Published July 15, 2020
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The COVID-19 pandemic is not stopping Lynnfield Recreation from hosting fun summer programs for children this year.
Recreation Director Julie Mallett informed the Villager over 300 children registered for the Recreation Station and Rec Jr.’s programs this summer. She said there are 250 kids participating at Recreation Station at Lynnfield Middle School while 54 incoming kindergarteners are attending Rec. Jr. at Summer Street School.
“We have had an amazing response,” said Mallett. “Everyone is loving getting out, being active and seeing friends.”
Recreation Commission Chairman Rich Sjoberg agreed.
“It has been going great,” said Sjoberg. “The staff has come up with new activities for the kids to play in a responsible, socially distant way. It has been incredible.”
Mallett and the Recreation Commission worked with Town Administrator Rob Dolan and the Emergency Management Team in order to make sure Lynnfield Rec’s programs followed state and federal guidelines in order to keep children safe.
“Everyone is required to wear a mask if they cannot stay 6-feet apart,” said Mallett. “We have come up with some great games such as modified kickball, dodge ball and extreme four square, where the kids are spaced far enough apart that they do not have to have their mask on at that time. If kids are playing gaga ball or other activities where they cannot practice social distancing, they have to wear their masks.”
Recreation Station Director Louise Ferullo said the program “has been going really well.”
“The kids are having a lot of fun and we are trying to keep it as normal as we can,” said Ferullo. “We are using safety precautions, which have been working out well. It has been nice seeing so many kids here playing and enjoying themselves.”
Mallett also noted Lynnfield Recreation staff members are reminding children to take mask breaks and to drink lots of water.
“We have hand sanitizer stations around the park, and we are sanitizing all of the equipment and tables each day,” said Mallett.
Recreation Station Assistant Director Michael Wein agreed.
“We are working hard to have kids keep their masks on,” said Wein. “We are giving them times to take breaks and separate from each other so when it’s too hot, they can sit alone, have some water and take off their masks. It has been wonderful seeing the kids having fun and getting somewhat back to normal.”
Sjoberg said children have been following the face mask rules.
“We have had no issues with kids not wearing masks when they can’t be socially distant,” said Sjoberg.
Sjoberg noted Lynnfield Rec staff has been developing new activities for children each week.
“We have been surprising the kids each week with a new activity to keep everything fun and fresh,” said Sjoberg.
Mallett said it’s important for children to have fun with their friends this summer after being stuck at home for the past three months.
“The kids need to be out socializing and playing more than ever this summer,” said Mallett. “It’s great to see everyone happy and playing.”
Mallett also said children are thrilled to back at Recreation Station and incoming kindergarteners are enjoying Rec. Jr.
“The kids have not missed a beat,” said Mallett. “They are excited to come every day and they are really adhering to the guidelines. We are so excited that we were able to run this not only for the kids, but for the parents.”
In addition to the Recreation Station and Rec. Jr. programs, Lynnfield High School Class of 2018 graduate Gracie Sperling is running a couple of strength and conditioning programs at LHS.
“One is for elementary and middle school kids and one is for middle school and high school kids,” said Mallett. “Middle school kids can choose which group they would like to participate in. Both groups meet twice a week at the high school. With sports coming to a halt this spring, this is a great program to keep the kids in shape and ready for their upcoming sports season. We have 20 kids in the elementary and middle school program and 28 in the middle school and high school program.”
Mallett also said Lynnfield Rec’s girls’ lacrosse program featured 26 participants last week.
“It went awesome, said Mallett. “We have 40 for field hockey, which started Monday and goes all week.”
Mallett noted Lynnfield Rec’s summer programs are being offered for seven weeks this year. She said parents can still register their children for the summer programs.
“We will not turn any child away,” she said.
If parents would like to register their children for one of Lynnfield Recreation’s summer programs, they should visit www.lynnfieldrec.com.