Where is the South Hadley Recreation Department?
The Recreation Department is located in the basement of the Town Hall at 116 Main Street, South Hadley, MA 01075.
What are the Recreation Department hours of operation?
The Recreation Department is open Monday – Friday, from 8:30am – 4:30pm. The office is closed when the Town Hall is closed due to any major holiday. The Department holds additional registration hours on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm during advertised registration periods.
How do I register for Recreation Department programs?
Registration is available for any program at the Recreation Department office. Online registration is currently available for selected programs through its online registration site. Please note, not all programs offer online registration. Registration is also available by mail for those programs that have brochures or forms that can be downloaded from the website.
How do I pay for Recreation Department programs?
The Recreation Department currently takes cash or checks at the office. Participants registering at home can use a credit/debit card through the online registration system. In the near future, credit/debit cards will be accepted at the Town Hall.
Is financial aid available for Recreation Department programs?
Financial aid is available for youth sports and is based upon your school lunch qualification. Students that receive free school lunch are eligible for a 100% fee waiver and students that receive half lunch are responsible to pay 50% of the registration fee. If you do not meet the school lunch qualification and have a need for financial assistance, you can request financial help. Fees are not waived for bus trips, adult sports leagues and adult fitness classes.
Where are Recreation Department activities publicized?
Recreation Department activities are publicized in the Town Reminder, Hampshire Gazette, The Republican, Town Website, Channel 15 and in the school newsletters. We often put up flyers around Town for selected activities.
How do I volunteer for the Recreation Department?
Anybody that wants to volunteer for the Recreation Department should leave their information (name, phone number, address, email, qualifications, etc...) with the Recreation Department or indicate that on a registration form. All volunteers that work with children must complete a CORI check and may be interviewed for certain activities.
Can I make a donation to the Recreation Department?
The Recreation Department is always looking for donations or sponsorships to help with its programs or facilities. If you are interested in making a donation, contact the Recreation Director for assistance or mail a check to the Department. Donations can go to the general Recreation Department fund or towards a specific activity or event. The annual Independence Day fireworks celebration is entirely funded through business sponsorships and donations.
How do I know if a Department program is cancelled due to inclement weather?
The Recreation Department’s cancellation hotline is 538-5005. When programs are cancelled due to inclement weather, their status will be listed at that number. If a coach decides to cancel a game or practice when the weather is questionable on their own, they will contact team members directly. Additionally, certain sport groups have their own websites where they will announce any cancellations.
Who serves on the Recreation Commission and what is their role?
The Recreation Commission is a seven member group that is appointed by the Selectboard. Each Commissioner serves a three year term and their primary functions are to oversee the Recreation Department and Recreation Director, to create policy, and to select what programs to offer. If you are interested in serving on the Recreation Commission, contact the Recreation Director or apply to the Selectboard when an opening is advertised. Click here to view the Recreation Commission web page.
How do I get a new program offered through the Department?
If you are interested in starting a new program or have an idea, please submit that idea in writing to the Recreation Department office. The Recreation Director and Commission will look into the feasibility of that program. Key factors include need, how many people will register for the program, cost, where can the program be held and how will it be supervised.
How do I file a complaint?
Any complaint must be written and must be signed by the person filing the complaint for the complaint to be considered. Email is also appropriate provided there is a name and address attached. The Recreation Director will review the complaint and it will be brought to the attention of the Recreation Commission when appropriate. It is our intention to serve the residents of South Hadley.
How do I book a pavilion at Buttery Brook Park?
Buttery Brook Park is run by the DPW and they can be contacted at 538-5033. If you are interested on serving on the Friends of Buttery Brook Park, contact Linda Young at 532-3921 or drllyoung@comcast.net.
What swim programs does the Town offer at the Michael E. Smith Middle School Pool?
- The Recreation Department does not offer youth swimming lessons, they are offered through the School Department. Contact Don Hooten at 533-8412 for information. Lessons are typically advertised in the Town Reminder in late spring/early summer.
- Adult lap swim is held Monday – Friday from 6-7am and 4-5pm. Contact Claire Benoit at 532-6000 for information. The cost for that program is $25 per month.
- Family open swim is held on Friday evenings from 6:30-9pm. The cost is $3 per person and it is held year round. Registration is held at the pool.
- The Recreation Department’s water aerobics program called Aquacise is offered during the school year on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7:30-8:30pm. Please check the adult activities section for additional information.
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