Swampscott rec department taking advantage of high school facilities

SWAMPSCOTT-Facilities at the new high school and the former Temple Israel are proving beneficial to the town recreation program.Swampscott Recreation Department Director Danielle Strauss said the Recreation Department is expanding its programming and making use of the new high school facilities.?The programs are growing so much,” she said. “Sports are an important part of recreation, but I believe recreation is about more than sports. I really believe recreation is about kids, adults, family and community events.”There are eight new adult recreation classes being offered at the high school starting Oct. 29. The classes include conversational Spanish, beginner piano, open weight circuit, muscle conditioning, wine tasting, knitting, flower arranging and low impact aerobics. The classes, which meet once or more a week, range in price from $20 to $50, plus materials. Residents can register for the classes at www.swampscottrec.com or by calling 781-596-8854.In addition to the adult classes, a number of other new programs are in the works including events for the whole family.?One of the things we would like to do is have a Swampscott Has Talent event,” she said. “We have a lot of talented people in town and this would be a fun way to showcase their talents and it would be a great community event.”Strauss said there is a gymnasium in the former Temple Israel that the recreation department would like to utilize as well.?Obviously we have new facilities at the high school, but there is so much of a demand to use that space,” she said. “Some people told me they used to play basketball at Temple Israel when they were kids. We have two portable basketball hoops from Machon School we can put over there for a basketball program.”Strauss said the gymnasium space in the former temple could also be used as an indoor tennis court in the winter.Strauss, who is a part time employee, said given the scope of the recreation department and the number of programs being offered, she needs assistance from the community.?We are looking for people to serve on the Recreation Commission,” she said. “I’d also love to hear from people who have ideas for events and activities.”Anyone interested in serving on the Recreation Commission can download a volunteer application at www.town.swampscott.ma.us or call Strauss at 781-596-8854.