5646-R4_ML&P_TownOfBuxton_2016-2017_AnnualReport_Web

Nicole Welch, Recreation Director, 185 Portland Road, Buxton, Maine 04093 Office Phone: 207-929-8381 Cell Phone: 207-841-7320 Fax Number: 207-929-4730 Email: recdirbuxton@sacoriver.net

The Buxton Recreation Department offers a variety of recreation and leisure opportunities for the citizens of Buxton. Buxton Recreation is striving to build a well-rounded department that will provide community members of all ages with recreation and leisure opportunities. Over the last year, the primary focus of the department has been to continue expansion of programs, specifically for the adults and senior citizens of Buxton. Buxton residents traveled to the Botanical Gardens, Lake Winnipesaukee, Salem MA, as well as a trip to Boston to see the Red Sox, to name a few! Our free quarterly senior luncheons have provided a place for gathering and socialization. Other opportunities have included our popular Meditation in Motion- Tai Chi for Adults program, as well as Bingo Night and Paint Night. We are always looking for new programs and trip ideas- please contact the office if you have a skill to share, or if you have a destination in mind! Buxton Recreation Department has accommodated the childcare needs of almost 200 families over the past year. Our goal is to provide safe, convenient, and affordable out-of-school time opportunities which provide active, creative, and social outlets for the children of Buxton. Our Before Care, After Care, and Late Arrival programs run on a school year calendar, and are packed with outdoor play, crafts, gym time, and special activities. During February and April school vacation weeks, our School Vacation Camps hit the road, taking a variety of field trips throughout the week. Summer Day Camp is open to kids entering grades K-5, and offers field trips, arts and crafts, field games, and special events! The department is proud to add our new Teen Extreme Camp to this summer line-up. Teen Extreme is an outdoor adventure camp open to kids entering grades 6-8. Trips will include hiking, paddle boarding, ropes courses, and more! Afterschool youth enrichment programs round out our child programming. Leisure and enrichment opportunities have included soccer, basketball, kickball, track and field, fall running club, art programs, and gymnastics programs. The department collaborates with local businesses such as Happy Hearts Creative Movement, Hearts and Horses Therapeutic Riding Center, Mad Science to round out our youth offerings. The Town of Buxton’s Second Annual Holiday Touch-A-Truck was a great success! This free community event was a collaborative effort hosted by the Public Works Department, Fire Department, Police Department, and Recreation Department. The Holiday Touch-A-Truck showcases a variety of town and community vehicles that were lit up with thousands of holiday lights! More than 300 community members attended the event, enjoying refreshments, arts and crafts, cookie decorating station, and great company! This event also served as a drop-off for canned foods that were then disbursed to the local food pantries. Please contact us if you would like to be a part of this event next season.

19