Recreation Needs Survey: We need your feedback!

We are committed to providing the very best in recreation & leisure programming, to the Waterville Valley Resort community, guests of the resort & the greater- Plymouth, Campton & Thornton communities.

At our annual Town Meeting on Tuesday, March 12, we introduced a 'Community Needs Assessment', to help us get a feel of how you think we're doing and to help us identify your program needs and interests.

Accordingly, we kindly request that you take a moment to complete a brief survey.  The survey is being made available online via SurveyMonkey.  Please click here to be directed to the survey.   Paper copies are also available at the Recreation Department.

Of course, if you'd prefer to speak with us directly, please call us at (603) 236-4695 or email us recreationinquiry@watervillevalley.org

Please feel free to share this survey, and the above web-link, with your friends & family whom participate in our events.

Our continued goal is to provide innovative programs and events that speak to the fabric of our unique resort community and the spirit of our New England heritage.

Thank you in advance for your survey participation & continued patronage.

Yours in Recreation,

Rachel, Liz, Tom & Crew

First-Ever 'Amazing Race' an Amazing Success!

John & Shannon:  First Place Finishers in the 'Mixed' Team Bracket with a total time of  2 hours & 11 minutes.

Libby & Molly:  First Place Finishers in the 'Youth' Team Bracket with a total time of  2 hours & 43 minutes.

Colleen & Emmett:  First Place Finishers in the 'Adult' Team Bracket with a total time of  2 hours & 6 minutes.

On Saturday, July 28, 11 teams of two competed in our first-ever 'Amazing Race' program.

Participants started the self-guided competition on Packard Field, receiving their first clue after completing the first challenge of the day:  balancing a dozen nails on the head of a single, thirteenth nail.  

Those who completed the first challenge in under 10 minutes were underway, with a time-advantage out the the starting gate.  Those teams who failed to complete challenge 1 were given their first clues at the end of the 10 minute challenge time.

Teams travelled the Valley far-and-wide; from the ticket booth at the Ski Area and summit of Snow Mountain, to popular destinations, like Osceola Library, WV Golf Club, Corcoran Pond Boat Rentals and more (for a total of 13 waypoints), deciphering clues and completing challenges of skill and wit.

The top 3 teams across 3 age brackets (photos above) took home a pair of $50 Gift Cards from 1829 Outfitters (in Town Square), courtesy of the Recreation Department & all participants took home 'The North Face' water bottles, courtesy of 1829 Outfitters.

We would like to extend a special thank you to all of our winners and participants, a few of whom made it back to the Recreation Department having finished the course, but not before getting caught in the rain showers of early evening; those hardy souls not only finished, but returned totally drenched from rain (and sweat)!

Thanks for a great new event ~ we look forward to making this an annual summer program!

The BIG Spring Update: Memorial Day Weekend, Youth Fishing Derby, Corcoran Pond Boat Rentals, Summer Program Guide & MORE!

It's been quite a while since our last blog entry...and we've been busy bees putting the finishing touches on Memorial Day Weekend & summer programming.  Whats the old adage?  When it rains....well, this update is going to be a big one, so make yourself comfortable & settle in for the long haul.

Summer is almost here ~ read all about it below!

Spring Climbing Schedule

Spring climbing is well under way, and that means more and more climbers are making their way outdoors to Rumney cliffs & surrounding areas.  This otherwise-quiet, 'climbing gym' time has been the perfect opportunity for us to re-work the routes on the indoor wall; a process that, albeit slow, is ongoing,  in preparation for a busy summer season .  Join us on Saturday afternoons & influence the routes you love to climb...in fact, if the day is right, we may even have you help us move holds!

Next on the list:  Community Clean-Up & After School Antics Zip-Line Field Trip

On Friday, May 11, 2012, the Recreation Department, in coordination with The Rey Center, Litter-Free NH & Roper Real Estate is proudly presenting our annual 'Community Clean-Up' (think spring cleaning for the Valley floor).  Volunteers (including our very own WVES students & staff) meet at the Recreation Department at 1 pm to pick-up a route, trash bags & rubber gloves; Return to the Rec at 3 pm for light refreshments & a 'clean-up' gift as a token of our appreciation.  We invite all community members, year-round or seasonal, young or old, to help us beautify our incredible mountain community.  In the event of inclement weather, we will re-schedule for Monday, May 14.

Community Clean-Up & Margret's Hat Garden Club

Margret's Hat Garden Club Re-Invented for Summer 2012!

The Town has 8 flower plots of varying size that are in particular need of some TLC and we are looking for volunteers with a green thumb:  responsibilities include weeding, planting, mulching and general maintenance of your plot throughout the summer & fall.  The Town & Rey Center will provide the plantings, mulch, tools & weekly watering.  Details can be found by clicking the link above or dropping us a line at 236-4695.

