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Parks and Recreation

561 Main Street South
Southbury, CT 06488
Maps and Directions
P:(203) 262-0633
Monday - Thursday:
8:00am - 4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am - 1:00pm

Parks and Recreation News


7/3/2023 - July-August 2023 News

July-August 2023 News

MESSAGE FROM P&R DIRECTOR

It is a challenge to quantify how much our department accomplishes every year but it is easy to see the effect of our programs on the faces of the patrons in attendance. Each event and program requires research, development, marketing, execution, and constant re-evaluation. It also requires a great deal of cooperation and support from our colleagues with whom we work.  

While our accomplishments require extraordinary teamwork, it is you, our patrons in the greater Southbury community that drive our successes. From attending special events such as Art in the Park, to becoming a member at the Southbury Town Pool, to utilizing our reservation systems for tennis & pickleball courts and the town boat launch – we thank you for continuing to support our Parks and Recreation department.

Indeed, we are growing. Growing Together.   

Michael Ganem, Director
Southbury Parks and Recreation
parkrec1@southbury-ct.gov  

Events - Thank You for Participating!

ART IN THE PARK

Thank you to all who came out to our first ever Art in the Park event! Around 300 residents joined us at Ballantine Park for fun and art on a beautiful May day. 10 Raffle winners took home exciting prizes from art made by our instructors to kits to make their own art. Special acknowledgement to Lexi Polasek, our Recreation Supervisor, for spearheading the organization, coordination and execution of this wonderful special event. Thanks are owed to the Arts and Culture Subcommittee of the Southbury Economic Development Commission for their collaboration towards the event, as well as to the Middlebury & Southbury Equity and Inclusion Council for their participation and for painting so many faces! More photos on Facebook. 

New in Town

TOWN BOAT LAUNCH PARKING

boat launch

The Town Boat Launch, located on the Shepaug River, is available for all to use. However, parking is only available to residents of Southbury by a paid permit. Southbury residents must purchase a parking permit for all vehicles that will be parked at the facility; parking permits must correspond with the license plate of the vehicle (trailers attached to vehicles are included in that vehicle's permit).

Parking permits are $10 per vehicle and can be obtained by visiting the Parks and Recreation office with proof of residency. Parking permits must be displayed on the dash of the vehicle when that vehicle is parked at the facility. For your convenience, a permit can be obtained by visiting the Parks and Recreation Department Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-4:00pm or Friday 8:30am-12:30pm, or by appointment. To make an appointment: please call 203-262-0633. To expedite your visit, please create a household account here before arrival.

Proof of residency is required to obtain a parking permit and parking permits must be renewed annually. Parking is limited, even for pass holders, and is first-come-first-serve. The facility's season will be determined by a variety of factors that include weather.

While Using the Facility

  • Paid parking permits are required and available to Southbury residents.
  • Dock is for active loading and unloading only.
  • Carry out what you carry in.
  • Be considerate to others.

Upcoming Events

CONCERTS ON THE GREEN

summer concerts flyer

Starting July 10, the community is invited to the Town Hall Green for a weekly performance of live music. Bands are scheduled to perform their set from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Concerts are free and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. In case of rain, the concerts will be cancelled, please check southburyct.myrec.com for updates.

All concerts will be held on the green next to Southbury Town Hall. Park at 561 Main Street South, Pomperaug Elementary, or at the lower parking lot of Town Hall.

Visit our website for a full list of dates and performers.


OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT - August 15, 2023

outdoor movie night flyer

On Tuesday, August 15, we will screen the animated feature film, Strange World. The movie will begin at sunset and families are encouraged to join us for pre-movie entertainment provided by the Mattatuck Fife & Drum Band starting at 6:30pm. Popcorn and water will be available for purchase.

The event is free to attend. Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the movie.

Summer Aquatics

The Town Pool at Ballantine Park is open with a full docket of recreational swim team, lessons, and special events planned for the summer of 2023. Our Middle School Party and Family Day will return in July. Be on the lookout for more details!


TOWN POOL

ballantine pool

Make the Southbury Town Pool at Ballantine Park your favorite destination to cool off this summer. The facility is the perfect spot for warm weather relaxation and enjoyment. In addition to our main pool, the Ballantine kiddie pool is open for our youngest swimmers.   


