Exciting Updates on SPARC 2025 Winter Program

Hi friends,

As we gear up for season two of the SPARC (Sports, Arts, Recreation, and CommUNITY Club) program, we’re excited to share updates about what’s ahead for the Concord and Penacook communities! First, here are some important dates to mark on your calendar:

• Program Start: SPARC begins January 4th through March 30th, 2025. The official Parks & Recreation SPARC 2025 webpage is here!

• Volunteer Training: The first training session will be held by Parks and Recreation on December 17th at 5:00 PM at the City Wide Community Center (14 Canterbury Rd, Concord). Please bring a valid driver’s license for the mandatory, free background check. Must be 16+ years old. Details here.

• Promotion Launch: Parks and Recreation ha begun promoting SPARC on their website (check it out here) and through online platforms, social media, and local school networks. Help us reach more families by sharing SPARC promotional materials with those who could benefit from SPARC!

Unfamiliar withSPARC? Learn about the program here!

This winter, SPARC takes significant steps forward, building on the momentum from last year’s pilot and evolving in ways that reflect both progress and a willingness to explore new approaches. We continue to be deeply grateful for our collaboration with Parks and Recreation in moving this community-driven program forward, and we are eager to see what this season will bring. 

Below, we’ve outlined the key details provided by Parks and Recreation and the City Manager:

What’s New & Different for SPARC 2025

From Volunteer-led to City Staff-led

This year, Parks and Recreation will fully staff SPARC with dedicated paid employees, ensuring smooth operations and consistent supervision. Parks and Rec has had multiple applications since our last post and appears well on the way to hiring 6 staff members!

• Staff Roles: Two in the arts and games room, two in the gym, and two at the front desk.

• Safety First: Staff placement prioritizes participant safety and encourages engagement in both planned and unstructured activities.

  
  

Double the Capacity to Serve More Youth

• The program now welcomes up to 60 participants daily, doubling last year’s capacity.

• To promote inclusion, the program follows a first-come, first-served model, with opportunities for new participants when others leave early.

  
  

From Pre-Registration Required to No Pre-Registration Needed

• Pre-registration is no longer required, reducing barriers for families!

• Youth over 10 can sign in upon arrival, while children under 10 must be accompanied by a guardian (16+), who can supervise up to six children.

  
  

New Session Structure

Split sessions are being introduced in an effort to better engage tweens and teens:

• 2:00–4:00 PM: Open to all families and youth ages 6-18 (children under 10 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent/guardian aged 16+).

• 4:15–5:30 PM: For youth ages 10–15 without a parent or guardian.

Parks and Recreation is pursuing this new structure to try and better serve tweens and teens and we will be tracking how the adjustments impact overall participation. 

From a Minimum of 4 Volunteers Required to 2 Volunteers Requested

• Last year, the program relied on a minimum of four volunteers to run successfully. This year, there is no volunteer requirement, though up to two volunteers per session are encouraged to enrich the experience and help maintain a multigenerational atmosphere.

• Volunteers will receive training from city staff, scheduled for December 17th 5pm at the City Wide Community Center. The training will last between 1 and 2 hours. (Please bring a driver's license for the mandatory, free background check. Must be 16+ year old.)

• We are working with Parks and Recreation to schedule two more volunteer trainings in January 2025.

Penacook SPARC

• We are waiting for an update from Parks and Recreation about the exciting new possibility of expanding SPARC to the Penacook community center. Stay tuned!

  
  

How You Can Help

• Spread the Word! Help us reach more families by sharing Parks and Recreation promotional materials with those who could benefit from SPARC! Official Parks and Recreation SPARC webpage here.

• Become a Volunteer! Volunteers are key to making SPARC a success. The first training will be provided by city staff on December 17th at 5pm at the City Wide Community Center (14 Canterbury Rd. Concord, NH). Even if you can only commit to a session or two, your support will make a big difference. VOLUNTEER TRAINING DETAILS HERE!

  
  

Our Vision and Commitment

At Friends of SPARC, we are inspired by the community’s enthusiasm and the possibilities this year’s program brings. As we navigate program adjustments, we’ll continue to advocate for SPARC’s founding values. Together with Parks and Recreation, we’re committed to regularly evaluating the program by asking:

• Are we reducing barriers for children and families?

• Are we fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion?

• Are we building connections across families, volunteers, and city staff?

• Are we growing a sustainable program for years to come?

With your support, we’ll ensure SPARC continues to shine as a space for creativity, connection, and community. Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s make this winter season one to remember! If you have any questions please reach out to Meredith at friendsofSPARC@gmail.com.

Gratefully,

Friends of SPARC