The Houlton Parks & Recreation Department will open the Gentle Memorial Building for the fall/winter season on Oct. 15.
Anyone with questions may contact the recreation department at 532-1310.
Again this year, students may purchase a game room season pass, which entitles a youth to use the pool and ping-pong tables. This does not include coin-operated games. Cost is $15 for Houlton residents and $20 for non-Houlton residents. If a youth does not invest in a season pass, the price for the use of the pool/ping-pong tables is 50 cents for 15 minutes.
Game Room open hours for grades 2-12: Each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 2:45-5 p.m.; each Tuesday, 2-5 p.m.; and each Saturday and Sunday 1-4 p.m.
Gym open hours for grades 2-12: Each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 2:30-5 p.m.: each Tuesday 2-5 p.m. ; each Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
Rules and General Information
Adult and youth supervisors will be provided at all open gym and game room hours.
Any child in grade 1 or younger must be accompanied by an adult to be at the recreation center for open gym and game room hours.
Any youth in grade 6 or younger must be accompanied by an adult to be at the recreation center past 5 p.m., unless attending a scheduled practice or activity.
“Once a youth is in, they stay in” rule is in place at the center!
Parents will be contacted if a youth is asked to leave the recreation center due to inappropriate language or behavior.
There is a phone if a child needs to make a call.
Other programs being offered this fall at the Houlton Recreation Department are:
Recess Rocks: This new program is a fun, comprehensive movement enrichment program that helps reverse child obesity and enhances learning for children between the ages of 5-12 years. Yvonne Hyman will be the instructor for this physically active program. It will be held each Wednesday from 3:30-4:15 p.m. at the rec center starting Wednesday, Oct. 16. Ages 5-12 are invited to register. Cost for the six-week program is $20 for Houlton residents/$30 for non-Houlton residents. Class is limited to 15 children.
Halloween Fun Party: This year’s Halloween Fun Party will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Houlton Rec Center. This party will be for preschoolers to grade 4. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes. There will be games, crafts and a snack for the children. Cost is $5 per child. Children must be accompanied by a parent. Registration is required! Call 532-1310 by Oct. 20.
Children’s Art Program: Once again the recreation department staff will be sponsoring a Children’s Art Program. Youth in grades 2 through 4 are invited to register. The class will be held each Tuesday from 3-4:30 p.m. Local Artist Frank Sullivan will be the instructor. Cost for this six-week program is $40 per child. Class limit is 12 children. To register for this ever popular program call 532-1310 by Oct. 14.
Parent & Tot Time: Parent & Tot Time will begin on Tuesday, Oct.15 at the rec center. The time for this activity will be 8:30-10 a.m. each Tuesday and Thursday mornings. This unstructured play time gives parents and tots the opportunity to meet new friends. Some toys will be available or families can bring their own. There is no charge for this activity.
Pick a Better Snack & Act Program: New this season will be the Pick a Better Snack & Act Program. ACAP’s Community Ed Specialist Sarah Sternlieb will be the instructor for this activity. The program will be held on third Monday of each month starting on Oct. 21 at the rec center. There will be age groups 3:30-4:15 for grades 1-2 and 4:15-5 p.m. for grades 3-4.
This program is free to all that sign up. To register, call 532-1310 by Oct. 20. Each session will focus on introducing several different seasonal fruits and vegetables, including nutrition, education and tasting. The children will also take part in a “JAMmin’ Minute which gives the children some time to be physically active.
Walking times: The Houlton Recreation Department will open for walkers daily starting, Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free activity allows individuals to walk inside throughout the fall and winter months. Participants are asked to wear sneakers or soft soled shoes in the gym.
Men’s Open Gym: Men’s open gym will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Cost will be $3 per player. Players must be 18 years of age or older and out of high school to participate. Men’s Nights will be held each Tuesday and Thursday.
Junior high school dance: The Houlton Recreation Department will be holding a junior high school dance for youth in grades 7-8. The dance will be held at the Houlton Recreation Center on Friday, Nov. 1 from 8-10:30 p.m. Cost for the dance is $5 per student. All proceeds will go the Community Playground Renovation Project.
Red Cross Baby Sitting Training: The Houlton Recreation Department will be offering a Red Cross Babysitting Training on Saturday, Nov. 16. The class will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the rec center. This training is for participants between the ages or 11-15. Registration is required, call 532-1310 by Oct. 11. This class is limited to 12 students. Cost for this training is $50. This class will include a full day of training and certificate upon completion of the class. Participants must bring their own lunch and drink.
