Get Ready for a new Season of Adventure and Fun with the Suffield Parks and Recreation Department

Suffield Parks & Recreation Offers a Winter Season of Adventure: Get Healthy, Fit, Active, and Creative in 2026

Written by: Donna Carney Bastrzycki-Director of Special Programs-Suffield Parks and Recreation Department

Suffield Parks & Recreation is launching a wonderfully diversified winter lineup filled with programs for every age, interest, and ability. With energizing fitness classes, youth activities, inclusive recreation, hands-on art workshops, family events, small business development programs, and the popular Bowling Buddies Bowling and Outing Group, this season offers something meaningful and enjoyable for everyone.

Kick Off 2026 at the Roaring ’20s Party!

Everyone is invited to ring in the new year with fun for all ages at the Roaring ’20s Party on January 8, 5:30–8:00 p.m. This lively celebration includes a mock casino, speakeasy-themed refreshments, music and dancing, games, and several rounds of group Bingo at the end of the evening with gift card prizes. It’s a festive and memorable way to welcome 2026 together as a community.

Small Business & Not-For-Profit Series

Among the department’s highlights is the expansion of its Small Business and Not-for-Profit Series. In addition to returning favorites, two new free programs are being offered this winter to support entrepreneurs, small business owners, nonprofits, and local organizations. The first, Tune Up Your Local Business Brand for 2026: Look Sharp, Sound Clear, Stand Out, will take place on Thursday, January 22, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Suffield Senior Center. Led by Barb Shimasaki, owner of Barking Dogs Digital, this one-hour, DIY-friendly workshop—free to all participants—helps attendees refresh their brand using simple, low-cost tools, including Canva’s new AI features, to strengthen visual appeal and message clarity. Participants will leave with a Brand Plan Clarity punch list and enjoy light snacks and refreshments. A second free program, Video Made Simple: Content Creation for Small Businesses, will be held Thursday, January 28, 6:00–7:30 p.m. at the Suffield Senior Center. Taught by Alyssa Salerno, Media Specialist with The Stephanie Salerno Team at Coldwell Banker Realty, this session provides easy, effective techniques for planning, recording, and posting videos that boost online engagement and visibility. Both workshops are free and open to ages 16 and older.

The Bowling Buddies Bowling and Outing Group, continues to provide fun, friendship, and inclusive social opportunities for community members of all abilities. Our sports and Basketball programs continue to thrive and bring many smiles. This winter, Suffield Parks & Recreation has continued to partner with Total Body Fitness Studio and XGT Fitness Studio of Suffield to deliver dynamic and diversified fitness programs—collaborating with and supporting local businesses while expanding high-quality wellness options for participants.

Fitness Programs for All Ages

New this year, BODY BLAST offers total-body strength, core, and cardio workouts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from January 5 to February 27, 6:00–6:45 a.m. at Total Body Fitness, 11 High Street, Suite 105, with additional evening sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays from January 5 to February 25, 5:45–6:30 p.m. Saturday sessions run January 10–February 28 from 8:30–9:30 a.m. at Hits & Kicks, 11 High Street, Unit 105. Instructors: Donna Calabrese and Stephanie Dolan. PILATES FUSION, which blends standing Pilates with shadow boxing, meets Wednesdays, January 7–February 25, 6:45–7:30 p.m. at Total Body Fitness. Instructors: Donna Calabrese and Stephanie Dolan. BUTTS & GUTS targets glutes, hips, thighs, and abs on Tuesdays, January 6–February 24, 5:30–6:15 p.m. at Hits & Kicks. Instructors: Donna Calabrese and Stephanie Dolan. CARDIO & CORE (AND MORE!) runs Tuesdays, January 6–February 24, 6:15–7:00 p.m. at Hits & Kicks. Instructors: Donna Calabrese and Stephanie Dolan. FITBARRE combines Pilates, yoga, and strength training on Mondays, January 5–March 2, 4:45–5:30 p.m. at Hits & Kicks (no class Feb 16). Instructor: Kimmy Uzar. Youth in grades 3–8 can join Youth Fitness & After-School Games on January 6, 13, 20, and February 3, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at McAlister School Gym & Fields. Instructor: Stephanie Dolan.

Youth & Adult XGT Fitness Programs

Sunday Morning Workout Fun for grades 2–8 meets January 11–March 1, 10–11 a.m. at XGT Fitness, 138 Mountain Road, followed by Winter Shape Up for teens and adults from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Instructor: Emily Wruck.

Outdoor Recreation & Winter Wellness

Winter Walkers, Runners & Snowshoers meets Tuesdays, January 6–February 3, 12–1 p.m. at the Middle School Track, offering guided walks, jogs, or snowshoeing depending on conditions. Instructor: Donna Carney-Bastrzycki, Director of Special Programs.

St. Patrick’s Hike & Workshop will take place at Sunrise Park and features a festive themed outdoor adventure for all ages. Participants will learn hiking basics, trail safety, and fitness tips while also enjoying opportunities for outdoor photography fun. During the hike, there will even be a St. Patrick’s–themed scavenger hunt, followed by a hands-on seasonal workshop activity to complete the celebration.

Arts, Youth, and Family Programs

Families can enjoy Winter Wonderland Family Paint Night on January 22, 6–8 p.m., featuring acrylic painting, snacks, and hot chocolate, with all supplies included. Students in grades 3–8 may join Winter Landscape with Trees and a Deer Painting (January 8, 3:15–4:30 p.m.) and Valentine Sign Painting (January 29, 3:15–4:30 p.m.) with local artist Nina from Create and Paint Fun. Young children can participate in Pre-School Tiny Dancers, a playful introduction to movement and music that boosts confidence and creativity. Children in Grades K–2 are invited to join Suffield Spirit and Cheer, beginning Tuesday, January 6, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Spaulding School Gym. Participants will learn beginner cheer routines and returning students can develop new cheers. Sneakers and comfortable clothing are recommended. Pick-up is at the front gym entrance. Instructor: World Cup Polaris All Staff. Classes meet January 6, 13, 20, February 3 (with Feb 10 & 17 as weather make-ups). Fee: $50.

Looking Ahead

Suffield Parks & Recreation is accepting applications for Summer 2026 staff positions, including camp leadership, certified lifeguards, counselors, junior counselors, gate attendants, and event staff. Applications are due Friday, March 13. With programs supporting wellness, creativity, inclusion, and community engagement, Suffield Parks & Recreation is ready to help everyone make 2026 their healthiest, most active, and most enjoyable year yet. Register at suffieldrec.com or call 860-668-3862 for assistance selecting the perfect program.