Leisure Services

Our Leisure Services Winter Program Guide is packed with all of our upcoming offerings for the winter months.  This season, our guide will be posted online only and will not be mailed to households.  

The pandemic has certainly changed the way that businesses have operated, and one thing we've been so impressed with is the residents of West Hartford's interest and ability in adapting to a more digital platform.  In addition, the digital guide allows us the flexibility to edit the document to keep it current and up to date.  

Cornerstone Aquatics Center is excited to announce a NEW partnership with the West Hartford Waves parent leadership. This partnership will allow the Cornerstone management to assume operation of the Waves Swim Team. The long history and overwhelming success of the Waves program for last 25 plus years is due to the strong leadership of dedicated parents and coaches. Cornerstone will continue to provide a strong recreation program that is guided by the same philosophy, fundamental aspects, team concepts, and values that were created by the Waves parent leadership over the years.

We are pleased to announce that the Waves will have a 2021/2022 season. This will be a shortened season, and we will have some changes to the practice schedule based on pool availability We have some important team information to share and we look to kick off the season on Monday December 20th.

• Registration opens on Monday, December 6th and closes December 17th
• All participants must have an account created on RecDesk. If you do not currently have one. Click Here to Visit RecDesk
• Sunday, December 19th @ 3:00pm - Waves Parent Orientation
• Sunday, December 19th @ 4:00pm - Waves Skills and Assessment Swim
•  Monday, December 20th - Season start date

We are canceling the Men's open gym programs at both schools, King Philip and Sedgwick Middle School.  We hope to resume some time next year.

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.

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.