After School Antics Field Trip to Alpine Adventures Zip-Lines

Just in case any of our WVES students have energy left to spare following the Community Clean-Up, we are hosting our annual, spring Zip Lining Field Trip on the afternoon of Friday, May 11.  As a special "Thank You" to our area youth for their participation in the clean-up, we have teamed up with Alpine Adventures to zip at a deeply discounted rate ($60 includes transportation, supervision & pizza dinner).  Age & weight restrictions apply, as per Alpine Adventures policy; please see the flyer for more details.  THERE WILL BE NO OTHER AFTER SCHOOL ANTICS OFFERING ON FRIDAY, MAY 11; IF YOU RELYING ON ASA FOR CHILD CARE THIS DAY, PLEASE PRE-REGISTER FOR THE FIELD TRIP.

Citizen Public Safety Academy Spring 2012

Ok, so this next one comes to you, courtesy of our friends at Public Safety.  Chris, Dave & the team are offering up another session of the Citizen Public Safety Academy, Wednesday evenings at 6 pm, from May 16 thru June 13.  Learn all about police, fire & EMS operations in the Valley, from our very own hard-working professionals.  Admission is FREE!  Please contact Carina at Town Office, 236-4730, to sign-up!

Up next:  Memorial Day Weekend Programs

3rd Annual 'Casting for Kirby' Youth Fishing Derby, Saturday, May 26

Memorial Day Weekend is the gateway to summer programs in the Valley.  Corcroan Pond Boat Rentals open for the 2012 season (see below) & the waterfront is bustling with young anglers trying to catch their glimpse of 'Kirby', the legendary lunker living deep within waters of Corcoran Pond.  We'll have great prizes across 3 age brackets, including our grand prize package:  Kayak & Paddle (you provide the PFD)!  Find a registration form on our website at www.watervillevalley.org/Recreation.html & sign-up today.  Free event t-shirt to the first 100 registrants; what are you waiting for!

Corcoran Pond Waterfront 2012 Boat Rental Schedule

Memorial Day Weekend also celebrates the season opening of Corcoran Pond Boat Rentals.  We'll have our entire fleet on-hand, Saturday, May 26, 2012, including brand-new kayaks & canoes, plus the tandem kayaks & peddle boats you love!  Rentals are scheduled to open directly following the conclusion of the youth fishing derby (approximately 12 pm), & will operate on weekends only until June 23, 2012, when they begin operating 7 days a week thru the summer season (weather permitting).  Grab a copy of the flyer for all the details.

American Red Cross Summer Swim Lessons with our WSI Liz

Speaking of water...did someone say Summer Swim Lessons (try saying that 3 times fast)?  Join our very own Water Safety Instructor, Liz, for this 6-week, comprehensive, American Red Cross Swim Lesson course.  Liz will be offering lessons on Tuesdays & Thursdays, by prior appointment.  Please check out the flyer above & feel free to give her a shout at 236-4695 or online at gps@watervillevalley.org with any questions or to sign up.

NEW FOR SUMMER 2012 ~ PAPERMILL CHILDREN'S THEATRE PERFORMANCES!

Papermill Children's Theatre comes to the Recreation Department for Summer 2012!

Papermill Children's Theatre returns to the Valley for Summer 2012 & we are excited to announce that the weekly offerings will be held at the Recreation Department, on the indoor stage, in our multi-purpose room, rain-or-shine!  Join us for weekly shows on Thursdays, at 10:30 am.  Grab a cop copy of the flyer (above) for details about each week's performance; we hope to see you there!

AND NOW FOR THE NEWS EVERYONE'S BEEN WAITING FOR...

(ladies & gentlemen, drumroll please)

SUMMER 2012 PROGRAM GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE ON-LINE!

Summer 2012 Program Guide Now Available ~ Download & Print your copy here!

Summer is quickly approaching & we are excited to unveil our Summer 2012 Program Guide.  This issue is PACKED full of summer camp info, day trips, daily programs, specialty clinics/camp, special events & so much more!  Visit our website (from the link above) & get an e-copy now, even before the guide goes to print!  We hope you are as excited as we are for the upcoming summer season ~ here's to an awesome, fun-filled summer!

Yours in recreation,

Tom

Climbing Rocks at the Recreation Department!

Our 30' Horizontal Traverse Wall ~ Now with Challenge Course Elements

Climbing programs have reached all new heights (pun definitely intended) at the Waterville Valley Recreation Department!  Whether you and the family are looking to push yourselves to the top, or seeking a great workout, our indoor climbing wall has what you need!

Many people have been asking questions like, "How old do you have to be to climb?", "Do you need any prior climbing experience?", "How do I rent the wall for my group?"

