Winterplace ready for some fun events for all ages
WILMINGTON - Thanks to an AARP Winter Placemaking grant, Winterplace is coming back and will be better than ever this year.
Wilmington Works, in partnership with Beaver Brook Children’s School, DVCP, and the SASH program, announce that outdoor winter programming will return to the pop-up park in the Old School Community Center playing fields this winter. The park is located at Hayford Field, with an entrance on Beaver Street next to the tennis courts and parking at the community center.
While the park is available to use any time for walking, sledding, snowshoeing, or just enjoying playing in the snow, there is also a schedule of programs planned.
Back by popular demand will be “Thursday Night Lights.” Lights will be turned on at the field each Thursday from January 6 through February 24, from 5 to 7 pm. Snowshoes and sleds will be available, or bring one to the events. This year there will be music, hot chocolate, and fire pits for warming up. Wilmington Works is seeking local groups to do food concessions, including s’mores kits, treats, and/or savory items, as well as wood donations for the firepits.
Also new this year will be weekly programs for seniors and families. SASH will host outdoor programs for seniors on Fridays from 2 to 3 pm. From beginner Tai Chi on January 7 and 14; to winter walking on January 21 and 28, and February 4; and snowshoeing on February 11, 18, and 25 - these gentle programs will keep seniors active in the winter. All programs are designed for community members 65 and older and are free, with hot chocolate, coffee, snacks, seating, and a firepit to warm up and visit. These programs are outdoors only and will be canceled if there is inclement weather that makes travel dangerous.
Beaver Brook Children’s School will host programs for children and their families on Fridays from 2 to 4 pm, starting on January 7, and running through January 25. Weekly programs will vary according to the weather but will include nature walks, snowperson building, sledding, snow painting, trying out snowshoes, and all kinds of winter fun. Hot chocolate and a supervised fire pit for warming will be included. If the weather is inclement, programs can be moved indoors and masks are required for indoor programs. Scheduled programs will be most suited to children ages 2 to 6 but children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome.
On Saturday, January 15, from noon to 3:30 pm, will be the Winterplace Festival. Ice carver Jeff Day, of Laconia, NH, will be doing an ice carving demonstration - including community participation, starting at noon. There will also be games, fire pits, s’mores kits, sledding, and all kinds of winter outdoor community fun. Join Wilmington Works for what they hope will become an annual town tradition.
For more information or to donate time, winter equipment or firewood contact Wilmington Works at wilmingtonworks@gmail.com or (802) 234-1433.
