Bruins Players' Visit, Tennis Program Highlight Summer Rec Program

In response to a specific request from Mayor Rob Dolan, the Recreation Department has decided to offer expanded discounts for their summer programs to struggling families.

According to Recreation Department Director Frank Olivieri, these discounts will be based on the free and reduced lunch program offered by Melrose Public Schools. Students who qualify will be offered a financial package that will allow them to participate in certain programs at a discounted rate.

Olivieri was unable to comment on the specific number of children who will benefit from the expanded discounts because registration is still in progress, but he did offer a glimpse of how families are struggling and why the expanded discounts are needed this year.

"Since last year, we've almost seen all of our financial aid packages double and we're expecting it to increase even more," he said.

When asked about the amount of revenue the Recreation Department stands to lose because of the increased discounts, Olivieri explained that the benefits for families outweigh the department's financial worries.

"It is something we're concerned about," Olivieri said, "but our biggest concern is just providing quality affordable services for the community. That's our primary goal as the Recreation Department."

Highlights of summer programs and events

One program that has been revamped for this summer is tennis. Due to the overwhelming success of last year's program, the Recreation Department has doubled their tennis offerings for this year. The QuickStart Tennis program, developed by the United States Tennis Association, is back again with even more options for returning players. Also new this year, adult tennis programs are being offered for those who want to learn the game for the first time or as a chance for veteran players to get back on the court.

A notable event that has recently been added to this year's schedule — and therefore does not appear on the Recreation Department's online program and event guide — is a visit by the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, Aug. 3. Several members of the team, along with some Bruins alumni, will be hosting a street hockey demonstration that day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Melrose Common. 

Nothing major has been removed from the program since last year, so no one should be too disappointed this summer. Olivieri promised that all the popular programs from years past will continue to be available.

"If it was removed it was because it's been struggling for the last two years. There really wasn't anything that was dropped that was being missed," he said.

A call for volunteers

The Recreation Department is always on the lookout for volunteers to help with their summer programs. Anyone interested in offering their services can find the application at the Recreation Department website.  It should be noted that all volunteers over the age of 18 will be required to complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) form and submit a photocopy of their driver's license along with their application.

Additional information about upcoming programs including registration and volunteer forms can be found on the Recreation Department website or by contacting Olivieri at 781-662-9511 or recreation@cityofmelrose.org.