Carefully planning the route to the top!

Well, we've got the answers.  Generally, anyone of any age and any skill level can enjoy climbing on our indoor wall.  In fact, that's the beauty of climbing ~ it's fun, challenging & rewarding, for anyone, at any level! We've got climbs for the total first timer as well as those that will test the skills and endurance of even the most seasoned climbers.

Youth Climber being "tied-in" by Rec Staff

Safe & Challenging fun for any age!

As for age, we've had climbers as young as 4 (age is less important than size; we can get you on the wall, provided you properly fit into one of our wide-variety of harness sizes) and as old as, well, let's just say we've had plenty of adults climbing with us.

Carefully navigating though hula-hoops on the traverse wall

"No Experience Necessary" ~ How often do you hear this?!?  As long as you're trying to climb, we'll offer positive feedback & guidance to help you reach the top.  Remember:  We'll never "push" anyone further than they choose; climbing is a "Challenge by Choice" activity and that means YOU choose how high/hard you climb.  However, climbing is not "hanging" around; if you are just too tired/scared/etc..., and cannot continue to TRY climbing, no worries!  We'll get you to the ground quickly & safely.  (Please remember: For everyone's safety and to ensure everyone has an opportunity to climb, climbers on-rope but no longer attempting to climb will be lowered immediately.)

Climber about to top out ~ Ring that cowbell!

How about rentals?  Well, we can love to do that, too!  The indoor climbing wall is a great year-round, "weather-independent" activity choice for birthday parties, team outings, reunions, corporate events & more!  We will help plan your climbing wall program & provide all the trained staff to make sure everyone has an exhilarating (and safe) time!  For more info regarding facility rentals and program services, please check out our website.

Youth & adult participants in our 1st Annual Winter Climbing Competition ~ December Vacation Week

Well, before I sign off, I guess I should end with a few quick reminders:

The Indoor Climbing Wall is open for Winter Hours (thru April 6, 2012) on Wednesday evenings, 4 - 6 pm; Friday evenings, 6 - 9 pm; and Saturday afternoons, 2:30 - 5 pm.  (Schedule is subject to change during holiday/vacation periods; please call ahead to confirm).  Of course, we offer private climbing wall rentals (see above); please be sure to give us 2 weeks notice, so we can best accommodate your group.

Winter Climbing Programs Flyer ~ Click Here to Download & Print a Copy

The Indoor Climbing Wall is open to the public ~ that means everyone ~ and we welcome the opportunity to serve not only our residents and guests, but also our friends and neighbors from the greater Plymouth region.  Cost is $5 for a single roped climb (on the vertical wall) & $10 for 3 climbs;  all paying participants enjoy unlimited climbing on the horizontal traverse wall challenge course.  Become a "regular" at our wall by purchasing an "Annual Family Pass" ~ $125 per family (up to 5 family members; $10 per additional family member) & never worry about paying the daily fee, and receive complimentary admission to our Climbing Competitions throughout the year. Guests of Waterville Valley Resort (staying at participating lodges) may present your "Winter Unlimited Pass" for complimentary admission.

Last but not least ~ SNEAKERS ARE REQUIRED for all climbers.  Barefoot climbing is strictly prohibited, as is climbing in winter boots!

See you on-belay ~

Tom

Jugtown Country Store Home to Only-Alleged Photographic Evidence of Kirby?

Is this the only existing photo of famed fish Kirby?

For years, the above photograph has graced the walls of Jugtown Country Store in Waterville Valley’s Town Square. During that time, the photo has all but been forgotten. Until now. Recent word of the upcoming “Casting for Kirby” Youth Fishing Derby has brought the spotlight back to this vintage photo. 

According to Valley photographer Andrew Tyler, capturing this evidence was totally coincidental. “I was taking shots of the Ski Area at sunset. It’s just one of many pictures I took that evening. It wasn't until later, during my post-shoot processing, that I discovered that I had captured something truly amazing”, said Andrew. It’s clear, however, that a large fish (of some sort), does in-fact call Corcoran Pond home.

Join the search for Kirby, Waterville Valley’s own lunker, living in Corcoran Pond, on Saturday, May 29.

The Waterville Valley Recreation Department and the Department of Public Safety in association with the Waterville Valley Resort are sponsoring the first annual Youth Fishing Derby, “Casting for Kirby” on Saturday, May 29th. We hope all children and their families will participate to try to catch the elusive Kirby of Corcoran’s Pond. Contact the Waterville Valley Recreation Department atwvrd@watervillevalley.org to pre-register or call 603-236-4695. Pre-registration is $5 per participant ages 16 and under, and $7 on the day of the event. Event T-shirt included with registration. Great Prizes!