Not even a freak April snowstorm could keep Long Island’s children from showing off their gymnastics skills. Islanders of all ages turned out on a stormy night to see an exhibition by the recreation department’s after-school gymnastics program. Culminating twelve weeks of practice, the event featured balance-beam performances, tumbling, somersaults, cartwheels and even flying leaps from a trampoline. The evening ended with chocolate cake and tumultuous applause.
“It’s great preparation,” said Long Island Recreation Director Alanna Rich. “It teaches motor skills and coordination. And when the kids start going to middle school in Portland, we hope it gets them interested in doing sports.”
The gymnastics program is one of three after-school activities offered by the Recreation Department during the school year. The program also offers track and field in the spring and soccer in the fall. Coaches Marci Train and Greg Middleton volunteer their time.
Long Island’s Recreation Department formed in 1995, two years after the founding of the town. The department manages the Community Center building, a former military garage near the ferry dock that now boasts a pottery studio, game room, and multi-propose activity space. It raises $16,000 of its $22,000 budget through donations and program fees alone.
“We’ve always had big approval from the town,” said Rich. But she is quick to point out that the group can do much more. Integrating visitors’ experience of the island’s multiple beaches, tennis courts, and several hundred acres of conservation land with the community center is a key goal.
“We want to cater to the town itself, but we also want to be more welcoming to island visitors. But we’re limited because the people on our committee are spread so thin.”
Other goals include renovating the community center to better handle children’s activities and developing programming for more age groups, especially for teenagers and young adults. Finding funding to pay staff is another challenge. Administrative positions are currently paid a small stipend, and many programs are run by volunteers. Nonetheless, Rich feels optimistic.
“We have a really strong committee right now. It’s a huge asset to the town.”
Alden Robinson is an Island Institute Fellow on Long Island.