THE MARION RECREATION COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Throughout the past year the Recreation Committee continued to support a wide variety of events and programs with the help of numerous volunteers.
In the spring the Marion Youth Baseball Major, Minor and AAA League teams competed with Mattapoisett in the South Coast Youth Baseball League while our youngest players were divided into instructional t-ball teams. In addition, Marion's 13, 14, and 15 year old boys participated in the Gateway Babe Ruth League which competed against area towns on the South Coast and on the Cape. In addition, Marion fielded three summer travel baseball teams for 10, 11 and twelve year olds which competed in several area tournaments. Girls' softball, which consisted of a senior team and two junior teams, played in a league made up of Mattapoisett, Rochester and Wareham. A special appreciation goes to the coaches and parents for their work on the baseball and softball fields.
Summer is a busy time for recreation in Marion. Our residents and their guests enjoy the beauty of Silvershell Beach and many children participated in swimming classes that were offered by the lifeguards, who also patrol the beach from the end of school until Labor Day Weekend. The Silvershell Beach basketball court, playground and volleyball court were extensively used, not only in the summer, but throughout the rest of the year. Silvershell Beach was also the site for the early morning yoga program that was held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Unfortunately, we were not able to offer kayaking programs in 2007 because of fire at the building that held the equipment in Westport. Plans are being completed to reintroduce the kayaking experience in the summer of 2008 in Sippican harbor. The sailing program was a huge success with students learning sailing fundamentals and respect for the sea and wind. Youth and adult tennis lessons are held at the lighted ORRHS courts.
Over ninety 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. Girls were introduced to the fundamentals of field hockey in our clinic for girls in grades 4-8 on the Town Hall Field during a week-long clinic.
During the fall and winter the Marion Recreation headed indoors to the Sippican School gym with several opportunities for children and adults. The 2007-08 Marion Youth Basketball League had six teams of fourth, fifth and sixth grade boys and girls. On Saturday morning we conducted a basketball clinic for 26 third graders and one in the afternoon for 28 second graders. Wednesday nights were used for practices for a girls' tournament team while Friday evenings were used for the boys' travel team. The Wednesday night Masters Basketball program was for players 35 and older who like to have a fun evening playing recreational basketball. Tuesday morning yoga classes in the Music Hall continued to be popular.
The Marion Recreation Committee wishes to thank Tabor Academy for donating ice time so that the residents may enjoy ice skating during the winter. This very popular Sunday afternoon family activity also included dates during the December and February school vacations. On Sunday mornings the Recreation Committee offered 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 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 Eastern 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 Lockheed Martin for its donation of Red Sox tickets for our spring fundraiser.
The Recreation Committee would like to extend many thanks 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 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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