By Marcia Parnell
It’s already well known that Becket has its share of engaging and well-publicized things to do during the summer – from overnight camps to the wealth of music, art and other cultural opportunities at local venues. Here at the Beat we also want to make sure that residents know about, and have a chance to participate in, all the Town-sponsored activities on the calendar this summer.
Becket’s “Summer Program” (fka Becket Day Camp) at the Becket Center Town Park runs from 10am to 3pm Mondays through Thursdays beginning Monday, July 7th and ending Thursday, August 14th for Becket and Washington kids aged six to 12. Activities include games, sports and crafts and each week Tuesdays will be spent at the North Becket Village Park with activities organized by the Becket Arts Center and Becket Athenaeum. This summer’s program theme will be “Animals Native to Becket/Berkshire County” and also includes a field trip to the Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, and a visit by the Birds of Prey Program at the North Becket Village Park. Thursdays are beach day (weather permitting) at the Town Beach. Anyone interested in registering their children for the Summer Program is asked to call the Town Secretary, Beverly Gilbert, at 623-8934. For questions, email Peggy at pegret23@gmail.com. Campers should plan on bringing a filling lunch, plenty of water, a sweatshirt and hat. On beach day, children must wear their swimsuit, bring a towel and sunscreen, and be dropped off at the beach. All drivers must have a current beach pass for access.
At the Town Beach, float and swim-area buoys are out and ready for swimmers. Beach passes for Becket and Washington residents can be purchased at Town Hall for $10 and must be visible for entry. A lifeguard is present from 10am to 6pm daily. Non-motorized small boats may be launched at a designated special parking area. Pets are not permitted and feeding wildlife is prohibited. Other rules for good beach behavior are posted. Swimming lessons for residents of any age are available daily from 10am to 2pm and can be arranged by calling the Town Secretary (see above) or speaking with the lifeguard. Levels and times will be confirmed by the lifeguard.
And don’t forget about Becket’s Town Parks, which are available to everyone. The Becket Center Town Park has a ballfield, basketball half court, volleyball, tether ball, pickleball and a playground just for kids up to age 12. Bean Bag baseball is every Tuesday starting at 6pm. When not in use by the Summer Program, the pavilion is available for picnics and other get-togethers. North Becket Village Park has a small ballfield, soccer nets, fitness trail, a 1/7-mile track and picnic tables. Nearby on Prentice Place Street (across from the Athenaeum) is a tennis/pickleball court with lessons and play time from 5pm to 7 pm Thursdays.
