Offering a wide array of activities despite ongoing needs for complete recreational equipment, the new Norwood Community Center at 820 Washington St. officially opened its doors to the public today.

Initial Programs, Swimming Schedules, and Future Offerings

Recreation Director Kevin Dixon announced the facility’s debut, noting that introductory offerings include slimnastics and modern dance geared primarily toward young women. The slimnastics program launched today, while modern dance classes are scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. on September 23 under the instruction of Mrs. Joan Ward, who will also teach elementary and junior high school drama classes on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Baton twirling and marching instruction for beginners and experienced participants will be held Monday afternoons, taught by Mrs. Faye L. Mullarkey.

In addition to gymnasium and classroom activities, Dixon announced an experimental schedule for the indoor swimming pool:

Men’s Swim Hours: Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
Women’s Swim Hours: Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

General scheduling establishes men’s programs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, while women’s programs run Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Dixon also reported that preliminary organization has begun for men’s basketball leagues, with 12 to 14 teams anticipated this season compared to eight the previous year.

Looking ahead, Dixon outlined major projects slated once the building is fully operational, including establishing a dedicated senior citizens group—potentially utilizing daytime meeting rooms for card games—and creating a teenage “drop-in” center. “The community center is there for the enjoyment of the taxpayer in Norwood,” Dixon emphasized, encouraging residents to contact recreation personnel with program ideas. “If we get mobbed, great.”

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

More…

Norwood Announces Full Summer Recreation Schedule-July 5, 1980

The Norwood Recreation Department published its complete schedule and student rosters for the July 1980 summer session, covering hundreds of local youth in swimming and tennis.
Norwood Board of Selectmen Establishes New Policy on Loitering-July 12, 1979

Aiming to reduce vandalism, Norwood officials implemented new after-hours regulations for parks and playgrounds to improve town security.
South End Hardware: A Landmark Institution-July 5, 1978

In 1978, the Abdallah family’s South End Hardware in South Norwood stood as a testament to four generations of community service and local history.
Thirteen Playground Programs Start Monday In Norwood-June 22, 1974

A major municipal recreation push brings youth sports, gymnastics, and special community camp pilots to a dozen neighborhood sites.
Recreation Department Fields July Athletic Programs-June 18, 1974

Civic Center Finalizes Plans for Independence Day Mini-Marathon and Legion Field Boxing Tournaments The recreation department has finalized a diverse summer athletic slate, locking in a community boxing tournament alongside a massive roster of events for the town’s traditional Fourth of July celebration. The upcoming boxing tournament will commence at 1 p.m. July 7 at…
Norwood Skating Rink in Two to Three Years-August 1, 1971

Backed by thousands of residents and local organizations, the Norwood Skating Rink Committee is pushing for a DNR-built municipal ice arena to support the town’s booming youth and school hockey programs.
Norwood Recreation Chief Appointed-July 16, 1969

The appointment of Kevin T. Dixon as the superintendent of the Norwood town recreation department marked a significant milestone in the history of the institution. On this day, July 16, 1969, the town manager, Walter A. Blasenak, announced to the board of selectmen that Mr. Dixon would succeed Richard E. Ready, who was retiring after…
Norwood Swimmers Compete in Fourth of July Championship Meet-July 4, 1964

Norwood’s youth swimmers participated in a championship meet at Hawes Brook Pool on July 4, 1964, featuring competitive races and local award winners.
Norwood Youth Injured in Pool Accident-July 31, 1963

On this day in July 1963, a harrowing incident unfolded at Father McAleer Pool, situated at the end of Vernon Street in Norwood. A 15-year-old youth, William Treeful, was swimming when he collided with another individual beneath the water’s surface. The impact left him unconscious, prompting Lifeguard Allan Carver, a recent graduate of Norwood High…
Hawes Pool Lifeguards-August 30, 1962

LIFE GUARDS assigned to Hawes Brook Pool this season are shown here with Richard E. Ready, Superintendent of the Norwood Recreation Department. In the photo, front row, (left to right) are: Jim Baxter, Pat Kozar, and Paul Karshis. Rear row, (left to right) are: Joe McCormack, Superintendent Richard Ready; Dan Sarno, Jr., and Bob Groh.…