when called will be covered. Open to all dogs. There is no prerequisite for the beginner class. For the intermediate class, please speak with Kim prior to registering. Please contact Kim with any questions. 860-614-6625 or kim_michalewicz@hotmail.com Cost $170.
Bus Trips
Boston Red Sox vs Milwaukee Brewers at Fenway: Friday, July 29. We are lucky to have seats in right field boxes #87 and #88 for this game (under the retired numbers in right field). Our deluxe motorcoach will leave the Granby Town Hall parking lot at 3:15 p.m. for the 7:10 p.m. game start time. Cost $139.
World Famous Bronx Zoo: Monday, Aug. 22. An exciting trip to the world-famous Bronx Zoo, with award-winning, cutting-edge exhibits featuring over 4,000 animals. There is no other zoo in the world that offers the diversity, superb viewing, and world-renowned expertise that assures a rewarding experience and the knowledge that visitors can make a difference in the world around them.
Whether you’re nose-to-nose with Western Lowland Gorillas in their famous Congo Gorilla Forest, spotting Snow Leopards in their naturalistic Himalayan Highlands Habitat, or experiencing almost an acre of an indoor Asian rain forest, you’re always within roaring distance of the world’s most amazing wildlife.
In the end, you’ll know that your admission fees went to a conservation organization that has more expert researchers in the field than any other. The Total Experience Deluxe package includes zoo shuttles, Wild Asia Monorail, Bug Carousel Children’s Zoo, the New 4-D Theater, and the Congo Gorilla Forest. Cost $76.
New York City: Saturday, July 11. These days in the city on your own are to enjoy the Big Apple—see Chinatown, Little Italy, Central Park, a museum, the zoo, a Broadway show or shop—use your imagination. The usual drop-off points in NYC are The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Plaza Hotel and Rockefeller Center. Cost $48.