7928-R5_NewGloucester_2020-2021_AnnualReport_Web

ANNUAL REPORT Parks & Recreation

FY21 was another transitional year for the New Gloucester Recreation Department. The former Director moved on and I assumed the role at the end of October 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic was still very uncertain. Individual use of outdoor spaces and outdoor recreation programs were the safest options to provide recreation opportunities during that timeframe. The parks and outdoor courts saw more use than they had in years past as folks were forced to recreate close to home and within their households. We saw games of pickleball that spanned generations as well as a noticeable increase in the use of the track and the fairgrounds playground. The biggest function of the department this fiscal year was the work on the Back to School Taskforce to develop, open, and manage the before and after care program for school-aged children. This was a program that had not yet been offered by New Gloucester Recreation and the need was much more apparent once the pandemic took hold. School operated in a hybrid model this year meaning that capacity inside school buildings was greatly reduced and students only attended in-person school 2 days per week. The program had to adjust to these conditions and was able to support students with remote learning on the days there were physically present in the classroom. The department would like to thank the staff at MSAD 15 for their support, guidance, communication, and partnership to make this program work. The department was also able to secure a grant with the assistance of our partners at Gray Recreation and the school district. This money was used to help make improvements to the building to make the program possible, to update internet, electricity, and lighting, and to purchase educational furniture for the program. New Gloucester received a total of $32,000. In addition to the before and after school program, many of our traditional recreation programs were able to operate as well. Fall Adult Flag Football League, GNG Fall Soccer, GNG Youth Lacrosse, and GNG Diamonds Cheering. The Halloween Trunk or Treat was moved to the Fairgrounds and was a successful event.

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