Recreation Complex
Nicknamed the "Recplex," this is the main location for recreation in town, featuring a wide variety of facilities and activities, as well as the home and headquarters of the Parks Maintenance Crew.
Location: 215 Old Hebron Road Hours: 7am-11pm - 7 days per week
Park Rules
To enhance the enjoyment of all users of the park, there are just a few important rules:
No alcohol or smoking is permitted in the park. All dogs must be leashed and curbed. Additional signage must be obeyed.
Lightning & Severe Weather
Lightning Prediction System Removed
Dateline: June 13, 2008, Colchester, CT
Time and time again Mother Nature proves that she is smarter than us. While science gets close to figuring out many of her mysteries, she is always one step ahead.
A few years back, Colchester Parks & Recreation purchased a lightning prediction system for use at the Recreation Complex. The goal of the system was to alert park visitors when the conditions were right for lightning, and give them the opportunity to leave the premises before ever even seeing lightning of hearing a clap of thunder.
Once in a while the system would give what appeared to be a false positive. The warning horns would go off, yet lightning would not arrive. On other occasions, lightning would move in with the horn never having sounded. After a few years of this, the system has become akin to the boy who cried wolf, with dangerous consequences. Some people would hear the horn and ignore it, putting themselves in possible danger. In other instances, even when people saw lightning and heard the thunder, they would remain on site since they hadn’t heard a warning horn.
After much consideration, the town has decided it would be prudent to remove the system, at least temporarily, and avoid a false sense of security. The department reminds people to take all safety precautions during a lightning storm.
According to the National Lightning Safety Institute, the following precautions should be taken when outdoors and lightning or thunder is first seen or heard:
Avoid water. Avoid the high ground. Avoid open spaces. Avoid all metal objects including electric wires, fences, machinery, motors, power tools, etc. Unsafe places include underneath canopies, small picnic or rain shelters, or near trees. Where possible, find shelter in a substantial building or in a fully enclosed metal vehicle such as a car, truck or a van with the windows completely shut. If lightning is striking nearby when you are outside, you should: Crouch down. Put feet together. Place hands over ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder. Avoid proximity (minimum of 15 ft.) to other people. Suspend activity for 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder.
Questions should be directed to Colchester Director of Parks & Recreation, Jason Cohen, at (860) 537-7295 or jcohen@colchesterct.gov .
Facilities
Sports Fields
R1 - Little League Field (Lighted) R2 - Majors/JV Baseball Field (Lighted) R3 - Little League/Adult Softball Field (Lighted) R4 - T-Ball Field R5 - Multipurpose Field (Partially-Lighted) R6 - Softball/Adult Softball Field R7 - Rectangular Field R8 - Rectangular Field (Lighted)
Lights may only be activated by codes issued through the Parks and Recreation Office.
Tennis Annex
Aside from three lighted tennis courts, there is also one lighted basketball court, as well as several lighted horseshoe pits. There is also a swing set.
To activate the lights, press the designated button on the small concrete building by the tennis courts. This will turn the lights on for 90 minutes. The lights are operational from 45 minutes before sunset through 10:50pm.
For the courtesy of other players and the preservation of the courts, tennis court rules include:
limit use to 1 hour when others are waiting use of appropriate footwear no rollerblading or skateboarding
Playscapes
Two distinct sets of equipment are available for younger children. Located between the Pavilion and the Splash Park, one set is designed for children ages 3-5, while the other is designed for ages 5-12.
A third playscape, the Galaxy, is located by the Skate Park, and is intended for more mature children, such as those that frequent the skate park.
Covered Pavilion
The pavilion is open for public use, though it may be reserved for private parties. Permanent charcoal grills are available on site.
Free Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi)
Spray Park
Open seasonally from 8am-10pm, the Spray Park is the perfect place to cool off on those hot summer days. Though the park is self-operated and unsupervised, there are rules and regulations to be followed, including adult supervision and use of swim diapers for babies.
Skate Park
One of the newest additions to the Recplex, the Skate Park continues to grow and evolve. Constructed due to the hard work and fundraising efforts of a dedicated volunteer group, a new generation of users and parents are leading the way toward future additions to the park.
The use of helmets and pads are strongly recommended at the Skate Park.
Walking Path
Looking for a great place to walk outside? Visit the walking trail at the Colchester Recreation Complex at 215 Old Hebron Road. The approximately 2/3-mile loop winds its way in and around the many ballfields at the complex.
Concession Stand
Subway of Colchester will operate the concession stand for the 2009 season. Summer Hours (beginning June 29, 2009: 7 Day a Week, 8am-8pm
Camp Office
Located by the pavilion, this shed serves as the seasonal headquarters for the Colchester Summer Day Camp
Restrooms
Multiple restrooms are located throughout the park, including the Splash Park, Concession Stand, Football Field, and, seasonally, additional portable toilets.
Parks Garage
This is the main storage facility and headquarters for the town's Parks Maintenance Crew.
Park Rentals/Reservations
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