2026 Central Square and Hastings Summer Recreation Program

Free weekday program

Summer Recreation 2026

The Village of Central Square and Town of Hastings invite local children to a month of crafts, games, community events, and special presentations. Rebekah McGraw returns for her sixth year as program director.

DatesJuly 6–31, 2026

ScheduleWeekdays, 9 am–noon

CostFree to participate

2026 Sign-Up Form ↗C.I.T. Application ↗

A summer full of activity

What Campers Can Expect

Creative Activities

Hands-on crafts and projects give campers opportunities to create, learn, and bring home memories from the program.

Games & Recreation

Age-appropriate games and group activities encourage movement, teamwork, and plenty of summer fun.

Community Connections

Events and presentations introduce campers to local organizations, community members, and new experiences.

Recreation Program History

The Central Square recreation program is believed to have begun in 1947 under director Bill Hoeppel. In 1948, the Men’s Club took over the program. Although few records survive from those early years, one event offers a vivid look at the program’s community spirit.

The 1949 Pet Show

On July 22, 1949, the Central Square Recreation Commission hosted its second annual Pet Show in the high school auditorium. Children brought a memorable collection of pets, and prizes recognized both the participants and their animals.

1st: Steve Glenn’s 69-year-old parrot
2nd: William Glenn’s turtle
3rd: Millard Murphy’s duck “Quack Quack”
Girls’ 1st: Dorothy Goldsmith’s beagle
Girls’ 2nd: Patty Kimberly’s toy bull
Girls’ 3rd: Mary McMahon and Susy Newman’s baby chicks
Smartest: Linda Dunham’s Water Spaniel
Largest: William Hegarty’s Chow
Smallest: Mary Coville’s mud turtle
Prettiest: Betty Frank’s cat
Dumbest: Priscilla Hoeppel’s Cocker Spaniel

Stories like the Pet Show remain cherished reminders of the program’s long history and the community spirit it continues to foster.