Parks and Rec plans a busy season of activities for the whole family

The Winthrop Parks and Recreation Department will kick off its spring schedule this Friday evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a youth basketball fundraiser at Winthrop High School. The charity event will feature three exhibition games between local youths and teams if local dignitaries, for a $5 entrance fee.

The first game will feature Winthrop teachers against the Winthrop High Schools girls basketball team, with tip-off at about 5:30 p.m.

The second game will feature Winthrop eighth grade boys against the WHS Viking Freshmen team, the Winthrop Police Department against the Winthrop Fire Department and in the final matchup Winthrop Youth Basketball Coaches against a team comprised of local politicians and business leaders.

The local dignitaries team is expected to include Town Councilors Russ Sanford, and Jim Letterie, Council President Jeff Turco, Winthrop MaketPlace owner Marc Wallerce, local attorney and former high school standout Chris Tsiotos, School Committee Member Todd Sacco and Michael Vatalaro of Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo’s Office.

The event will also feature a concession stand, raffle tickets and local sponsors such as House Speaker Robert DeLeo; Elliot Whittier Insurance; the Cottage Park Yacht Club; Council President Turco and his family; the Ascollilo family; Chardonnay Business Solutions and Senator Anthony Petrucelli and his family.

All proceeds will benefit the Parks and Recreation Department’s Youth Basketball League.

Annual Character Breakfast

On Saturday, March 27, the fun keeps on happening for the Parks and Recreation crew, as the Annual Character Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt kicks off at the William Gorman Fort Banks Elementary School from 8 to 11:30 a.m.

The breakfast will include pancakes and sausage for just $8 pre-event and $10 at the door.

The event also features face painting, balloon animals, a clown, visits by favorites children’s characters and arts and crafts.

Youth Running Club

This new running club will focus on teaching youth the basics about how to run, including introduction to running, correct form when running and how [JJD1]to improve strength and endurance.

Local runner and high school running coach Warren McPhail will instruct the group, which will meet on Fridays after school beginning on April 9.

Youth Lacrosse program

This new program will meet twice a week for six weeks, Wednesdays and Fridays, beginning on May 19, and will serve as an introductory program for youth interested in learning the game of lacrosse.

There are two different class times for different age groups.

8 to 12 year olds will meet from 4 to 4:45 p.m., so as not to interfere with youth baseball programs they may also be involved with and 4 to 7 year olds will meet on th same dys from 5 to 5:45 p.m.

Knucklebones for children

Another new program for some of the youngest children in town is Knucklebones athletic games. The program will be offered on Saturday mornings for eight weeks beginning on May 1, and will feature games such as Castleball, Kinball and Wheel and Steal for children ages two to four.

The programs is designed to help teach and gross motor skills and teach children the basic elements of athletic games, which can later be translated to more traditional sports and athletics endeavors. The program will be held outside at Ingleside Park during good weather and inside at a location to be publicized later on.

For more information on these Winthrop Parks and Recreation Programs, please call the Winthrop Parks and Recreation Department at 617-846-8243.