After a successful trial with an elementary-aged cheer camp, the New Ipswich Recreation Department is clear to set up a full-fledged cheer program.
After a weeklong cheer camp in August garnered enthusiastic participation and netted the Recreation Department $500, Director Mindy Buxton said she’s confident that a cheer program for first through fifth graders would be successful.
Buxton said she was passionate about starting a town-sponsored cheer program after seeing her own daughter blossom in the sport.
“I’ve seen my quiet little girl turn into a loud, confident person,” said Buxton.
Buxton said the cheer program would run concurrent with the town’s basketball program, so that the cheerers could attend games as well as potentially compete in local competitions.
The program would cater to young children to act as a feeder for existing teams at the Middle and High School, said Buxton. Signups for the cheer program will be held concurrently with basketball signups in October and November. Check the New Ipswich Recreation Department Facebook page or on the town website for sign up dates as they are announced.
In other recreation news, Buxton said she is currently putting together a proposal which may end up on the ballot in March to create a space for a dog park at Memorial Field.
Buxton said the potential dog park woud be located either in front of the tennis courts or at the corner of the intersection of Playground Road and Temple Road. The warrant article would address the cost of fencing and putting up signs in the area. The cost has yet to be determined.
Also, this year’s Autumn Fest has been scheduled for Oct. 15 at the Memorial Field.