New staff, activities at summer recreation program

The village’s Barrett Park Recreation Program wrapped up on Aug. 14, capping a season of higher enrollment and more activities than last year.

About 225 children participated this year, up from around 175 last year, according to Director Nicole Winter. About 60 percent of the program’s staff of 70 volunteers and paid counselors was new hires, Winter said, adding that the new team members adjusted to their roles well.

Some of the new staff members weren’t exactly unfamiliar with the program.

“It’s really cool to see staff return to us who were campers,” Winter said.

One of those counselors was Devin Morgan, 16, of Lynbrook. Morgan said that she liked the experience of participating as a trusted staffer after attending the program as a child.

“I’m working now with people who had been the authority,” she said. “It’s cool to be on the other side of it.”

The program held its Carnival Day on Aug. 7, and added an obstacle course, popcorn vendor, balloon animals booth and a game of Twister played on the field.

“Every year we’re trying to bring something new to it,” Winter said.