SWAMPSCOTT — After it was abruptly canceled last month, the Kids Stand Up Paddleboard Summer Program is back on at Fisherman’s Beach and is set to begin Monday.
The program was originally supposed to start June 27, and the abrupt cancellation on June 18 sparked furor from town residents who accused the town of mishandling the annual tradition. The cancellation stemmed from a failure by the town to file a permit for a storage container.
“I’m furious, this is too important a program for such a short season to be mishandled like this,” said Select Board member and parent Katie Phelan. “I’m sad for the kids, for my kids, and with that we must do better. I’m additionally furious that I have yet to receive my refund.”
The revived program will kick off July 18, and run for four weeks, concluding on Aug. 12. Town Recreation Director Danielle Strauss helped restart the program, which will allow kids time aboard new paddle boards and time to chill out with spontaneous beach activities. Other activities include tie-dye, flash dances, treasure hunts, spike ball and more.
“We heard from the community and we decided to do our own version of this program, after figuring out what we can do,” Strauss said in an interview Thursday.
Strauss was able to revive the program by finding two storage lockers to store equipment and paddleboards.
“There’s plenty of space in these two lockers for equipment. I’m excited to see the kids be on the water and utilize this beautiful waterfront.There will be a total of four instructors to watch over and teach the kids. This program is welcome to everyone, not just Swampscott residents,” she said.
Courtney Russo, an English teacher, field hockey coach, and fitness instructor at Swampscott High School, will serve as program director.
Strauss said the town hopes to expand the program in the near future.
“We hope by this year to have a paddling program for adults and potentially have an even more inclusive program next year with families,” said Strauss.
Kevin Reen, a Swampscott police officer with prior paddling experience, will go over safety with the kids during the program.
“Our top priority is safety both on and off the water. Next priority is to have fun!” said Strauss.
Magella Cantara can be reached at [email protected].
