Somerville Recreation
AUGUST Newsletter
Our Monthly Newsletter features our upcoming programs, events, and resources provided by the Somerville Recreation department in order to keep our community active, connected, and inspired! For more information on how to register for programs...
📌 View our NEW Winter Guide HERE! https://tinyurl.com/winterguide26 📌
*** For translated guides, please visit page 2 of the guide.
💻 Visit the official Somerville Recreation Page
🏨 Stop in our office at 167 Holland St. Somerville, MA 02144 BASEMENT
If you enter through the 169 Holland St. parking lot door, our main entrance is located down the staircase to the left of Bright Horizons!
📥 Email esaez@somervillema.gov for more information!
If you have any questions, have feedback, or would like to be featured on the SPR Monthly Newsletter, please send an email to Kaitlyn Seeley at kseeley@somervillema.gov.
New Drop-In Programming Policy
Drop-in access is available only for teens who:
- Are registered for a Teen Program Membership
- Have guardian approval for drop-in participation (selected "YES" during membership registration)
- ** Programs that allow drop-ins will be clearly labeled on the program flyer and MyRec posting, if a program posting includes "separate registration is required" you must register for that individual program**
Need help registering?
Contact our Teen Program Coordinator, Brooke, at bmetivier@somervillema.gov!
Include...
- Parent / Guardian Name
- Program or Membership Name
- Teen's First and Last Name
to receive a confirmation email with additional steps.
TEENS, GET READY FOR A NIGHT IN THE SNOW! 🏂
Somerville Recreation is excited to offer another FREE Teen Snow Tubing Field Trip for Somerville teens! Get ready for an evening of snow tubing, pizza, and fun with friends at McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester, NH! 🎉
Open to teens in GRADES 7–12, this field trip includes round-trip transportation by bus with Somerville Recreation staff, a TWO-HOUR snow tubing session, and pizza! 🍕 Whether you're hitting the slopes with friends or trying snow tubing for the first time, it's the perfect way to enjoy a winter evening!
📅 DATE: Friday, January 29
📍 LOCATION: McIntyre Ski Area – Manchester, NH
📍 ADDRESS: 50 Chalet Way, Manchester, NH 03104
🚌 BUS DEPARTURE: 3:00 PM from Edgerly Education Center (3 Otis Street)
🚌 RETURN: Approximately 9:00 PM
💙 COST: FREE!
👥 ELIGIBILITY: Somerville teens in grades 7–12
IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
🔹 Registration opens Monday, December 21 at 5:00 PM!
🔹 ONLY 25 SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE!
🔹 A parent/guardian (age 18 or older) must complete registration online for their teen. Registration serves as parent/guardian permission to attend the trip and travel with Somerville Recreation staff.
🔹 Please only register if your teen can attend the entire trip.
🔹 Teens must arrive dressed appropriately for winter weather, including snow boots, snow pants or waterproof pants, a winter jacket, gloves, and a hat. Teens who are not properly dressed for the weather may not be able to participate.
🔹 Teens who register but do not attend without notifying Somerville Recreation staff may be ineligible to register for the next Teen Trip.
⚠️ ONLY 25 SPOTS AVAILABLE – SET YOUR REMINDERS! Registration opens December 21 at 5 PM, and spots are limited!
🔗 Register online through Somerville Recreation at somervillerec.com.
Questions? Contact bmetivier@somervillema.gov.
Bundle up, bring your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable winter adventure! ❄️🛷
Recreation's 2026 Fall Festival! 🎃
October 3, 2026
What a FALL-tastic day!!
Our Fall Festival was packed with smiles, laughter, and so much fun – from face painting and magic tricks, to bounce houses, balloon animals, pumpkin decorating, and classic fall games.
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the season with us – you made it unforgettable!
Beginning Our Second Session Of Adaptive Swim + Adaptive Track 🏊🏃
October 17, 2026
Recreation is making waves! We were excited to kick off the second session of Adaptive Swim and Adaptive Track, continuing to create opportunities for individuals of all abilities to stay active, build confidence, and discover the joy of movement. Through supportive instruction and activities tailored to participants' individual needs, these programs encourage physical development, independence, social connections, and personal growth. Whether in the pool or on the track, our goal is to make sure every participant feels supported, included, and empowered to reach their own goals. We believe recreation should be accessible to everyone, and we're proud to continue growing these opportunities in our community!
SomerStreets Monster Mash 🧌
October 18, 2026
We had a blast attending the Somerville Arts Council’s Monster Mash SomerStreets!
SomerStreets is the City of Somerville’s open streets initiative — turning city roads into car-free community spaces filled with art, music, and family-friendly activities!
We loved seeing everyone parade down the street and stop by our table to carve pumpkins and collect some fun swag.
Our First Adaptive Arts and Crafts! 🎨
October 22, 2026
We were excited to launch our very first Adaptive Arts & Crafts program, creating a welcoming space where participants of all abilities could explore their creativity, express themselves, and enjoy hands-on activities. Through art, imagination, and shared experiences, participants have opportunities to build confidence, develop new skills, connect with others, and most importantly, have fun! Programs like these reflect our commitment to providing inclusive recreational opportunities where everyone has the chance to participate, learn, and feel a sense of belonging.
