The Derry Parks and Recreation Department will not be offering swim lessons this summer, though all the other pieces of a summer of fun are in place.
Program Assistant Melinda Mafera confirmed in a phone call Tuesday that the lessons are cancelled for 2016, due to a lack of instructors.
“I’m not sure if it’s a national problem, but I know communities in the New England area have struggled to be able to provide lifeguards and WSIs (Water Safety Instructors),” she said.
However, the town’s other programs, including free concerts and children’s activities, are on course.
The town’s public parks and beaches will open for the season on the following dates, weather permitting:
• Splash pad, Don Ball Park, Friday, June 10;
• Gallien’s Town Beach, Saturday, June 11;
• Hood Park, Monday, June 13.
The 2016 Summer Concert Series begins Tuesday, June 7, with Beatlejuice and concludes Tuesday, Aug. 16, with Brandy. Concerts are 7 to 8:30 p.m. at MacGregor Park and are free;
Summer themed weeks for children begin June 13 at Don Ball and Hood parks. Themes are Under The Sea, Time Warp, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo, Red, White and Blue, Survivor, Under the Stars, Ninja Adventure, and Carnival Week. Activities include crafts, games, costume contests and special programs such as Mad Science.
The town’s two libraries, Derry Public Library and Taylor Library, will offer outdoor story times on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Don Ball Park is open June 10 through Aug. 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Gallien’s Beach, June 11 through Aug. 28, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Hood Park, June 13 through Aug. 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition, Recreation offers tennis lessons, kayak lessons and a Summer Fun Run series.
For details call 432-6136.
