THE MARION RECREATION COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
During 2004 the Recreation Committee continued to support a wide variety of events and programs with an increase in the number of offerings, participants and volunteers.
In the spring the Marion Youth Baseball Major and Minor League teams competed with Mattapoisett in the South Coast Youth Baseball League and the AAA teams participated in a league with Mattapoisett and Rochester. The AA teams formed a league within the town. Our youngest players were divided into three instructional teams and three t-ball teams. The Marion Babe Ruth and the Prep Teams, which are members of the Gateway League, provided competition for 12 to 16 year old players. During July, the Marion Recreation hosted a baseball camp conducted by the Gatemen. In addition, Marion fielded a summer travel baseball team which competed in several area tournaments. Girls’ softball, which consisted of a senior team and two junior teams
competed in leagues made up of Mattapoisett, Rochester and Wareham. With an increase in the number of participants and teams, the Recreation Committee continues to look for a location for a new field. A special appreciation goes to Pat McBride, Chris Adams, John Graves, Rob Sudduth, Peter Stone, Tom Angelo, Tom Gelson, and Robert Mitchell, the volunteer workers who have given many man hours of work to restoring Town Field and Sippican Field.
Summer is a busy time for recreation in Marion. Over 130 children participated in swimming classes at Silvershell Beach. The beach basketball court, the playground, and the volleyball court were extensively used. Silvershell was also the site for three summer basketball programs. Beach volleyball classes conducted by volunteer Mike Martinez were very well received. The sailing program was a success with youth and adult students learning sailing fundamentals and respect for the sea and wind. Many children and adults enjoyed our various kayaking programs in the harbor. Thirty-five elementary grade children played street hockey on the town tennis courts on Thursday evenings in July and August. Youth tennis lessons were given
on the courts beside Sippican School and this year we moved our adult program to the lighted ORR courts.
Over sixty children participated in the Marion Mile for Kids Program which was held at
Tabor Academy on Tuesday evenings. Committee member Chris Adams set up a fun course and the racers enjoyed seeing their times improve each week. Volunteer Meredith Kotowski introduced seventeen girls to the fundamentals of field hockey and we also offered a lacrosse clinic for boys.
During the fall and winter the Marion Recreation heads indoors to the Sippican School gym with several opportunities for children and adults. The 2004-05 basketball program had seven teams in the Marion Youth Basketball League with fourth, fifth and sixth grade boys and girls competing. On Saturday morning we conducted a basketball clinic for 30 third graders and in the afternoon for 26 second graders. Friday nights were used for practices for a boys’ travel team and for the six grade girls’ team. Sunday was reserved for the junior high pickup basketball program. The Wednesday night Masters Basketball program is for players 35 and older who like to have a fun evening playing recreational basketball. In addition,
children developed their tae-kwondo skills in Wednesday evening classes in the school gym. Tuesday morning yoga classes in the Music Hall continued to be a tremendous success in 2004.
The Marion Recreation Committee wishes to thank Tabor Academy for donating ice time so that the residents may enjoy skating during the winter. This very popular Sunday afternoon family activity also included dates during the December and February school vacations. On Sunday evenings the Recreation Committee offered two sessions of Men’s Masters Ice Hockey at the Tabor Rink.
Fundraising continues to be a big part of the Committee's effort to provide quality programs. The Sixth Annual Marion Village 5K Run, held in June, was a great success. This event has been well received by local and state level runners and is co-sponsored by the Plymouth Savings Bank and supported by many local businesses. It is our hope that the race will continue to grow in numbers and community support and will become a major fund raiser for the recreation programs.
Much appreciation goes to Sippican Inc. for its donation of Red Sox tickets for our baseball fundraiser and for the valuable support of the DPW, the Marion Police Department, Tabor Academy, the Emergency Medical Services, the Sippican School administration and custodians and the Harbormaster's Office. The Recreation Committee also feels tremendous gratitude and regard for the numerous coaches and volunteers who serve throughout the year; they make it possible to offer many wonderful opportunities to the citizens of Marion.
Respectfully submitted,
Susanne Kotowski
Activities Director
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