Recreation Department Offers

‘Special’ New Programming

By Kendra Bobowick

Resident Carmen MacLeod was looking for “anything and everything” from the Parks and Recreation Department.

As she later wrote in an e-mailed letter to First Selectman Joe Borst regarding Assistant Director of Recreation Roseann Reggiano’s response, for one, what she received was a “huge success.”

In the e-mail sent earlier this month, Ms MacLeod explained: “I am the mother of a six-year-old autistic girl…” The story starts with her daughter’s needs. She explains that before approaching the recreation staff, she had success with the Newtown Basketball Association about a year and a half ago when Jack Shpunt and Keith Kling were among those who made the effort to put together a program allowing “children of all abilities” to play. The response was “overwhelming,” she wrote. Ms MacLeod noted, “For the first time for these children, they had a place where it didn’t matter what they could or could not do. They were part of a team.”

Ms MacLeod had next taken her requests to Ms Reggiano who “went right to work,” Ms MacLeod wrote. Special needs children soon had T-ball, basketball, tumbling, and yoga courses that saw “a great turn-out.” Looking ahead to additional fall activities, “where there would be multiple skill-building activities,” Ms MacLeod explained the reaction to special needs courses. “Words could not express how happy these families are. Finally there is a place for the special needs child. The kids are gaining skills…” Emphasizing her next words she wrote, “EVERYONE is having a great time.”

Why the emphasis? Ms MacLeod next explained what Ms Reggiano, among others, also understands. “You may be wondering why we need such activities and why can’t these children just play with the typical kids.” Her answer? “Some don’t have the language. Some don’t have the comprehension skills of simple directions and some don’t have the physical capabilities to be put in with kids who do.” She also makes the point that the disadvantage becomes more apparent as children get older, skills become more advanced, and complications arise.

Ms Reggiano said this week, “Some [special needs children] need one-on-one training,” for example. Other children have been afraid to sign up, she said. With the help of instructors and parents, Ms Reggiano is creating programming to meet their specific needs. “It’s a place for them where they won’t be overwhelmed.” Acknowledging the number of children that would benefit from the newer recreation programming, Ms Reggiano said, “It’s something that’s needed.” She later remarked, “I am so glad [Ms MacLeod] contacted me.” For the first time the recreation programs will focus on the special needs children, and already a group of instructors and coaches have volunteered to turn their attention to the group.

T-ball coach Brady Eggleston takes a sooner rather than later approach. “Kids need to get involved,” she said. “The sooner they’re involved, the better they adapt,” she said. “They won’t be competing against kids who ‘get it’ on their first try,” she explained. “They really appreciate it because with other programs they can’t compete on the same level.” Recreation Commission Chairman Ed Marks is glad to see the positive response. “It’s one of the good things we’ve done,” he said during a commission meeting as he explained the programming to other board members.

First Selectman Borst is also pleased. He had replied to Ms MacLeod’s mail, stating, “Thank you so much for your beautiful message….” He also nodded to Ms Reggiano and coaches, parents, and volunteers in town who are contributing to the new programming.

For information on available and planned programs contact the recreation office at 270-4340.