MESSAGE FROM P&R DIRECTOR

We have just about conquered another holiday season! Kudos to everyone for all your hard work to make this a magical time for our kids and families. After several busy weeks and only one weekend left in 2024, I hope you’re able to find time to relax, unwind, and warmly welcome 2025.

Thank-you for coming to our “Be the Light” holiday celebration. It was great to see so many different organizations come out to support our town, and we appreciate all of our volunteers who contributed to the event’s success. We had over 250 people come through the Firehouse full of crafts and activities. I hope everyone’s wish on the Wishing wall comes true! And If you want to check it out, the Wishing Wall is on display in our building through January.

Congratulations to our winners of the holiday lights competition! We enjoyed driving around town and seeing so many decorated homes. We love the suggestion to have a “Most Festive Neighborhood” next year! What really warms my heart is seeing homes that were majorly damaged from the flood all lit up with Christmas trees in their windows. To me, this is proof that we will enter 2025 stronger than we were 12 months ago. Despite flood damage, our library staff are doing a great job keeping their programs going in our building. You can check out their calendar here.

We have some fantastic new programs starting next year, so be sure to read through the whole newsletter so you don’t miss out! From Photography, to Dungeons and Dragons, to Ceramics, and Centergy, we hope there is something for everyone! We are here to help with your resolution to be more active, try something new, or acquire a new hobby. While I do look forward to going into hibernation mode this Winter, I firmly believe that a little structure and getting outdoors is necessary too. So we hope to see you soon!

I wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!

Meghan Lennon (she/her)
Parks and Recreation Director
MLennon@southbury-ct.gov  

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Thank you for joining us at the Holiday Celebration: Be the Light! It was a wonderful evening full of crafts, coco, and carols! More photos on website or Facebook. 

HOLIDAY HOUSE LIGHTS CONTEST WINNERS

Congratulations to the winners of our fourth Holiday House Lights Contest! View all the Holiday House Lights addresses, map and directions on our website at www.southbury-ct.org/holidaylights.

FALL CONTEST WINNERS

Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Thank you to the 13 entries for our 2025 contest! We chose winners in two categories: Child (first and third photo - tie) and Adult/Family (middle photo). All submissions on display at Parks and Recreation through the end of January.

Scarecrow Contest

Thank you to both our winners for sharing their creativity this year!

WINTER GUESSING CONTEST: How Many Toys Are in the Jar? – by March 28, 2025

Come to the Parks & Recreation Office for this season's guessing contest. Fill out a slip of paper with your contact information and your guess of the total number of toys in the jar. All ages are welcome to participate in this free contest. Guess deadline: March 28th. The winner will receive one free Parks and Recreation Clubhouse program and an option for a photo to be taken and posted on the Town of Southbury's social media, plus bragging rights!

SNOW SCULPTURE CONTEST – by March 28, 2025

Once we get a little snow that sticks: go outside and build a snowman, fort, or anything your creativity inspires! Then submit a picture of your snowy creation to the Town of Southbury's online form or drop it off at the Parks & Recreation Office on or before Friday, March 28, 2025. Submissions will be on display at Parks and Recreation starting at the end of January.

LETTERS TO SANTA - North Pole Update!

Thank you for trusting us with your Santa mail! We collected 137 letters addressed to Santa and delivered them via his magical post. Children have reported receiving their responses and are delighted to see their artwork on display at our office. Santa was so happy to see all their creative pictures that he sent them back to us with the request to post them for the whole community to see the hard work of our local Nice List kids! Pictures will be on display through the end of January.

