8331_NewGloucester_2021-2022_AnnualReport_Web

ANNUAL REPORT Parks & Recreation Department

During FY22, the Recreation Department continued to work on its Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Gray. The Towns have been collaborating informally since 2019, and the departments begun working on formalizing this arrangement. The department started a new monthly lunch that has grown in popularity. The monthly Community Café has been a great way for folks to connect and share a meal. We’ve been appreciative of the hospitality provided to us from the New Gloucester Congregational Church. Join us for lunch on the 2 nd Weds of each month! Rowe Station Courts and Fields have benefitted from additional attention during this fiscal year. The failing structures were removed, the ball fields were spruced up by volunteers and the Recreation Committee is working on long-range plans for that facility. The New Gloucester Fairgrounds continues to be a facility that is well utilized. The Recreation Committee will also embark on long range planning for better upkeep and maintenance of this facility for the long term. The department offered the following programs and events each season: 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. Winter: Ski Lessons at Lost Valley, GNG Youth Basketball, GNG Indoor Soccer. Spring: Lacrosse, GNG Jr. Track and another full season of Adult Flag Football. Summer: Summer camp at the Community Building, Welch’s Warriors Sports Camps, and Theater Camp. The Recreation Departments from New Gloucester and Gray continue to collaborate to offer recreation programming to all of GNG. We are stronger together and we will continue to support our community. We hope that FY23 brings the opportunity to provide more recreation programs using indoor spaces as while also adding programming that helps enhance all areas of well-being. I am looking forward to seeing you in our parks and programs. Respectfully Submitted, Sarah Rodriguez Director of Parks and Recreation

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