5 Fun Waltham Recreation Department Summer Programs

WALTHAM, MA — The Waltham Recreation Department is looking to show off its "jewel" of Prospect Hill Park to as many residents as it can. That's why Thursday nights starting this week, and running through Aug. 15, families are invited to a free fun night at the former ski trail on Totten Pond Road that is now home to extensive hiking trails, a carousel and a miniature golf course.

"We have so many people who go up there and then say: 'We never knew this was here,'" Waltham Recreation Director Nick Abruzzi said. "We're hoping that by doing this on Thursday nights, it's not only going to be good, free programs for the community, but also at the same time it's going to get people more comfortable and more exposed to what we have to offer at Prospect Hill."

While Prospect Hill is the hub of the Recreation's activities during the busy summer months, there are programs being run all over the city that range from sports to arts, drama and dance to renovated parks and playgrounds where you can cool down in the heat.

Here are five programs happening this summer that could be a fun way to spend days in nights over the next two months:

SPRAY PARKS

Waltham will have 10 Aquatic Spray Parks open this summer from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Parks are now open at the Chesterbrook Housing Complex, Drake Playground, Fitch Park Spray, Lazazzero Playground, Lowell Field, McDonald Playground, Monsignor McCabe Playground, Nipper Maher Park, Thompson Playground and Graverson Playground.

"When we put the first one up at Lowell Field, and the second one at McDonald (Playground), they were just so popular that every time we do a park we always seem to have one," Abruzzi said. "During the public meeting process, that's a big part of the feedback that people want them."

SUMMER NIGHTS @ PHP

What used to be once-per-season event will be a weekly celebration this summer as the Recreation Department hosts Free Family Fun at Prospect Hill from 5 to 8 p.m. Along with extended hours for the carousel and mini golf, there will be lawn games and crafts available for use. Bringing a picnic or planning a dinner is encouraged.

D.I.Y. SUMMER

An extension of the Recreation’s very popular Art Adventures program for those in grades 1 through 6, which are mostly filled for this summer, this program for grades 7 through 9 allow for more intricate projects for use at school, home or as a gift.

Sessions will be Aug. 5-9 and Aug. 12-16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 510 Moody Street.

TEEN TRIPZ

Each week, this program – formerly known as Summer Chill Zone – organizes field trips to spots outside of Waltham for those entering grades 7 through 9.

While some weeks are already filled, there are openings for the July 15-19 week that includes trips to Apex Entertainment and Roller Kingdom, July 29 to Aug. 2 for paintball and laser tag and paintball and Aug. 5-9 for ice skating and Jay Gee’s Ice Cream.

SPORTS PROGRAMS

The Waltham Recreation will offer basketball, soccer, floor hockey, dodgeball, tennis and combo sports programs throughout the summer from the Thundercat and Skyhawks Sports Programs. Programs are held at Kennedy Middle School, Nipper Maher Park and Veterans Memorial Complex.

Limited openings remain most weeks in most programs. Those wishing to register for a week in the D.I.Y Summer, Teen Tripz, Thundercat and Skyhawks programs are asked to do no later than the Wednesday before the session begins.

Go here for more information on all of Waltham Recreation’s offerings.