This is subject to change in 2020 due to the Schools Reconstruction Projects and the National Pandemic we are currently experiencing.

Not long after the much anticipated end of the school year, comes the chants of "I don't have anything to do." To help fill our kids' summers with fun, the Massena Recreation Commission offers the Summer Recreation Program which is offered free of charge to the youth of the community. For 6 weeks each summer, the program provides weekday programs that combines afternoons at the Town Beach (all day on Wednesdays) with supervised and organized playground programs at Madison, Nightengale and Jefferson Elementary Schools and at Alcoa Field Recreation Park.

Summer Recreation Playgrounds

Each playground is supervised by a male and a female recreation leader with planned games and activities offered free of charge to all Massena children. Games and activities are offered Monday - Thursday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. An Arts and Crafts instructor visits each playground once a week with a wide variety of crafts and projects for children of all ages.

At 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week, buses pick up the children (signed parent / guardian consent form required) from their playground and transports them to the Massena Summer Lunch Program. After lunch, the children are bused to the Massena Town Beach; then, return to their playgrounds at 4:00 p.m. Fridays serve as make-up rain days for the beach. Field trips to the movies, mini-golf, and bowling will also be taken on Fridays.

"All Day" Beach Day

On Wednesdays ("all day" beach day), a free lunch consisting of a sandwich, potato chips and a drink (or similar meal) is provided to all children participating in the playground program. Wednesday lunch sponsors are An Italian Affair, Stewart's, Subway and SeaComm Federal Credit Union. All drinks are generously provided by PEPSI-COLA of Ogdensburg.

Registration

Registration is held at the playground of your choice, the first day your child attends. Children must be at least 5 years of age to attend the Playground Program and at least 7 years old by July 1 for Beach busing. A consent form must be signed by a parent / guardian for each child riding the bus to the beach. This is a "drop-in" playground program which allows children to come and go as they wish. It is not intended to be a childcare service and, if children become unruly, they can be sent home at any time.

For this year's Summer Recreation Program schedule and additional details, contact the Recreate Commission at 315-769-3161.

Town Beach Busing

Beach buses run during the weeks of Summer Rec -- picking up swimmers at their respective playgrounds starting at 11:30am. The buses will leave the Massena Town Beach at approximately 3:45 p.m. daily, having the children back at their playgrounds by 4:00 p.m.
 A consent form must be signed by a parent/guardian for each child riding the bus to the beach. Children must be 7 years old to be allowed to ride the bus.

Ted Kot Youth Fishing Day

The Massena Recreation Commission also hosts an Annual Youth Fishing Derby in May at the Wilson Hill Causeway located in Massena, NY. Prizes are awarded for both boys and girls in 2 age divisions: 5-9 and 10-15 years old. All registered anglers enjoy a free hot dog and soda and drawings for door prizes are held at the conclusion of the event. Contact 315-769-3161 for more details.

Annual Frog Jumping Contest

 On the 3rd Thursday of July each year, the Massena Recreation Commission holds its Annual Frog Jumping Contest at the Arena with prizes in 3 age categories: 5 and under, 6 - 9 and 10 and over. You can register in advance that week or get more details by calling the arena office at 315-769-3161. Trophies, ribbons and prizes are awarded for the fastest frogs.