Summer Activities Available for Youth in Community Parks

Contributing Writer, Jane Richards

            Elementary, as well as high school students, count the hours, days, and weeks before  school ends. After a couple of weeks of freedom, parents hear the familiar chant, “There’s nothing to do.” The Cortland Youth Bureau offers many challenging opportunities for elementary age children and teens.

            Swimming is available at the Wickwire Pool and Yaman Beach. Hours for both pools are from noon to 7 p.m. every day. An adult must accompany a child under the age of 8. Children may also learn to swim through a Red Cross program held at Wickwire Pool. Splash pools for children eight and under are located at Suggett and Beaudry parks. Open on June 27 to August 19, they offer an opportunity for children to cool off on hot summer days. For further information check the spring and summer Cortland Youth Bureau brochure at www.cortland.org/youth or call the bureau at 753-3021.

            Opportunities to learn how to play a sport or improve the skill level are sponsored by the Youth Bureau. Baseball, both Little League and Babe Ruth junior and senior divisions, are offered during the summer. A Jr. Tiger Baseball Camp for ages 6 to 13 will take place from June 27 through July 7. The staff includes Cortland High School coaches as well as high school and college players. On July 20 at 10 am, the Cortland Elks Lodge is sponsoring a clinic, conducted by the Syracuse Chiefs, for girls and boys who wish to improve their skills in baseball or softball. In addition, youth softball is available for ages 8 through 18.

            A wide variety of other sports are included in the summer program. A basketball league is offered for junior and senior high girls and boys. A lacrosse camp for girls in grades 2-7 and 8-12 will take place from July 25 to 29 at Testa Park on Star Road. A lacrosse stick and a mouth guard are required.  More information may be obtained by contacting Kim Pace at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

            Another lacrosse program, sponsored by the Home-Cort Youth Lacrosse Association, will be offered for first and second grade boys. Separate soccer teams for boys and girls by grade level will be offered by the Cortland County Youth Soccer Association. Games will be played at Suggett and Testa Parks.

            Programs involving arts and crafts are featured at Dexter, Suggett, Beaudry, and Randall parks.  The parks open at 1 and close at 7. A wide variety of activities are available for ages 7 to 14.The Skate Park is also open at Yaman Park.

All children and teens are invited to participate in the programs. If money is a problem, the Jim Partigianoni Scholarship Fund will provide funding for programs. Children with disabilities are invited to join the activities. Please call two weeks in advance concerning the particular program.

            The director of the  City Youth Bureau, John McNerney, indicated that “a wide variety of recreation and educational programs are available, and the Youth Bureau strives to provide the highest quality of programs for the youth of our community.”

            The community coalition, Cortland Area Communities That Care, advocates preventive measures to promote healthy living. Busy, active youth, supported by a caring environment, will help establish a positive self-image.                                                  

Jane Richards is a former county legislator and a CACTC board member. She is a part-time lecturer at SUNY Cortland, and she is committed to community service.