WINTER MILKWEED SOWING WORKSHOP – January 7, 2025, 4:30pm-5:30pm

Join Southbury Land Trust’s Joy VanderLek for a Winter Milkweed Sowing Workshop to help Monarch Butterflies. What to bring: garden gloves and 1-to-3 half-gallon cartons (used juice/milk cartons). Southbury Land Trust will supply soil, water, and milkweed seeds. Register by 1/7, space is limited. Details and Registration

VALENTINE’S PARENT'S NIGHT OUT! - Friday, February 14, 2025

Parents can celebrate Valentine's Day while Southbury Parks and Recreation feed and entertain their children with Valentine's Day-themed crafts and activities. Siblings will receive a $15 discount. Details and Registration

VACATION CAMP

Adventure Day Camp for grades K-9 is featuring a camp during February Break over Presidents' Day weekend. Children will have the experience of camp by participating in a variety of games, activities, and crafts. Extended hours are also offered. This program will take place at Southbury Parks and Recreation building. If the weather is cooperating, the camp will be going next door to the Pomperaug Elementary School's playground during the day. Details and Registration

NEW PROGRAM: Centergy

Centergy is an invigorating 60 minute mind-body workout. It incorporates yoga and Pilates fundamentals with athletic training and a focus on mobility and flexibility. Emotive music drives the experience as you breathe and sweat through this choreographed workout. Centergy is a great stand-alone workout for stretching and working on balance and strength, or exercisers might treat it as recovery from more physically demanding sports, such as running. All you need to bring is a Yoga mat and water (bare feet are recommended, no street shoes or boots allowed, please bring a change of shoes if desired). Please note participants must be able to get down on the floor and up from the floor for certain exercises. Details and Registration.

SAFETY AND SELF DEFENSE WORKSHOP

Many people, especially women, fear that they will be victims of violence. Tragically, this fear has its foundation in fact. Statistics show that the average American woman has a 1-in-5 chance experiencing a violent encounter and that every one of us will face one or more confrontational situations in our adult lives. Statistics also show that the appropriate response dramatically increases your chances of surviving in such situations. In this hands-on workshop, run by James De Carli Ph.D. and Crystal Wood, BSN, RN, you will learn approaches for avoiding violent encounters and some basic techniques for defending yourself physically when you need to.

All proceeds will be donated to Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, a non-profit organization that services Southbury to provide emergency shelter and free comprehensive support to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. This class is for ages 16 years and up. A counsellor will be in attendance to assist with any PTS that comes up during the class. Details and Registration.

This winter, Open Swim will return to Pomperaug High School in their brand new pool for those looking to swim laps, or simply splash around on a cold winter day. We will also offer an array of swim lessons.

WINTER OPEN SWIM

Family and Adult/Lap Swimming will be held on Saturdays and Sundays at the Pomperaug High School Pool beginning January 11, 2025 and continuing until April 13, 2025. Hours will be from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Passes are available for family, individual and senior members of the Region 15 community. Buy pool passes. Day passes are available in our online store, show receipt to gain entry at pool.

SWIM LESSONS

We offer an array of swim lessons geared to the youngest water babies up to younger, independent teen swimmers looking to improve their in-water skills. Registration is open until January 4, 2025. Register for swim lessons

Toddler and Preschool Programs

• Dance by Main Street Ballet: Enchanted Ballet Winter 1 | Age 3 | 5 classes on Saturdays, 1/11-2/8 | 9:30am-10:15am | $70 residents, $91 non-residents | Register by 1/3 | Details and Registration
• A Step Ahead Soccer | 7 classes on Saturdays, 1/18-3/1 | Register by 1/8 | Details and Registration
  • Age 2 | 12:30pm–1:15pm | $156 resident, $202 non-resident
  • Ages 3-4 | 12:30pm–1:30pm | $188 resident, $244 non-resident
• Mini Stars: Winter Session | up to 2 years old | 4 classes on Tuesdays, 1/21-2/11 | 3:45pm-4:15pm | $45 residents, $58.50 non-residents | Register by 1/13 | Details and Registration
• Shooting Stars: Winter Clinic | Ages 3-5 | 4 classes on Tuesdays, 1/21-2/11 | 4:30pm-5:15pm | $50 residents, $65 non-residents | Register by 1/13 | Details and Registration
• Swim Lessons | 12:10pm-12:40pm | $120 residents, $156 non-residents | Register by 1/4 | Details and Registration
  • Parent/Tot | Ages 6 months-3 years old | 10 classes on Saturdays, 1/11-3/22 (no class 2/15)
  • Preschool/Beginner | Ages 3-6 | 10 classes on Sundays, 1/12-3/23 (no class 2/16)

