Bartlett Recreation Department/ B.A.R.A.

One Night. Compassionate Chefs. Making the Difference for Our Community. Tickets $40. Food samplings from around the valley, entertainment, large silent & live auctions, cash bar. Limited tickets available.

BRIEF HISTORY

Bartlett Recreation began in 1978 as B.A.R.A (Bartlett Athletic and Recreation Association)  by community members for the purpose of creating organized sports and programs for our youth outside of the school hours and organized a summer program.   B.A.R.A.  received its non-profit 501(c)(3) status in  1999.  It quickly grew.  In 2002 the Town of Bartlett agreed to hire a recreation director and manage the recreational and cultural events for the Town. These would include the 4th of July festivities, Concerts in the Park, our 6 week B.E.A.R. Summer Program & adult trips. That same year the Josiah Bartlett Elementary School turned over the responsibilities of the elementary school sports programs to B.A.R.A.  and began making annual contributions equal to the athletic stipends that were paid out to coaches in the past.  At this time B.A.R.A. assumed the trade name of Bartlett Recreation Department while still retaining its non-profit status, as this is the common name used by the public to reference us.

Bartlett Recreation Department remains a non-profit entity which is separate from the Town of Bartlett and Josiah Bartlett Elementary School.  We operate nearly entirely on monies raised through fund raising, donations, and grant writing. Funding supports us in our daily operations, scholarships, summer programs, all free programming and events we provide for the community and children throughout the year. Funding to make improvements and development within the community, fencing and the dugouts at what is known as Black Fly Field, as well as development of the Morrell Family Community Complex.

We provide nearly $10,000 yearly for scholarships to our after school and summer programs as well as up to four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors. Bartlett Recreation also provides assistance to those needing a helping hand for sporting equipment, and other camps. We want all of our youth to have equal opportunities in whatever they wish to do.

In an effort to help us continue to grow we ask that you consider a donation to our organization. We are currently looking into building facility to expand what we can offer year round.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Bartlett Recreation Department is committed to the following:

1. To provide a variety of quality recreation and leisure programs for all age groups within the communities of Bartlett, Jackson and Hart’s Location.
2.  To utilize the existing parks and recreation facilities within the Town of Bartlett to the best advantage establishing formal partnerships between the town, school and other providers of facilities.
3.  To develop long range master plans for existing and future recreation facilities and programming.
4.  Continually assess the recreational needs of the community.

VISION STATEMENT

Creating a community through people, parks and programs.