SWIM LESSONS

swim lessons

Swim lessons at the Southbury Town Pool are very popular and are offered on a first come first served basis. Saturday lessons as well as and first session of weekday lessons are underway. We offer instruction for all ability levels; from the tiniest water babies to young swimmers ready to develop all strokes. Our second set of weekday lesson sessions which begins mid-July are filling up fast. Register now to reserve a spot for your young swimmer.

Program Highlights

campers running

This program will focus on all the fun backyard games have to offer! Some examples include: kickball, capture the flag, and different forms of dodge ball. This is a great way to connect with peers while playing classic backyard games.

Campers will come together at beautiful Ballantine Park for a morning of organized sports and games. This camp is for children 8-12 years old and runs August 7-11 from 9am-12pm. Space is limited: sign up today!

  • Backyard Sports & Fitness | Ages 8-12 | Monday-Friday, 8/7-8/11 | 9:00am-12:00pm - Register by 7/31

BUMP! SET! SPIKE! VOLLEYBALL CAMP

volleyball

This co-ed program is targeted for the Beginner to Intermediate player to learn the fundamentals of passing, setting, hitting, and serving through game-based drills and daily scrimmages. Each athlete will be given feedback individually from instructors who have competed in High School and Division I College level.

  • Bump! Set! Spike! Volleyball Lessons | Ages 11-14 | Monday-Thursday, 7/17-7/20 | 6:00pm-7:30pm  - Register by 7/11

Other Activities

Youth Programs

  • Summer Horse Camp Week 4 & 5 | Ages 3 & up | Monday-Friday, 7/10-7/14 & 7/17-7/21 | 9:00am-12:30pm - LAST CHANCE Register by 7/3 for week 4
  • Panther Basketball Camp | Grades 4-9 (fall 2023 enrollment) | Monday-Thursday | 9:30am-2:00pm – LAST CHANCE Register by 7/3 for Session 1
    • Session 1 | 7/17-7/20
    • Session 2 | 7/24-7/27
  • Dance Camp | Ages 4+ up to Grade 4 (fall 2023 enrollment) | Monday-Friday, 7/17-7/21 | 9:00am-12:30pm - Register by 7/10
  • Bump! Set! Spike! Volleyball Tournament Camp | Ages 11-14 | Mondays-Thursdays, 7/17-7/20 | 6:00pm-7:30pm - Register by 7/11
  • Fun and Healthy Cooking Summer Camp | Ages 7-11 | Monday-Friday, 8/7-8/11 | 9:30am-12:30pm - Register by 7/31
  • Little Swishers Summer Camp | Grades 1 & 2 (fall 2023 enrollment) | Monday-Thursday, 8/7-8/10 | 6:00pm-7:00pm – Register by 7/31

All Ages

  • Taekwon-Do | Ages 7 & up | Mondays & Wednesdays, 7/5-9/20 - Register by 7/19
    • Beginners | 6:00pm-6:45pm
    • Advanced | 7:00pm-8:00pm
  • Horseback Riding: Private Lessons | Ages 3 & up | Times Determined with Instructors - Rolling Registration

All Ages

  • Safety and Self Defense | Ages 16 & up | Saturday, 8/12 | 1:00pm-4:00pm - Register by 8/3

REGISTER NOW FOR PROGRAMS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!

To serve you better, all schedules of Southbury Parks & Recreation are subject to change.

Coming Soon!

Upcoming Events and Programs

Southbury Celebration, Halloween Spooktacular and more! Check our Events Page regularly for more information. Renew Kid’s Yoga will be back this fall - click here for more information.

Pavilion Rental

ballantine park pavilion

Pavilion rental applications for Southbury residents and all non-residents are still being taken! The 2023 application is posted here. Please note: if your event within 60 days of your application drop-off you may be subject to a $100 late processing fee. 


WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Southbury Parks and Recreation is currently seeking pickleball instructor. Or do you have a talent that you would like to share? The Southbury Parks and Recreation Department is always looking for new instructors for our classes. like a pickleball instructor. To submit a class for consideration, download the form and return to our office.

Is there a class or event you would like us to offer? Please email us at parkrec1@southbury-ct.gov and let us know.

If you have any other comments or suggestions, please email us at parkrec1@southbury-ct.gov.


YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUES

For information regarding youth sports organizations in town, please click here.


Sign up for updates

To receive e-alerts from the Parks and Recreation Department, please register at e-Alerts Signup page.