Latin-Caribbean Celebration 🥳
October 25, 2026
This year, we joined the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs in their Latin American and Caribbean Heritage Celebration!
This special event provides an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Latin American and Caribbean communities in Somerville.
We were able to advertise our programs to a more diverse community, brought games for all ages to relax and enjoy their experience, as well as brought flag arts and crafts for everyone to express pride in where they're from! Thank you SomerViva for including us in your special day!
Tot-Time Celebrates The Spooky Season! 👻
October 29, 2026
Our Tot-Time Preschool Program had smiles, costumes, and plenty of treats as our tiny ghosts took over Powderhouse Park for some trick-or-treating!
Recreation Program Coordinators came to hand out some treats and spread Halloween cheer as the kids took a hike around the park. Dressed in their best, the children stopped by local spots to collect treats, wave to friendly faces, and share plenty of smiles along the way!
We hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween!
City of Somerville's Truck O'Treat 2026 🍬
October 29, 2026
We were so happy to join in on the fun at Somerville’s Truck O’ Treat at Somerville City Hall! It was amazing to see everyone’s creative costumes and all the smiling faces.
This fantastic family-friendly event where everyone got to wear costumes, trick-or-treat safely around DPW’s decorated truck, enjoy lawn games, treats, and fun activities. Everyone got to walk the concourse, pick up candy, and enjoy the festive vibes.
Thanks to the community for making it a fang-tastic evening — we can’t wait to do it again next year!
Teen Volleyball Gets In On The Halloween Madness!
October 29, 2026
Serving up some Halloween spirit! Our Teen Volleyball participants brought the costumes, energy, and plenty of fun to the court!
Releasing Our 2026 - 2027 Winter Guide ⛄
October 30, 2026
Ready to make this winter one to remember?
Our 2026–2027 Winter Program Guide is officially LIVE! Whether you’re looking to stay active, discover a new hobby, spend time with friends and family, or embrace all the fun that winter has to offer, Somerville Recreation has something for everyone!
REGISTRATION REMINDER: The majority of our winter programs will become available on our website (somervillerec.com) on Friday, November 6th, 2026. Be sure to mark your calendars! If you need assistance with registration, our office is happy to help.
PLEASE NOTE: Our online program guide is a living document! Program dates, times, locations, instructors, and offerings may change throughout the season. The online guide will always reflect the most up-to-date information, so be sure to check back regularly for new programs and important updates!
Reminder of the November 3rd Elections! ✅
On Tuesday, November 3, Massachusetts will hold its State Election, which is open to all registered voters in Somerville.
Items on the Ballot:
Offices on the ballot include Governor, Senator in Congress, Representative in Congress, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and more.
There are also nine ballot questions on various subjects. You can help keep lines at the polls shorter by reviewing sample ballots and review ballot questions in advance online at somervillema.gov/sampleballots.
Below is more information on how to vote and reminders for finalizing your voting plan:
Vote on Election Day:
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Find your polling location at somervillema.gov/mysomerville
- Accessible voting options:
o AutoMARK ballot-marking devices are available at each polling location. They provide audio instructions and enlarged, high-contrast text to help voters mark their ballots independently.
o Braille Embossed and large print copies of all ballot questions will be available for review at all polling locations.
o Any other accessibility requests may be made with the polling location staff or in advance by contacting ada@somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600 x2059.
- How to return your ballot (if voting by mail):
o Elections Office: Return directly to the Elections Department at City Hall
o Mail: Send to the Elections Department, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143
o Drop boxes: Leave it in a drop box at one of the following locations:
§ City Hall Concourse, 93 Highland Ave.
§ In front of the Argenziano School, 290 Washington St.
§ East Somerville Community School, across from 66 Glen St.
§ Behind the Mystic Activity Center, 530 Mystic Ave.
§ In front of the Somerville Community Baptist Church, 31 College Ave.
§ In front of Saint Catherine of Genoa Church parking lot, 182 Summer St. (near corner of Spring St.)
§ In front of the Armory, 191 Highland Ave.
§ In front of Dilboy Post, 351 Summer St.
§ In front of the Tufts Administrative Building, 167 Holland St.
§ In front of the West Somerville Neighborhood School at 177 Powder House Blvd.
Fall Neighborhood Clean Ups 🍁
The City is hosting its second citywide clean up as part of the Year of the Neighbor initiative. Somerville community members are invited to spend a couple of hours outside, meet people nearby, and leave your street a little better than you found it.
Join the City of Somerville on Saturday, November 7, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Clean up events have been scheduled in all seven wards. Learn more and find your ward's meeting point.
Pumpkin Smash! Turning Pumpkins Into Compost
As spooky season comes to a close, don't trash your pumpkins, smash 'em. Community members are invited to Somerville's second annual 'Pumpkin Smash' on Saturday, November 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Chuckie Harris Park (17 Cross St. East). Rain date is Sunday, November 8.
Bring and smash your Halloween pumpkins (our smash one provided). Enjoy additional family friendly activities, a bake sale, learn about Somerville’s Food Waste Collection Pilot, and more.
This event is hosted in partnership by the City of Somerville, East Somerville Main Streets, Mothers Out Front, Somerville Community Growing Center, and Garbage to Garden.