Raymond Parks and Recreation offers a variety of fall programs for young and old

By Masha Yurkevich

Raymond Parks and Recreation is offering a variety of programs and activities this fall for residents of all ages, from youth sports and adult recreation to outdoor activities, family events and community outings.

According to Raymond Parks and Recreation Director Riley Silvia, the department aims to provide opportunities for residents with a wide range of interests and experience levels.

“Our goal is to make sure Parks and Recreation truly has something for everyone,” Silvia said.

Youth soccer is currently under way, and registration is open for the upcoming youth basketball season. Adult offerings include basketball at Jordan-Small Middle School, pickleball at Raymond Elementary School and futsal at Jordan-Small Middle School.

The department is also offering several outdoor recreation opportunities. The “Fall in Love with Yoga” program, offered in partnership with Sebago Cycle, allows participants to practice yoga at Tassel Top Park. The “Together on the Trail” hiking group meets weekly and explores trails in Raymond and surrounding communities with Registered Maine Guide Elena Glidden.

For younger children, Raymond Play & Grow provides a relaxed weekly play group at Sheri Gagnon Memorial Park. The program gives young children an opportunity to play while their parents and caregivers connect with others.

While there are no brand-new programs being introduced this fall, Silvia said the department is continually looking for ways to expand its offerings.

“One of our biggest challenges right now is access to indoor recreation space,” Silvia said. “As we head into the colder months, we are trying to get creative with the spaces and resources available to us.”

Youth sports continue to be among the most popular programs. Soccer and basketball provide local children with opportunities to participate close to home, develop skills and become part of a team.

Pickleball has also become popular among adult participants. The department offers different nights for different levels of play, from beginner and leisurely play to intermediate and advanced, allowing people with varying levels of experience to participate.

Silvia said the department determines its programming by listening to residents, monitoring which programs fill up and considering feedback from participants. Staff members also look at how existing community spaces can be used in new ways. One example is Raymond Play & Grow, which was created around the existing amenities at Sheri Gagnon Memorial Park, including its playground and walking path.

Among the events Silvia is particularly looking forward to this fall is Pumpkins in the Park and Outdoor Movie Night at Tassel Top Park. The family-friendly event will give families the opportunity to decorate pumpkins together before watching an outdoor movie. The event is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 in partnership with the Raymond Schools PTO. Families will receive a pumpkin and decorating supplies, with the movie beginning at approximately 6:15 p.m. Popcorn and a drink will be included, and families are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. The decorated pumpkins will also be displayed for the community to enjoy on Halloween night. Parks and Recreation will additionally have a photo booth available during Halloween trick-or-treating for families and children to take pictures in their costumes.

The department is also organizing “Night Out with Raymond Parks & Recreation” trips to Maine Celtics and Maine Mariners games, giving residents an opportunity to attend professional sporting events together. 

For Silvia, the importance of the department extends beyond the individual activities it offers.

“Recreation is about much more than the activity itself,” Silvia said. “These programs create opportunities for people to meet their neighbors, make friends, spend time with their families, and feel connected to their community.”

Residents can find information about current programs and register through the Raymond Parks and Recreation RecDesk page at Raymond.recdesk.com. Program updates, registration openings and special events are also shared through the Town of Raymond Parks and Recreation Facebook page. Silvia encourages residents who have never participated in a Parks and Recreation program to give one a try.

“You do not have to know anyone, be an experienced athlete, or have participated in Parks and Recreation before,” Silvia said.

Whether through a sports program, hiking group, family event or community outing, the department hopes residents will find an opportunity to get involved this fall.

“More than anything, I hope they leave feeling a little more connected to their neighbors, their family, the outdoors, or the Raymond community as a whole,” Silvia said. <