Youth Programs

• A Step Ahead Soccer | Age 5 | 7 classes on Saturdays, 1/18-3/1 | 12:30pm–1:30pm | $188 resident, $244 non-resident | Register by 1/8 | Details and Registration
• Babysitting Basics | Grades 5-8 | 5 classes on Mondays, 1/13-2/24 (no class 1/20, 2/17) | 5:30pm-6:30pm | $65 resident, non-resident $84.50 | Register by 1/6 | Details and Registration
• UPDATED Beginner and Intermediate Volleyball: Bump! Set! Spike! | Grades 5-8 | 7 classes on Wednesdays, 2/12-3/26 | 5:30pm-7:00pm | $100 residents, $130 non-residents | Register by 2/5 | Details and Registration
• Dance by Main Street Ballet | 4 classes | 5:00pm-5:45pm | $65 residents, $85 non-residents | Details and Registration
  • PreBallet I | Ages 4-5 | Tuesdays, 1/7-1/28 | Register by 12/30
  • PreBallet II | Ages 5-6 | Thursdays, 1/9-1/30 | Register by 1/2
• February Camp | Grades K-9 | 7:30am-3:00pm, with add-on option of 3:00pm-5:30pm | $55.00 Resident, $71.50 Non-Resident per day | Register by 2/10 | Details and Registration
  • Friday, 2/14, no additional hours, after-camp hold over provided for Parents' Night Out registrants
  • Monday, 2/17; additional hours for $20 per day
  • Tuesday, 2/18; additional hours for $20 per day
• Golf Lessons: Juniors | Ages 7-14 | 4 classes | 4:30pm-5:30pm | $200 Resident, $260 Non-Resident | Details and Registration
  • January | Tuesdays, 1/7-1/28 | Register by 12/31
  • February | Mondays, 2/3-2/24 | Register by 1/27
• NEW My First Hot Cocoa Stand | Grades K-2 | 8 classes on Wednesdays, 1/22-3/12 | 4:15pm-5:15pm | $240 resident, $312 non-resident | Register by 1/15 | Details and Registration
• Parent's Night Out | Grades K-9 | Friday, 2/14 | 4:00pm-8:30pm | $55 residents, $71.50 non-residents | Register by 2/10 | Details and Registration
• NEW Photography | Grades 3-5 | 10 classes on Tuesdays, 1/21-3/25 | 5:00pm-6:00pm | $250 residents, $325 non-residents | Register by 1/14 | Details and Registration
• Renew Kids Yoga | Ages 6-11 | 8 classes on Saturdays, 1/4-2/22 | 10:00am-10:45am | $117 residents, $152 non-residents | Register by 12/30 | Details and Registration
• Swim Lessons | Register by 1/4 | Details and Registration
  • Basic Skills | Ages 7-13 | 10 classes on Sundays, 1/12-3/23 (no class 2/16) | 12:10pm-12:40pm | $120 residents, $156 non-residents
  • Level 5/Pre-Swim Team | Ages 7-13 | 10 classes on Saturday, 1/11-3/22 (no class 2/15) | 12:50pm-1:30pm | $160 residents, $208 non-residents
  • Level 5/Pre-Swim Team | Ages 7-13 | 10 classes on Sundays, 1/12-3/23 (no class 2/16) | 12:50pm-1:30pm | $160 residents, $208 non-residents
  • Level 5/Pre-Swim Team | Ages 7-13 | 20 classes on Saturdays and Sundays, 1/11-3/23 (no class 2/15, 2/16) | 12:50pm-1:30pm | $256 residents, $332.80 non-residents

