Newington Parks And Recreation Responds To Safety Protocols

Press release from Town of Newington Parks and Recreation Dept.:

Jan. 10, 2021

The Newington Parks and Recreation Department is now announcing something brand new in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department is enhancing our standard operating procedures (SOP) as it pertains to our park system. We are going to do everything in our power to plow and shovel all basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, playgrounds, and outdoor exercise equipment areas in order for the residents of Newington to enjoy both athletics and family time together in a safe manner outdoors. The Department has begun installing the tennis nets and pickleball nets at Churchill Park for sports enthusiasts’ enjoyment. Basketball nets are being installed at all of the basketball courts in our neighborhood parks, as well.

Coping with the daily stress we have experienced during this pandemic can be very difficult for parents as well as children. For many families in our community, protecting their physical health by staying home, in isolation, has impacted their mental and physical health. Experts have reported that living in a state of stress, fear, and uncertainty has led to an increased rate of anxiety and depression in people of all ages. The good news is, that making small changes to your routine can help overall well-being. Staying active is one of the best ways to stay healthy, physically and mentally, and it is a great way to relieve stress. “Exercise and physical activity pumps the production of endorphins to our brains, which trigger positive feelings throughout the body, and has been shown to help combat depression and to help better manage stress,” said Bill DeMaio, Superintendent of Newington Parks and Recreation. It’s also important to practice self-care by doing things you enjoy, taking time for yourself, and to getting plenty of sleep. Spending time outdoors offers us a brief escape from the daily stress and is also linked to our mood. Just 20 minutes a day outdoors in the sun gives you your daily dose of Vitamin D, which helps boost the immune system and can also help fight depression. So why not safely spend time staying active as a family outdoors? The benefits speak for themselves!

Keith Chapman, Town Manager, challenged our department in a meeting and a follow up memo last week. He encouraged us to think outside the box, to be a department leader in the state, and provide our residents with new ways to enjoy outdoor safe recreational activities. The Newington Parks and Recreation Department is going above and beyond the call of duty and will be announcing imaginative and exciting outdoor family programs. We are researching and actively recruiting business sponsors in order for us to offer car parking lot trivia nights and bingo nights, as well as miniature golf, basketball foul shooting contests, basketball 3 point contests, children’s train rides, and Frisbee golf. Any businesses that wish to establish a public/private partnership with the Newington Parks and Recreation Department should contact Bill DeMaio at 860-665-8666.

Here in Newington, we are very fortunate to have several parks, trails, and outdoor exercise areas that the community can utilize safely while staying in their family bubble. Mill Pond Park offers a great walking path, the Saputo outdoor exercise equipment area, and a handicap accessible playground. The Mill Pond Waterfall and the Mill Pond Sensory Garden offer a peaceful place to meditate and get some fresh air outside of your home. Churchill Park also offers a walking path, as well as the Bob Stanley Nature Trail for hiking and bird watching. Clem Lemire Recreation Complex offers a brand new AARP outdoor exercise equipment area, a new children’s playground, a recently renovated skatepark, and a shaded picnic area. Families and people of all ages will each find something to enjoy here. Snow removal at the playgrounds and basketball courts will be performed a day or two after the snow storm ends. The neighborhood parks including Badger Park, Beechwood Park, Beacon Park, Candlewyck Park, Eagle Park, Little Brook Park, Mary Welles Park, Seymour Park, and Starr Park will also be part of this snow removal plan.

The Newington Parks and Recreation Department encourages the community to explore our parks and facilities and to take an active role in maintaining good physical and mental health, as well as overall well-being during the winter months. Please remember to wear a mask and continue practicing social distancing for everyone’s safety. For more information, please contact the Newington Parks and Recreation office at 860-665-8666 or visit our website at www.newingtonct.gov/parksandrec. Remember, with Newington Parks and Recreation, we are “Building a Strong Community!”

This press release was produced by Town of Newington Parks and Recreation Dept. The views expressed here are the author's own.