LYNNFIELD — With the summer season rapidly approaching, there is good news on the horizon for the Lynnfield Recreation Commission, which announced this week that it will be open for business this summer.
Recreation Chairman Rich Sjoberg said the response from residents has been overwhelming.
“Registration is open and presently, the response has been incredible,” he said. “When the news got out, Julie’s phone (Recreation Director Julie Mallett) just exploded so we couldn’t be happier with the response. It’s great for the town and great for the kids and their families.”
Plans call for the Lynnfield Recreation Station seven-week program for grades 1-8 at Lynnfield Middle School to start June 22 and run through Aug. 7. The Rec Jr. seven-week program for incoming kindergartners begins June 24 and runs through Aug. 6. Rec. Jr. has been moved from its normal Central Office location to Summer Street School to allow for more activity space. Both programs will have full access to the school’s restrooms.
Strength and conditioning programs for elementary through high school, impact sports labs, field hockey, girls lacrosse and golf programs are also being offered, Sjoberg said.
Sjoberg said that more than 55 kids have already signed up for Rec Jr., a program he says normally attracts about 40 kids on average.
COVID-19 has taken its toll on Recreation programs: Day trips, like the ferry trip to Martha’s Vineyard, and Rec Adventure trips, like white water rafting, will not be offered.
“None of the places we usually have for day trips and adventure trips are open, so that was a decision we didn’t have to make,” said Sjoberg.
Sjoberg said based upon discussions with Health Inspector Kristin McRae, the town concluded that the programs offered by Lynnfield Recreation (and also Lynnfield Community Schools), “are not considered camps, therefore, the (state) day camp guidance protocols do not apply,” adding that temperature scans and on-site nurses will not be required.
Nonetheless, strict adherence to guidelines will be expected. From drop offs to the end of every program, social distancing will be required at all times. When social distancing is not possible, masks must be worn. Activity groups will be limited to 10 children. All equipment will be cleaned after each use. Kids must bring their own drinks and snacks and food may not be shared. Kids and staff members must stay home if not feeling well. At pick up, parents must remain in their vehicles at all times. Kids will be returned to their parents, one at a time. In the case of rain, activities will be canceled for the day.
Children are allowed to ride their own bicycles to programs.
Sjoberg said getting the summer programs up and going has been a town-wide team effort with the Lynnfield Fire Department and Department of Public Works, offering PPE (masks/gloves/cleaning supplies) at discounted town-purchased rates. The Fire Department will also provide training to all Recreation and Community School staff.
“The town has been fantastic working with us and has been so gracious to share their PPE with us,” he said. “Chief Davis especially has been great at hunting down those 99 cent masks. Julie (Rec Director Mallett) and I have been working closely with Town (Administrator), Sarah Perkins, the new Community Schools director, and Superintendent Jane Tremblay regarding both Lynnfield Recreation and Community Schools’ ability to hold much needed summer programming for kids. We could not have done this without their positive support.”
For more information or to register, go to https://lynnfieldma.myrec.com/info/default.aspx.
