From the Mayor’s Office –
Today we shared the disappointing news with our camp families that we are not able to run any in person camps this summer. We came to this conclusion after reviewing the newly released guidelines from the state regarding day camps and thinking carefully about the types of camps we offer and the available options to modify our programs in order to meet the expected critical public health safety guidelines from the state. Thus, we realized that we weren’t able to operate our day camps safely this summer.
This cancellation is for all of Newton’s Parks, Recreation and Culture camps including Acres in the Falls, Albemarle Acres, Auburndale Station, Centre Acres, all CIT programs, Kids Korner, Outdoor Adventure, Specialty Camps, The Next Stop, Thundercat Sports, T-ville Trails, and Wilderness Survival as well as Golf lessons. We announced earlier the cancellation of Camp Echo Bridge, Camp Extreme and our Summer Vacation Camps.
I know this is bad news for so many families who rely on our programs to provide safe and stimulating activities for their children which is especially needed at this time. For many, our camps also allow parents to work.
We have some resources for you to consider for this summer:
- Virtual Camp Echo Bridge – Newton’s Camp Echo Bridge has gone virtual this summer and is offering a fun and exciting half-day morning program that will keep campers active and connected to their friends and the community. The mornings will include a mix of live and off-line camp programs that will be offered in blocks between 9 am and noon. These morning blocks include plenty of time to be in the great outdoors. On Wednesday and Friday, camp will host fantastic special events from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Camp Echo Bridge will run July 6 – Aug 14. Families can sign up for any number of weeks they choose. To guarantee your camper’s spot, you must register by Wednesday, June 10. To register, go to www.newtonmarec.com or contact Mark Kelly at mkelly@newtonma.gov with any questions.
- Babysitters. Hundreds of camp staff are now available for babysitting this summer. If you are looking for a babysitter feel free to connect with other families and staff on:
– Newton Babysitting Group on Facebook – Click here
– Newton Parents Group on Facebook – Click here
– Indeed.com – www.indeed.com
– Care.com – https://www.care.com This site requires a fee for services
– Sittercity.com – https://www.sittercity.com This site requires a fee for services
- Camps/Programs. Later in the Summer We are hoping to be able to offer some in person programming this summer as the guidelines evolve. These programs might include short hour long classes or activities, or half-day or longer day programs depending on what is safe as the summer progresses. Any future programs that we are able to offer will be listed online for registration at www.newtonmarec.com
We will be doing the paperwork related to the cancellations and refund requests for all of our summer camps over the next few weeks. With the number of refunds we will be processing, please expect an extended turn around time to receive your refund.
I would appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate through these difficult times. Please know that this was a very difficult decision and I share your disappointment.
Gath Pool, Crystal Lake Not Opening
I must also share another piece of disappointing news. We will not be able to operate either the Gath Memorial Pool or the Crystal Lake Beach this summer.
Knowing what we do about virus transmission, the necessary health guidelines and restrictions in group settings for physical distancing and group sizes, the state guidelines, the size and layouts of our facilities and employee safety and thinking carefully about how we could operate and how people use our two aquatic sites, we have concluded that we aren’t able to safely operate either this summer. Ultimately, this decision is about protecting the health of residents and our staff.
I know this is bad news for so many people and families who rely on Gath Pool and Crystal Lake to cool off, have fun, and get some exercise, all of which is especially needed at this time.
What does this mean for Crystal Lake this summer? Near the bathhouse, the beach will be closed, the sections of the dock that are stored on the land behind the bathhouse will be off limits and trespassing will not be permitted. In the Coves, we will be posting signs reminding people to maintain 6 feet of distancing and to wear face coverings when that distancing is not possible. This is a disappointing decision but the right one for Newton. I look forward to the better days ahead including the eventual reopening of these facilities next summer.