The Department of Community Services and Recreation offers to the North Haven community an outstanding array of recreational programs and leisure activities designed to meet the needs of toddlers through senior citizens. Staff members and Parks and Recreation Commissioners are consistently striving to meet the challenge of providing over 150 varied recreational programs and activities throughout the year.

Annually nearly 40,000 residents participate in the offerings which are designed to span the wide range of interests of our residents. Fitness programs such as power mix and aqua aerobics, classes on dog obedience, preschool activities, nursery school programs, sports camps, summer camps, playgrounds and special interest bus trips are just some of the many activities in which our residents can participate. Summer and holiday times bring added excitement with traditional seasonal programming and the extremely popular Summer Concert Series on the Town Green. Throughout the summer months well-known groups from the 50's and 60's join with contemporary favorites to entertain with music and song. Many of these special seasonal offerings are funded in whole or in part by the generous sponsorship of the business community.

A highlight of the department continues to be the Walter J. Gawrych Community Pool, which will enter its nineteenth year of operation. Swim lessons and programs for youngsters through seniors remain among the most popular offerings of the department. This Olympic size facility, is open daily for fitness programs, lessons, open swims and birthday parties.

The Department of Community Services and Recreation maintains a strong commitment to the youth of North Haven as is evidenced by the annual KIDPRIDE program. Each year the achievements of our young people are recognized through entertainment and special events, including KIDFEST, which follows the Memorial Day Parade. Youth Service Awards are presented to deserving young people who have volunteered their time and talents to improve the quality of life in North Haven.

The Community Services and Recreation Department remains proud of its commitment to meeting the recreational needs of the North Haven community through maximum utilization of available resources. In addition to offering its own programs and supporting the interscholastic athletic programs of the Department of Education, The Parks and Recreation Commission also approves co-sponsorship of many youth organizations such as Hamden-North Haven Swim Club, Max Sinoway Baseball League, North Haven Soccer Club, North Haven Girls Softball and Youth Football.