All Parks & Rec Summer Camps Programs, Sports Clinics Canceled

BRANFORD, CT — This is a blow for kids and parents alike, and, Parks and Rec staff, they say. But all summer camp programs, as well as sports camps and clinics for the summer of 2020 have been canceled.

"This decision to suspend programs was painful for everyone involved, as we know it will be for many of you and your children. We are in the business of making summer fun for your children and filling the summer months with memories to last a lifetime. This is the first time in 70 years that we had to cancel an entire summer of camp/clinic programs. We are confident that this is the right and necessary decision. The health and safety of your children and our staff is paramount, and the only way we can guarantee their safety is to refrain from holding these programs," a letter signed by parks director Alex Palluzzi, Jr. and assistant director Dale Izzo reads.

The letter to families notes that, "since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have closely followed communications from federal and state authorities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the local health department. As more information continues to emerge daily, it has become clear that we cannot operate our summer camp programs safely for all that we would be servicing."

Officials said they "understand that many families are under tremendous stress and pressure both personally and financially, and can rest assure you that payments received to date for our summer programs will be fully refunded."

"We recognize this decision is devastating to all, including our staff, who were looking forward to a fun and exciting summer with you all. Even though the pandemic required us to suspend summer plans, we have already begun preparations to deliver distance recreation programs. Although, not exactly ideal, our department feels that it is so important to let participants know that we are here for them and miss them dearly. Our staff really enjoys spending summers with your children and we don’t want that to ever go away. Over the next few weeks, we will sharing more of our summer plans with you."

Read the full letter here.