Adult Programs

• NEW Centergy | Ages 18+ | 8 classes on Thursdays, 1/16-3/6 | 9:00am-10:00am | $80.00 Resident, $104 Non-Resident per day | Register by 1/9 | Details and Registration
• NEW Ceramics: Paint a Platter | Ages 16+ | Sunday, 1/26 | 12:00pm-2:00pm | $30 residents, $39 non-residents | Register by 1/20 | Details and Registration
• Flow to Fit Yoga | Ages 18+ | 8 classes | $137 residents, $178 non-residents | Details and Registration
  • Yoga & Pilates Fusion | Saturdays, 1/4-2/22 | 8:30am-10:00am | Register by 12/28
  • Yoga for All | Sundays, 1/5-2/23 | 9:00am-10:00am | Register by 12/27
  • Level 2 Core | Mondays, 1/6-2/24 | 9:30am-10:45am | Register by 12/30
  • Yoga & Pilates Fusion | Mondays, 1/6-2/24 | 6:00pm-7:15pm | Register by 12/30
  • Level 1 Core | Tuesdays, 1/7-2/25 | 5:30pm-6:30pm | Register by 12/31
  • Level 2 Core | Wednesdays, 1/8-2/26 | 9:30am-10:45am | Register by 1/1
  • Gentle Yoga & Meditation | Wednesdays, 1/8-2/26 | 4:45pm-5:45pm | Register by 1/1
  • Yoga & Pilates Fusion | Wednesdays, 1/8-2/26 | 6:00pm-7:15pm | Register by 1/1
  • Yoga for All | Sundays, 1/9-2/27 | 5:30pm-6:30pm | Register by 1/2
• Golf Lessons | Ages 15+ | 4 classes | 6:00pm-7:00pm | $200 Resident, $260 Non-Resident | Details and Registration
  • Adult Novice: January | Tuesdays, 1/7-1/28 | Register by 12/31
  • Adult Novice: February | Mondays, 2/3-2/24 | Register by 1/27
  • Women Only: February | Tuesdays, 2/4-2/25 | Register by 1/28
• NEW Mommy and Me Yoga | All parents with children 3 months to 1yr | 8 classes on Saturdays, 1/25-3/22 (no class 2/22) | 9:30am-10:30am | $160 resident, $208 non-resident | Register by 1/17 | Details and Registration
• Safety and Self-Defense Workshop | Ages 16+ | Saturday, 1/4 | 1:00pm-4:00pm | $35 all residencies | Registration open Until program start | Details and Registration
• Zumba | Ages 18+ | 8 classes on Tuesdays, 1/7-3/4 (no class 2/18) | 9:00am-10:00am | $80 Resident, $104 Non-Resident | Register by 12/31 | Details and Registration

