Department Spotlight
As the warm weather creeps in, Hingham’s Recreation Department is ramping up for summer!
Over 10 weeks from June to August, Hingham’s Rec Department grows to 150 employees, which includes camp counselors and lifeguards. These employees staff and run programming for 4,000 camp slots! From Adventure Club to Teen Extreme, Hingham’s Rec camps offer programming for kids in preschool through eighth grade. After revamping its structure four years ago, Hingham’s camps have grown to be one of the most robust summer programs in the South Shore. They also offer sports like volleyball, street hockey, track and field, tennis, pickleball, and many more.
Beyond summer camp, Hingham Rec has something to offer every age resident. The department operates the Fitness Center at Town Hall and offers adult classes like Dance Cardio, Spin, Yoga and more! They also partner with South Shore Country Club to offer golf lessons.
“Our philosophy is to offer programming for residents of all ages and abilities,” shared Mark Thorell, Hingham’s Director of Recreation.
Beyond structured programming, Hingham’s Rec Department is also responsible for the scheduling, permitting, and turf maintenance of all Town-owned fields. They work closely with the School Department to make sure all of their athletic program needs have been met.
Over the past two years, Hingham Rec has been diligently updating the Cronin Field Complex located behind Town Hall. The area now offers fully renovated amenities including a basketball court, street hockey rink, and Little League and major league baseball fields. The Community Playground is at the end stages of a full renovation, which includes 14,000 square feet of play space. It is a state-of-the-art playground with a zip line, climbing and swinging components, imaginary play, and musical instruments. The entire surface is accessible for those with disabilities. “This playground reconstruction sets Hingham’s Community Playground to be one of the most dynamic play spaces in the area,” said Thorell. The Town is planning a grand opening ceremony to celebrate and thank the community for its help. The entire complex will be connected with accessible pathways thanks to a $250,000 grant from the Massachusetts Office on Disability.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America and Hingham residents have joined the fun. Hingham Rec offers individual and group coaching and play clinics.
Hingham Rec is here to serve all interested community members and encourages residents to review programming on their webpage!
As part of our efforts to make Town Government more accessible to residents, Hingham will spotlight each Town department throughout the year. Our goal is to educate citizens about the inner workings of their local administration and the many responsibilities it holds.