HOME > DEPARTMENTS > PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

About Parks & Recreation

---

The Parks and Recreation Department provides for the recreational needs of the residents of Saco. The Department is comprised of five divisions under the umbrella of the Parks & Recreation Department. The divisions are: Parks which involves the maintenance of indoor and outdoor facilities; Recreation which is the programming end of the Department; Senior Citizens; lifeguards; and trees. Our staffing includes a Director, Park Foreman, Parks & Recreation Technician, Park Laborer and a half time secretary/receptionist. During the course of the year we hire part time staff to meet our program needs and seasonal park maintenance. Volunteers are an integral part of our youth program staffing.

Learn more about what Parks & Rec is all about through our Powerpoint presentation

The purpose of the Department is to meet the leisure needs of the residents by offering a variety of programs, as well as by providing space for both passive and active recreation.

The Department works closely with many of the other Departments, including the School Department and City Committees to help provide a well rounded program. The Department is involved with the Business Association and the Saco Community Activities Committee in sponsoring the Annual Sidewalk Arts Festival in June, a Haunted Halloween Hay Ride in October, and the Saco Yuletide Celebration and parade in early December.

We participate in various state and federal job training programs by providing work experience to seniors, youth and unemployed people who are looking for training opportunities in a different field.

PARKS DIVISION:
The Parks Division is responsible for the maintenance of parks and playing fields around the city. This includes, among other things, mowing more than 100 acres of municipal land, the maintence of equipment, pruning of shrubs, planting of flowers, repair of picnic tables and benches, etc.

RECREATION DIVISION:
The Recreation Division is the programming portion of the Department. Our summer program involves well over 500 children in programs which include our 2 day camps, swimming, tennis, t-ball, baseball and softball. The fall soccer program is one of our fastest growing programs. We have over 400 youth from grades 1 through 8 involved. This program relies on volunteers to coach the teams.

Over 600 children participate in the winter programs from January through March. Programs included indoor soccer, basketball, tot program, gymnastics, Teen Drop-in Center, game session, etc. Over 200 girls participate in the Saco Jets Baton Twirling program from October through May.

The Department offers a wide variety of adult programs including volleyball, softball, walk/jog fitness program and open basketball. We provide the space for square dancing and various adult groups from Bassmasters to AA.

The programs are offered with the help of staff and many volunteers - parents, adults and high school students.

SENIORS DIVISION:
The Seniors meet at the Open Door, located on School Street, during the day. The building is available to them during the day time hours for meetings, beano, etc.