By Maddy Vitale
The dead of winter is here, but Sea Isle City’s Division of Recreation is already planning for the spring and summer seasons, giving more reasons to visit and live in the resort that prides itself with its array of family-friendly activities.
Residents and tourists play basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, pickleball, soccer, street hockey and even bocce ball at Dealy Field and other areas of town. There are also different camps for the kids to enjoy.
So why, in a community with beaches, a Promenade to stroll or bike on, boutique-style shops and choice eateries, would Sea Isle place such importance on its recreation programs?
Sea Isle City spokeswoman Katherine Custer, who is also the Director of Community Services, said there are plenty of reasons why.
“Providing quality recreation programs and entertainment adds to everyone’s enjoyment,” Custer noted Thursday. “People seem to appreciate and look forward to all that the city does to enhance a family’s beach vacation.”
Custer added, “We receive a lot of positive feedback about our events and programs – those sponsored by Sea Isle’s Division of Recreation and the Division of Tourism.”
Year-round recreational activities and programs keep residents engaged and entertained and also attract residents of neighboring communities and vacationers looking to take in the shore in the offseason, Custer pointed out.
There are many year-round fitness programs, such as weekly yoga, Total Body Fitness, Sit-Fit-Seniors and chair yoga classes, which are popular attractions throughout the year, Custer said. There are also afterschool programs at the Park Road community building in the offseason.
The municipal gym is open during the day throughout the year, giving sports enthusiasts an inside venue to enjoy their favorite activities.
Expect some additions to the already filled calendar of things to do in Sea Isle for this spring and summer.
“This year, we added pickleball lessons year-round and also a CSI Camp for students in grades 7 through 12 who are interested in law enforcement or forensic sciences, which we expect it to be a very interesting experience,” Custer said.
While there are new programs to look forward to, Custer said there are the perennial favorites for residents and visitors.
The basketball league games take place at the JFK Boulevard basketball courts. Teams compete for championship titles. There are various groups broken down by age and ability.
Other favorites that are widely attended are the kids summer baseball and basketball clinics and athletic conditioning clinics and soccer camps, Custer added. Beach Yoga classes and the Boot Camp workouts are also popular fitness programs that attract huge groups of participants each year. The summer basketball and soccer clinics are also very successful.
“Overall, our programs attract a large number of participants,” Custer added. “Our Playground Camp and Summer Basketball League both sell out each year.”
For more information go to www.VISITSIC.com. If you would like to give feedback or suggestions about programs and events or would like more information about what is offered call Sea Isle’s Division of Recreation at (609) 263-0050.
