Parks And Rec Programs

Are A Credit To Newtown

To the Editor:

After reading The Bee’s recent article, I feel compelled to provide some balance to the feedback regarding Camp Lash at Treadwell Park.

We all can help by acting as watchdogs to sponsored programs, but reacting to cause undue alarm may not be productive. Improvement comes from observation and analysis of present situations then adding suggestions for change, not by inciting hysterical reactions from the public. I’m not doubting the facts as reported, but I do believe this article was written in an inflammatory manner for the purpose of causing a public outcry. Why?

This incident may have been an example of poor judgment but the important thing to look at is the methods by which the situation was handled. The Parks and Rec director took swift and decisive action when notified of the problem. The department already utilizes parental concerns as teaching tools during training of counselors and there is a formal hour available daily for addressing camp concerns. Some issues are more immediate, but this is a wonderful opportunity to provide feedback (negative and positive) to both counselors and directors. All of these are proactive ways to improve our quality recreational programs.

I’m a mother of two who attend Camp Lash. My kids aren’t aware of hazing incidents so I cannot speak on the subject’s specifics. My kids do provide me with feedback about camp; they just love it! They also love their counselors who are engaging and attentive regardless of when I appear. I struggled with the guilt of utilizing the “Late Stay” program, which extends camp hours until 6 pm. That is until my kids complained when I picked them up on time. They felt they were missing out! My kids are also on the swim team and are torn between participating in swim meets (which they adore) or going to camp. What a dilemma!

If there are those who have reservations about the age of camp counselors, they remain free to explore other avenues for summer day care or camps. I feel that the counselors are all old enough to baby-sit my children at home, so it seems reasonable to expect the same for camp.

Parks and Rec provides a wide range of activities and facilities for use by residents of Newtown. What an asset to the town! My family was used to sophisticated programs while living in a Midwest town with a population of over 66,000. Newtown, with it’s population in the 25,000 range, has amazingly similar programs! The activities provided by Parks and Rec were a huge selling point when we decided to purchase a home in Newtown. The continued rise in our real estate values will support this also.

I would personally like to congratulate the entire staff of Parks and Recreation on their continued fine work. My family and I are still thrilled to be living in Newtown and are proud to be taking advantage of the wonderful programs offered to its residents. Keep up the good work!

Patti Winters

5 Old Farm Hill Road, Newtown                               August 11, 2004