Pittsfield 2025 Summer Playground Program

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield's Department of Community Development Recreation Program announces the return of the Summer Playground Program for 2025.
 
The Summer Playground Program is a free, six-week-long program held at Clapp Park, Durant Park and The Common which offers a wide range of recreation activities to Pittsfield children between the ages of 6 to 13. This year's program will run from July 7 to Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at each designated location at no cost.
 
If there is inclement weather, the program will move from each park to the Berkshire Family YMCA Pittsfield Branch located at 292 North Street. Details of these changes will be shared on the Pittsfield Parks and Recreation Facebook and Instagram pages.
 
During the program, Playground Leaders will create safe, supervised and fun-filled outdoor activities including sports, games, arts and crafts and nature activities. 
 
In addition, the Recreation Program is collaborating with various local organizations to offer the following:
  • The Berkshire Museum's Mobile Museum will visit one of the parks each week.
  • The Berkshire Athenaeum will be offering summer reading related activities throughout the program at each park.
  • Pittsfield Public Schools will be providing and serving FREE lunches daily at each park.
  • The Westside Legends will be hosting a build and design day at all three parks in preparation for their Sweet Gee Soap Box Derby.
For more information, contact Jennifer VanBramer, Recreation and Special Events Coordinator, at jvanbramer@cityofpittsfield.org or (413) 499-9371.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

18 Degrees Event Celebrates Reunified Families

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For many families involved with the Department of Children and Families, the first feeling is often fear of their child being removed from the home.
 
In reality, its goal is the opposite.
 
Last week, families, attorneys, social workers, and agency staff gathered at the 18 Degrees Family Resource Center to honor four families who overcame obstacles, such as addiction, successfully navigated the system, and were ultimately reunited with their children.
 
According to the event flyer, since 2010, the child welfare community has recognized June as Family Unification Month, formerly Family Reunification Month, to honor families working to strengthen and reunify their families, as well as the advocates who support them and help prevent family separation.
 
Speaking at the podium, some parents reflected on the negative perceptions they once had of DCF – views that changed as they confronted their struggles, persevered, and worked with the agency to access support and become better parents.
 
The setting of the celebration reflected the theme of new beginnings, as the name 18 Degrees symbolizes the height of the sun on a new day, which is filled with new opportunities and possibilities, said Stephanie Steed, 18 Degrees president and CEO. 
 
"It is where the change from darkness to light happens, and all those things are just really symbolic and really a part of everyone's process," she said. 
 
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