HOULTON, Maine – The Houlton Parks and Recreation Department will open the Gentle Memorial Building gym and game room for the fall and winter season on Oct. 11.
Information on programs, season passes, open hours, rules, and general information for the center. Anyone with questions may contact the Recreation Department at 532-1310 or go to www.houltonrec.com to pre-register.
The game room and gymnasium will both be open for grades 2-12, Mondays through Fridays from 2:45-5 p.m. On early release days for RSU 29, both facilities will be open from 2-5 p.m.
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.
Once a participant arrives, they are required to remain, unless a parent is picking them up. Parents will be contacted for inappropriate behavior while using the center. There is a phone if a child needs to make a call.
Again, this year, students may purchase a game room season pass which entitles a youth to use the pool and ping pong tables throughout the open game room season. This does not include coin operated games.
The 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 and ping pong table is 50 cents for 15 minutes.
Other Activities and Programs being offered this fall at the Houlton Recreation Department are as follows:
Games Galore and More Program – This program will be an 8-week afterschool program. The program will start on Oct. 12. It will be held on Wednesdays from 3-5 p.m. for children in Pre K-Grade 5. An extended program will occur on Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. due to the RSU 29 Early Release Day.
This program will be based on a new theme each week with games, prizes, crafts, contests, snacks, and more. Children in the RSU 29 school district can travel via bus to the Gentle Memorial Building if they send a note to school with their child.
The cost for this program is $100 for residents and $150 for non-residents. Registration is required. There is a maximum of 16 participants and a minimum of 10 to hold the program. Pre-registration is required by Oct. 4.
Red Cross Babysitters Course – This course is perfect for any youth wanting a chance to learn the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to take care of infants and toddlers. This is offered to youth between the ages of 11-15.
The course will be held at the Houlton Rec Center on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $50 per youth and is limited to 12 participants. Pre-registration is required. Payment will be due on the day of the course.
Parent and Tot Time – The Houlton Recreation Department will once again hold the Parent and Tot Time Activity. This activity will begin on Oct. 12 at the Rec Center. The time for this activity will be 8:30-10 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday.
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.
Walking Times – The Houlton Recreation Department will open for walkers starting Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free activity allows individuals to walk inside throughout the fall and winter months. Days for walking are Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants are asked to wear sneakers or soft soled shoes in the gym.
Adult Open Gym – Adult Open Gym will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m. for October and November only. This event starts Oct. 11. The cost is $4 per person per session. Meet friends and make new friends while getting some great exercise. Players must be 18 years or older and out of high school to participate.
Pickleball – Are you looking for a new sport to play that is fun, easy to learn, and gets you active? Look no further because pickleball might be right for you. This drop-in activity takes place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8-9:30 a.m. at the Houlton Rec Center. The cost is $2 per session to participate. Equipment will be provided as needed.
