While the North Haven Department of Community Services and Recreation (DCSR) has been able to plan some amended events over the past 15 months, Andy DelVecchio, assistant director, is excited that the schedule of events for the summer of 2021 is looking like more of a return to pre-COVID times.

“Most of the youth leagues in town, which are run independently, are running so there are a lot of outdoor opportunities sports-wise happening and we are hosting our own sports camps as well,” said DelVecchio. “Our concerts will return to Town Green and our day camps are back. Nothing happens if the departments don’t work together and I’m proud of how everyone in this town does their piece to put the puzzle together.”

Concerts Under the Stars

Last summer at the height of COVID, DelVecchio and the Town of North Haven were able to continue to offer an abbreviated summer concert schedule by moving the event to the fairgrounds and hosting the concerts “drive-in movie style” with residents enjoying them from their cars. Now with restrictions moving toward recommendations, the Concert Under the Stars Series will return to the North Haven Green, running on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. from July 6 to Aug. 17.

“The biggest comment we got from people is that they couldn’t wait to get back to the green,” said DelVecchio. “People have had a rough year and we’re trying to give them something to look forward to and a few positive things.”

The concerts will be slightly different as this year there will be no food vendors so people aren’t congregating. People are welcome to bring their own food. There will also be no classic cars displayed in order to give people more room to maintain social distance.

“We are trying to get as much space as possible so people can spread out,” said DelVecchio. “While no masks are required, we are going to still try to keep people safe.”

The 2021 lineup includes Rich DiPalma on July 6, Classics on July 13, Avenue Groove on July 20, Signature Band on July 27, Coyote River Band on Aug. 3, Primetime on Aug. 10, and Timmy Maia Experience on Aug. 17.

Summer Camp

The DCSR will offer several opportunities for summer camp, including a day camp at the Mildred A. Wakeley Community and Recreation Center as well as playground camp, which will be offered at Montowese Elementary School and Clintonville Elementary School.

“The schools were very generous to let us use two elementary schools,” said DelVecchio. “The nice thing about the Town of North Haven is how everyone works together.”

Day Camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for five weeks and costs $250 a week, while playground camp is held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and $250 for the five-week session. There are still openings in both the Day Camp and the Montowese session of Playground Camp. Registration can be done by mail or at the Recreation Department.

Under current regulations, campers will not need to wear a mask when outdoors, but must wear one when they go inside the buildings. There will be various safety protocols in place such as hand-sanitizing and eating outside whenever weather permits.

This year’s camps also have a more limited enrollment with playground camps limited to 40 campers a week and the Day Camp limited to 60 a week. For both camps, campers will be in 20-person pod groups. There will be no field trips this year.

Both camps will offer outdoor activities such as kickball, soccer, Wiffle ball, and more. There will also be special theme-based activities. Those enrolled at the Day Camp will also have an opportunity to use the pool. Inside, there will be arts and crafts, board games, and time for reading or working on summer learning packets.

“At our camps, any of the kids who read for a half hour a day get an ice cream at the end of the week so that program has been very successful,” said DelVecchio. “While we aren’t an educational camp, we try to allot time at all our camps where they can work on any summer packets. We are trying to see where people need the help and a big thing we’re hearing is that people just want their kids to be out and doing something.”

Walter Gawrych Community Pool

As a result of COVID regulations, the DCSR switched to a reservation-only system for pool use and lap swimming and DelVecchio reported that the system will remain in place through at least the end of the summer.

“It’s worked out really well and people like the idea of knowing they have that hour from start to finish,” said DelVecchio. “We’ve had a lot of positive comments on it.”

In order to use the pool, residents must purchase a pool pass. Renewals for current members are currently being processed. Those who would like to renew or purchase a membership for the coming year, which runs July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, should visit the Recreation Department.

Pool membership options include individuals, couples, families of three or more, senior singles, senior couples, and youth. Proof of residence and completed paperwork is required before a pool ID is issued.

Pickle Ball

In the past year, both the DCSR and the First Selectman’s Office have received a number of requests for the addition of pickle ball courts in town. DelVecchio worked with First Selectman Mike Freda and reported that two courts are nearly complete at Carina Park.

The courts are newly installed and will be completed ahead of schedule. The pickle ball courts are in addition to the tennis courts that are already in place at Carina Park.

“Most people are playing somewhere else and they’re thrilled to have the ability to play here in North Haven,” said DelVecchio. “We were fortunate to get the funds to do it and we’re happy people will be out there enjoying it.”