Laughing and splashing in the bright blue water were Michele Hunt and children Jackson Hunt and Reagan Clement. The three enjoyed Newtown’s newest pool at the recently-opened Community Center and Senior Center facility in Fairfield Hills. Since its ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 19, the new gathering place and activity center has attracted a lot of people, said center Director Matt Ariniello.

“People have a lot of questions,” he said. He has spent his first days talking with guests about what the center offers, how to sign up for a membership, and more.

He has also been giving “a lot of tours,” in past days. “People are coming through the doors,” Mr Ariniello said. “It’s great to see families and individuals using the facility.”

As Mr Ariniello walked across the main lobby, where the Welcome Center and Better Day Café are located, two women approached him inquiring about a dance class.

Passing the café with its seating area, he said the café has been “a hit.” Any guests at Fairfield Hills, and not just those with center memberships, can come in and visit the café. Newtown Transition students staff the café, and “love the interaction,” with customers, he said.

Both this week and last saw a lot of people swimming, Mr Ariniello commented. The children’s pool, with its gradual-depth entry, includes water features, fountains that spray, and buckets that spill pool water. Those water features are also a “hit,” he said. On Tuesday afternoon, individuals swam alone, mothers played with children, and guests in the lobby watched the activity through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Already, membership for the center is approaching 800 and covers all ages, said Mr Ariniello. Among popular activities are swimming lessons, with fall programming coming soon.

Water aerobics programs also are popular, he said.

Mr Ariniello turned his attention again to the aquatics center, where he saw through the windows to the lot outside. Children were riding bikes there. He was pleased to see them riding bicycles donated to the center from the Parks & Recreation Department, which in past weeks had received the donation of more than 100 bicycles from a Newtown resident.

His favorite aspect of the center so far is “seeing families spend time together,” he said.

Loving The Relocations

The Parks & Recreation Department offices are also now located in the community center. Recreation Director Amy Mangold “absolutely loves” the new location. The recreation offices were previously located below the police station at Town Hall South, 3 Main Street.

She is enjoying the new building at 8 Simpson Street, across from Newtown Municipal Center. She feels “connected to the community in the hub of Newtown,” she said. She is also connected with other town employees and enjoys “seeing so many community members — talking with them,” Ms Mangold said.

With its own entrance, suite of activity, and classroom space is Newtown Senior Center. Social Services and Senior Center Director Natalie Jackson was in her office Tuesday, July 30, sorting through boxes and files as she organized her new space.

She has received “great feedback,” from current and new members and has been “very busy,” since the center opened. “People are coming in; they want to see the new space,” she said.

Ms Jackson also has spent time answering questions and offering tours through the rooms.

Senior Center Assistant Judy Thomas is also “extremely excited” to be in the new building.

Senior Center staff has handled many new applications and renewals since July 19, Ms Jackson said.

Learn more about the Newtown Community Center programming and membership fees at newtowncommunitycenter.org or 203-270-4349. Newtown Parks & Recreation can be reached by calling 203-270-4340.