All Ages

• NEW Ceramics: Handbuilding & Glazing | Ages 6+ | 2 classes on Sundays, 1/5 & 1/19 | 12:00pm-2:00pm | $60 residents, $88 non-residents | Register by 12/30 | Details and Registration
• Chess: Checkmate | Ages 7-18 | 8 classes on Thursdays, 1/16-3/6 | 5:15pm-6:30pm | $140 residents, $182 non-residents | Register by 1/9 | Details and Registration
• FREE Chess: Scholastic | Ages 7+ | Thursday, 1/9 | 5:30pm-7:00pm | Free to Attend! | No Registration Required | Details
• NEW Dungeons & Dragons: Winter Adventure | Ages 3+ | 10 classes on Thursdays, 1/23-3/27 | 5:00pm-6:00pm | $250 residents, $325 non-residents | Register by 1/16 | Details and Registration
• Open Swim | Saturdays and Sundays, 1/11-4/13 | 1:30pm-3:45pm | Ongoing Registrations | Details and Registration
  • Adult Pass | Ages 17-54 | $100 residents, $130 non-residents
  • Child Pass | Ages 16 and under | $25 residents, $32.50 non-residents
  • Senior Pass | Ages 55+ | $75 residents, $97.50 non-residents
• Painting Class Special Event: Snake Experience | Ages 6+ | Live snake in attendance! Sunday, 1/12 | 12:00pm-2:00pm | $30 residents, $39 non-residents | Register by 1/6 | Details and Registration
• Painting Classes | Ages 6+ | 12:00pm-2:00pm | $25 residents, $32.50 non-residents | Details and Registration
  • Dragons | Sunday, 2/2 | Register by 1/27
  • Unicorns | Sunday, 2/9 | Register by 2/3
  • Phoenix | Sunday, 2/16 | Register by 2/10
• Parks & Rec Clubhouse: Reptile Experiences | Details and Registration
  • January
    • Snakes + Ball Pythons 101 | Ages 5+ | Sunday, 1/12 | 9:15am-10:15am | $12 residents, $15.50 non-residents | Register by 1/6
    • Ball Python Morphs 101 | Ages 5+ | Sunday, 1/12 | 10:30am-11:45am | $12 residents, $15.50 non-residents | Register by 1/6
    • Ball Python Morphs 102 (hands on, no feeding) | Ages 2+ | Sunday, 1/12 | 2:00pm-2:30pm | $12 residents, $15.50 non-residents | Register by 1/6
  • February
    • Bearded Dragon 101 | Ages 5+ | Friday, 2/14 | 4:15pm-5:15pm | $9 residents, $11.75 non-residents | Register by 2/10
    • Reptile Hangout | Ages 2+ | Friday, 2/14 | 5:15pm-6:00pm | $7 residents, $9 non-residents | Register by 2/10
    • Reptile Feeding | Ages 16+ | Friday, 2/14 | 7:30pm-8:15pm | $7 residents, $9 non-residents | Register by 2/10
• Parks & Rec Clubhouse: Arts and Sciences | Details and Registration
  • January
    • ICY Tie Dye Lab | Ages 2+ | Tuesday, 1/14 | 4:00pm-4:30pm | $18 residents, $23.50 non-residents | Register by 1/6
  • February
    • Volcano Lab | Ages 4+ | Tuesday, 2/18 | 4:00pm-4:30pm | $10 residents, $13.00 non-residents | Register by 2/10
• Taekwon-Do | Ages 7+ | 19 classes Mondays and Wednesdays, 1/6-3/19 (no class 1/20, 2/17, 3/3) | Register by 1/20 | Details and Registration
  • Beginner | 6:00pm-6:45pm
  • Advanced | 7:00pm-8:00pm
• FREE Winter Milkweed Sowing | All Ages | Tuesday, 1/7 | 4:30pm-5:30pm | Free to attend! | Register by 1/7 Space is Limited | Details and Registration

REGISTER NOW FOR PROGRAMS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!

To serve you better, all schedules of Southbury Parks & Recreation are subject to change. All Parks and Recreation programs are covered by the Universal Disclaimer.

Southbury Parks and Recreation would like to share these announcements from the local Youth Sports organizations. Please note that these programs are not run by the Southbury Parks and Recreation Department. All questions and comments should be sent to the organizations.

Pomperaug Youth Lacrosse

Pomperaug Youth Lacrosse is offering our last Free K-4th Clinic before the spring season. This clinic is for first-timers to try the sport in a relaxed environment. Sunday January 12th, 10:30am-11:30am at NYA Sports & Fitness in Newtown (indoor turf field). This is a non-contact fun experience to learn the basics of lacrosse. Register here by 1/10.

Programs coming soon through Southbury Parks and Recreation: March Half Day Adventures, April Vacation Camp, March Parents Night Out, Registration for Summer Camp 2025 opens Monday! Visit our Programs Page regularly for more information.

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. To submit a class for consideration, download the form fill the online form!

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

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