Parks & Playgrounds:
We may only have a solid 6 months out of the year that we can pretty-near guarantee to be snow-free, so make the most out of that time with picnic lunches and lots of laughter at one of our many parks and playgrounds. Laze away a sunny day at one of our playgrounds found at Springs Park on West Hatfield, Bushnell Park on Robinson Road, the North Main Street Park, Alcoa Field R
ecreation Park just off of Woodlawn Avenue, the Creative Wooden Playground on Danforth Street and at the Massena Town Beach. Hockey:
Virtually from the moment they start to walk, you'll find a majority of kids getting laced into their first pair of hockey skates, donning a helmet and using trimmed down, flat-blade hockey sticks for balance as they begin their quest for NHL fame. Massena has long had a reputation as a hockey town -- from our littlest competitors to our alumni pick up games. The Massena Arena serves as base camp for the Massena Minor Hockey Association (MMHA) which teaches kids the skills of hockey, the thrill of competition and the value of teamwork. The MMHA is a member of USA Hockey, you can learn more about the program by visiting the MMHA website or contacting a member of their board. The Arena is also the home of Massena High School Hockey and the Massena Figure Skating Club. You'll also find three community outdoor rinks through the winter -- located at the annex next to the Arena, at Alcoa Recreation Field off of Woodlawn, next to the Wooden Creative Playground on Danforth Street and on Howard Street. After hosting indoor skating from October through March, the Massena Arena removes the ice to host major events
Tennis, Basketball, Skateboarding & Horseshoes:
You'll find four tennis courts (lighted until 9:30 p.m. through the summer) at Alcoa Field Recreation Park off of Woodlawn Avenue, as well as a basketball court and four regulation-sized horseshoe pits. Softball:
Get the gang together for a pick up game of softball... or get involved in one of our youth or adult softball leagues with registrations starting in the spring. You'll find two diamonds at Alcoa Field Recreation Park (one under the lights), two at Bushnell Park (one under the lights). In addition, there are two girls' softball fields located at Gerry Cullen Field (across from the Wooden Playground on Danforth Street) and another two next to the Massena Arena. Lawrence River that includes a wide, sandy beach; three covered picnic pavilions; picnic areas/grills; a handicap/wheelchair accessible waterfront; restrooms, changing rooms and a concession stand; softball field; volleyball court; two basketball hoops; playground equipment; and, a nature trail/shoreline with fishing access. Covered Pavilions:
An incredibly popular place for group gatherings, the Beach is home to three large (22' x 44') covered picnic pavilions. They feature oversized cook grills, electric service and convenient access to parking, play areas, restrooms, nature trail, fishing access and the waterfront. Summer Recreation Program:
Not long after the much anticipated end of the school year, comes the chants of "I don't have anything to do." To help fill our kids' summers with fun, the Massena Recreation Commission offers the Summer Recreation Program which is offered free of charge to the youth of the community. For six weeks each summer, the program provides weekday programs that combines afternoons at the Town Beach (all day on Wednesdays) with supervised and organized playground programs at Jefferson, Madison and Nightengale Elementary Schools and at Alcoa Field Recreation Park. Each playground is supervised by a male and a female recreation leader with planned games and activities offered FREE of charge to all Massena children. Games and activities are offered Monday - Thursday from 9 to 11:30 am. An Arts & Crafts instructor visits each playground once a week with a wide variety of crafts and projects for children of all ages. At 11:30 am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week, buses pick up the children (signed parent/guardian consent form required) from their playground and transports them to the Massena Summer Lunch Program. After lunch, the children are bused to the Massena Town Beach; then, return to their playgrounds at 4:30. Fridays serve as make-up rain days for the beach. Field trips to the movies, mini-golf, and bowling will also be taken on Fridays. Youth Fishing Derby:
The Massena Recreation Commission also hosts an Annual Youth Fishing Derby in May at the Hawkins Point Visitor Center. Prizes are awarded for both boys & girls in two age divisions: 5-9 and 10-15 years old. Annual Frog Jumping Contest:
In July of each year, the Massena Recreation Commission holds its Annual Frog Jumping Contest at the Arena with prizes in three age categories: 5 & under, 6 – 9 and 10 & over. You can register in advance that week or get more details by calling the arena office at 769-3161. Trophies, ribbons and prizes are awarded for the fastest frogs.
