Leisure Services

West Hartford Leisure Services offers a Scholarship Fund Program  (Servicio de Recreación Fondo de Becas Elegibilidad e Informacion de Descuento) for qualified West Hartford residents.  Eligibility for this program is managed by West Hartford Community Partnerships, a division of Social Services.

A 75% discount may be used for a Leisure Services program, with a maximum of four weeks in the summer.  Programs include summer camps, swim lessons and special interest camps. It does not apply to memberships, senior special events or swim passes. In addition, a 75% discount may be applied to one program per season in the Fall, Winter and Spring, as long as funds are available. The total yearly benefit available is $600 per eligible child (18 and under) or $200 per eligible senior citizen (65 and over). For more information on programs or the scholarship fund, please contact Leisure Services at 860-561-7510.

To receive assistance through the Scholarship Fund, follow this 3-step process:

Step 1: Apply for Eligibility. The Community Partnerships Division of Social Services manages the Scholarship Application process.  Call West Hartford Community Partnerships Division to determine your eligibility at 860-561-7569 or 860-561-7564. A Scholarship Authorization Form will be completed and kept on file for one year from the date of application. Income eligibility must be checked yearly. The benefits cap resets on June 1, at the beginning of summer each year.

Step 2: Create a RecDesk Account. If you have not already done so, create a family account with our online Leisure Services registration portal, RecDesk. If you are not sure if you have an account, call Leisure Services at 860-561-7510. Once Step 1 and 2 are complete, move to Step 3.

Step 3: Select & Register for a Camp or Program. Take a look at our Leisure Services Program Guide and take note of the Program # assigned to the camp or program you are interested in on the Registration Form. Next, call our office to make a registration appointment. Registration tip: if your child has an Epi-pen, bring a doctor’s note confirming the prescription with you to your appointment. Bring your Scholarship Authorization Form, RecDesk Account information, Program Choice(s), Registration Form and your payment method. Call 860-561-7510, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM to set up an appointment.

For more information:

• For eligibility requirements or the qualification process, please contact Community Partnerships at 860-561-7569 or 860-561-7564.
• For programs and registration with scholarship, please contact Leisure Services at 860-561-7510.

Eisenhower Pool is permanently closed for this summer. All Eisenhower pool and camp programs will be relocated to Fernridge Park.  In the meantime, please consider visiting one of our other outdoor pool locations at Beachland Park, Fernridge Park or Kennedy Park.

For more information and updates, visit Cornerstone Aquatics outdoor pool schedules. 

The management team at Cornerstone Aquatics Center is excited to continue the rich tradition established at the “Neighborhood pools” at the West Hartford Parks. The 2021 summer season will start a new chapter of community success at the Outdoor Pools. Click here for more information. 

Leisure Services is restoring McGovern Pond at Spicebush Swamp on Mountain Road. This project will remove sedimentation, primarily from the upstream side of the pond to preserve this freshwater pond's ecosystem. The project is expected to last from February to April. For more information please visit the Spicebush Swamp webpage. 

Leisure Services Department has assembled several free programs in our parks, under the umbrella of Welcome Back West Hartford! During the pandemic, our community recognized the importance of local parks for recreation and mental health. These free events, are planned at Eisenhower Park the week of July 12 - July 17 and the week of August 2 - August 6.  Bring a chair or blanket for outdoor lawn seating. Please click here for schedule.