News: May 2021

May Report

Norwich Rec sports were allowed to begin playing teams outside of our town this month.  The 3/4 and 5/6 boys and girls lacrosse teams did a great job returning to play while still wearing masks. 
Norwich Recreation submitted a grant application to Vermont Afterschool under the state “Summer for All” funding.  We applied for natural playground structures, bike racks, trash receptacles, kiosks and fitness stations to be placed at Barrett Memorial Playground, funds to staff AfterCamp at no cost to parents, with meals included, and funding to have portable toilets placed at popular trailheads and parks in Norwich this summer.  We did not receive an award in the first round, and were offered guidance in applying for a second round of funding.  The new grant application will be submitted the first week of June.

We were approved for a Local Motion bike trailer.  This is a trailer that includes bikes, helmets and safety equipment.  The focus of the Local Motion trailer is to give everyone an opportunity to learn how to ride safely, without having the addition stress of purchasing a bike themselves.  The trailer will be in Norwich from 6/28-7/11.  We are working with our Mountain Bike Instructor to offer a new camp that focuses on learning to ride safely, and knowing how to take care of your equipment. Each participant with receive a free bike helmet and repair kit.

Norwich Recreation and the Norwich Historical Society are working together on a farm tour, Feasts From the Farms, that will take place on June 21^st.  Participants can either ride their bikes along the route in the morning, or drive the route in the evening, listening to a Historical Society podcast along the way.  Tickets prices include the tour, with options to add on ingredients and a menu card with recipes so that you create your own brunch or dinner with local product when you get home.

The Marion Cross PTO and Norwich Recreation are partnering on a Field Day in celebration of the school children in Norwich (in person, remote and homeschool), getting through a full year in a pandemic safely.  Huntley Meadows will be reserved for 4 hours on the last day of school so that children and parents and play traditional field games, and enjoy the facilities together.  Boloco is providing lunch, free of charge.

Huntley Meadows turf – After last summer’s drought, the athletic fields were damaged.  We evaluated the fields at the end of the season, and saw further damage from grubs, and the subsequent wildlife that dig underground in search of food.  After getting three bids for field repair, Chippers was chosen to provide natural fertilizer and grub control to the affected areas. The DPW aerated, and overseeded all areas of Huntley, and Chippers has begun their applications.

Summer camps begin July 5^th – we have hired 12 CITs and many of our counselors are returning. We are following the emerging guidance closely, and will continue to do so.

We received a request from the Marion Cross Principal.  He is asking to have an ADA-compliant trail added to the Milton Frye Nature Area, in order to support an incoming kindergartener with mobility concerns.  The parents of the child were contacted, and we have worked with them and the Upper Valley Trails Alliance to come up with a proposal and maintenance plan that will be included with the MOU between the School District and the Town.  Because this project is being undertaken at the request of the school, we will work with them to see how this fits into their student accommodation budgeting and our joint MOU in the longer term.