ABOUT WALPOLE RECREATION

DEPARTMENT UPDATES
DIRECTOR’S UPDATE
Between all the snow and cold weather recently, it’s not hard to
find a reason to look forward to spring, but we at the Recreation
Department are excited to present our offering of programs for this
upcoming season and we promise it will make the wait just a little
bit easier.
Mark your calendars now for the 9th Annual Walpole Day
celebration on Saturday, May 14th. This local favorite gives Walpole
residents the opportunity to celebrate the unique spirit and culture
of Walpole and features a parade down Main Street, live music
entertainment, a food festival, and much, much more. The
celebration will take place from noon to 3:00PM on Stone Field
behind Town Hall so mark your calendars now and we hope to see
you there.
Have you heard about the Recreation Department’s newest
summer day program – Walpole Woods at Jarvis Farm? Walpole
Woods encourages youth (grades 1-6) from Walpole and the
surrounding area to participate in active and healthy activities, learn
about the natural environment around them, and develop skills to
participate as responsible members of society. This new program
will be full of excitement, adventure, friendships, and summer fun.
There are a limited number of spaces available so check out the full
description on page 5 and reserve your space today at
WalpoleRec.com!
You may notice that the format of the spring brochure is different
this year. In our effort to provide you with the highest quality
programs for you and your families this summer, we will be
releasing a separate brochure of summer offerings in the coming
weeks. We will still offer many of our summer favorites, such as
Summer Rec and Little Rec’ers, but the separate brochure will
feature a complete listing with information about our athletic clinics,
Concert on the Common series, Summer Academy courses, pool
information, and much more. In the meantime, check out our
summer preview on page 16.
On behalf of the Recreation Department, I’d like to thank the
Walpole community for its support of our programs and community
events. As always, if you ever have any questions, comments, or
suggestions, feel free to stop by Blackburn Hall or call us directly at
(508) 660-6353 any time.
Patrick Shield
Recreation Director
WACKY, QUACKY DUCK RACE $5 per duck / $25 for 6 ducks
All ages
Instructor: Recreation Volunteers
Saturday, May 14
Registration Deadline: None
Race begins at 3:00 p.m.
Minimum: None
Memorial Pond / Spring Brook
Maximum: None
The Walpole Rebels Swimming and Diving Boosters and the
Walpole Recreation Department are joining forces to run the annual
"Duck Race" at Walpole Day on Saturday, May 14th. You will be
given a number for each duck that you purchase that will be
visible on each duck. At 3:00 pm, we will drop all of the rubber
ducks in the designated area of Memorial Pond. The duck that
crosses the finish line first, will be awarded the $1,000 first prize.
You can register for ducks at WalpoleRec.com or at local
community events.
4
WALPOLE DAY PARADE GRAND MARSHAL
ESSAY CONTEST
Grades K - 12
Drop off/Mail to Blackburn Hall
Calling all kids!!! Have you watched the Walpole Day Parade year
after year thinking about the glory that would come from being the
Grand Marshal of Walpole Day? This year’s Grand Marshal could
be you! The Walpole Recreation Department is hosting an Essay
Contest for the Walpole Day Parade Grand Marshal and wants to
know…“What Does Walpole Mean to You?” Just be yourself, IN
250 WORDS OR LESS, and you could be riding front and center,
in the Walpole Day Parade in your choice of vehicle: Police Cruiser,
Fire Truck, or a Convertible. The Grand Marshal will be announced
the week of April 25 th .
TOPIC:
“What does Walpole mean to you?”
GUIDELINES: Submissions can be NO MORE THAN 250 WORDS
Please include the following with each essay:
• Name
• Age/Grade
• Address
• Contact Number/Email Address
ELIGIBILITY: Open to WALPOLE RESIDENTS ONLY, Grades K – 12
DEADLINE: Friday, April 15
SEND TO:
Walpole Recreation
ATTENTION: ARIELLE CARNEY
135 School Street
Walpole, MA 02081
recreation@walpole-ma.gov
WALPOLE YOUTH CORPS
$10 per person
Grades 6 - 9
Instructor: Recreation Staff
Mondays - Thursdays
Registration Deadline: 48 hours prior
Times TBD*
Minimum: 2 participants
Blackburn Hall
Maximum: 12 participants per day
The Walpole Youth Corps program offers Walpole Youth an
opportunity to play an important role to better their community by
assisting with the delivery of recreation services. The Youth
Corps is for teenagers who may not be old enough yet to work,
but are still eager to contribute their time and talent to something
meaningful. Youth Corps members will be guided by the
leadership of recreation staff to compete priority conservation
projects around the Town of Walpole, such as trail maintenance,
removing invasive plants, constructing or repairing trails, and
more. Through the performance of this important work, Walpole
Youth Corps members will gain valuable experience in
community service, team work, and volunteerism while making
new friends and having fun.
• All participants will be required to write a one paragraph
essay about growing up in Walpole.
• Youth Corps members will receive two t-shirts.
• Lunch will provided daily.
• Members receive a certificate of completion indicating their
participation and volunteer service.
*We’ll be working on a new project everyday, so be sure to
check out the schedule each week at WalpoleRec.com.