User:Brianna Donovan/sandbox

The Island Grove

The Island Grove located in Abington, Massachusetts is an 11 acre park surrounded by a 35 acre man-made pond. Created in the 1700's and a long history later, the Island grove is now home to a large sand bottom swimming pool, a playground, picnic areas, swing sets, hiking trails, gazebos, a bridge, and a summer day camp called "Eager Beaver". Managed by the Abington Park and Recreation Department, the Island Grove is widely known as "The Crown Jewel of Abington". The hours of the park are 7:00 AM through 6:30 PM, Monday through Sunday. The Island Grove is a peaceful place to go and enjoy nature and fresh air. It is a known place for being family and animal friendly.

The Island Grove Park comes to life during the summertime. With the opening of the Eager Beaver Summer Program and swimming lessons at the public swimming pool in June, people from Abington and surrounding towns come together to enjoy the amenities that the park provides. The Eager Beaver Summer Program is available for children ages four to thirteen. The program is available Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 AM through 5:00 PM. At a minimum cost, the children that attend camp are able to indulge themselves in a range of recreational activities coordinated and executed by the camp counselors. The counselors of this camp are well rounded, trustworthy and responsible student-athletes who go through a series of interviews and are carefully selected by the camp director. The camp director, Bridget Wakelin, is an Abington High School and Fairfield University alumni who now teaches during the school year at Sacred Heart. The director and counselors are dedicated to making the camp a safe and fun place for all children who attend. The camp consists of four, two-week long sessions for a total of eight weeks throughout the summer. These sessions include free swim, arts and crafts, cook-outs, field trips, and games. The camp is a safe place for children to come and enjoy an exciting summer with friends.

The pool is the life of the Island Grove. It is not only open to the children that attend the camp, but to the public as well. Anyone that wants to purchase a daily swim pass or seasonal membership can do so, resident or non-resident. Swimming lessons are available to the public as well. There are six levels that can be completed during swimming lessons at the Island Grove. The first level is water exploration. This level consists of getting a feel for the water. The second level consists of primary skills such as how to hold your breath underwater and blow bubbles. The third level is known as stroke readiness, where the children learn the different types of swimming strokes. The fourth level is known as stroke development, where the children implement what they have learned in the third level and apply it to their swimming. The fifth level is called stroke refinement, where the children's strokes are improved and tested in deeper water. The final level: Skill Proficiency. This is where the swimmers skilled are tested. After completing the sixth level, the swimmers are ready to swim on their own. Swimming lessons are instructed by the pools lifeguards. The life guards are well trained and certified.

The Island Grove is a wonderful place to spend time with family and friends. Abington takes great pride in this park. There are many people that go above and beyond to keep this park a safe and fun environment for all.

For more information:

Office Location: Abington Park and Recreation 225 Central Street Rear Abington, Ma 02351

Mailing Address: 500 Gliniewicz Way Abington, Ma 02351

Phone: 781-982-2125 Fax: 781-982-0062


 * All information above can be found at https://www.friendsoftheislandgrove.com