SPARC Kicks Off this Saturday 2pm! Please help spread the word!

We’re thrilled to share that the free SPARC program at Parks and Recreation is returning this Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at 2pm! SPARC offers free, inclusive programming designed to bring together youth, families, and the community.

Help Us Reach Youth!

SPARC was designed to meet the needs of youth who can benefit from a safe, welcoming space for recreation and connection. However, reaching these kids can be challenging, and we need your help. Please share this information with friends, family, local organizations, school staff, and anyone who might know a child or family who could thrive in SPARC’s environment. (SPARC Flyer below.)

Program Details:

• Dates: January 4th through March 30th, 2025

• Schedule:

  • Saturdays and Sundays:

    • 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Families & Youth of all ages (Children 9 and under require parental/guardian supervision)

    • 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM: Tweens and Teens (ages 10-15)

• Location: City Wide Community Center

• Cost: Free!

Volunteer Support – An Evolving Role

We’re incredibly grateful for the amazing turnout at the recent volunteer training session. Your passion and dedication are the heart of SPARC’s success. However, this year marks a shift as Parks and Recreation introduces new staff to lead the program. To allow staff to establish themselves, volunteers have been asked to assist primarily in the hallways and logistical areas.

While this adjustment wasn’t what Friends of SPARC or prospective volunteers anticipated, we're hopeful it reflects Parks and Recreation’s effort to build a strong foundation for the program’s future. We remain optimistic that as staff gain confidence and experience, there will be greater opportunities for volunteers to integrate more directly into program activities.

Still Open Volunteer Slots for January

For those who attended the volunteer training, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Laura Bryant is seeking to fill several open volunteer spots in January. If you're available and interested, please reach out to Laura directly at lbryant@concordnh.gov and 603-225-8690.

The open slots are:

• January 19th, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• January 25th, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Your support makes a significant difference, and we greatly appreciate your time and dedication.

Advocating for More Volunteer Trainings

We also understand that some of you couldn’t make the training in December. Friends of SPARC has been advocating for Parks and Recreation to host another volunteer training session in January, but they have resisted scheduling one. We’ll continue pushing for this opportunity and will share updates if it becomes available. Thank you for your patience and commitment to making SPARC a success!

Volunteers have always been the backbone of Parks and Recreation, and their continued involvement is essential to SPARC’s long-term success. As Parks and Recreation continues to build the program, fostering an environment where volunteers feel appreciated and their contributions are recognized will help maintain strong, ongoing support.

A Promising Start

We’re excited about the possibilities for SPARC this season. The energy and enthusiasm from our community and volunteers are undeniable, and we’re confident that the program will continue to grow as a vital resource for youth and families.

Thank you for your support, and we can’t wait to see you this weekend at SPARC!

Gratefully,

Friends of SPARC