Special Activities
The Ellington Parks and Recreation Department hosts many 
different events that will keep your family entertained.
Always wanted to go to a concert in the park or a trip out of town? The Parks & Rec Department funds several types of activities that will appeal to anyone.
Always wanted to go to a concert in the park or a trip out of town? The Parks & Rec Department funds several types of activities that will appeal to anyone.
DAY TRIPS
These trips are offered in Mansfield, Ashford, Coventry, Ellington, Tolland, and Willington. Please register where you live at your local Recreation Department. The pickup location for all those registered will be the Commuter Lot off I-84 Exit 68. Return times are approximate. No alcohol or glass items allowed on bus. Limited number of tickets per town per trip; register early!COMMUNITY GARDENS (BATZ PROPERTY)
97 Shenipsit Street, Ellington - Capacity is full, contact us if you would like to be added to a waiting list in case an opening arises.
A limited number of garden plots will be offered with the projected parcel being 25’ x 25’, to be used for growing plants for non-commercial use. Due to the completion of a water-access project by an Ellington Boy Scout ( to complete his Eagle Scout Badge) there will be a limited water supply available. The fee is $25 per plot (one per family) with a $15 deposit to be returned pending satisfactory fall cleanup. Please contact the Recreation Office at 860 870-3118 for more information.
Print application here.
Applications are also available at the Parks & Recreation office 31 Arbor Way.
CHILDREN’S GARDEN
The Ellington Recreation Department has implemented a Children’s Garden at Batz Community Garden. We hope to provide a place to learn about the joys and benefits of gardening, with hands-on opportunities – and to have fun! The Children’s Garden will provide a safe place to experience nature, discover the cycles of life and provide motivation to try fresh fruits and vegetables while encouraging a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Please check the Recreation Department website for further details.
AD HOC TRAILS COMMITTEE
Overwhelming interest from many town residents allowed for the creation of an Ad Hoc Trails Committee, a 9-member committee that has undertaken the charge of providing support for all of the town-owned and maintained trails. This committee will dovetail their efforts to work with the Hockanum River linear Trails committee, town departments and other residents who have expressed interest in assisting. In an attempt to make more opportunities available to town residents, we have created some new and exciting outdoor educational programming for youths and adults, emphasizing access to the various trails within Ellington. Some of the areas that would provide both an educational and ‘fun’ component, include: learning to identify plants and forage for edible plants, as well as creating a template for sustainable, nutrient-dense food sources, kitchen medicine and amendments for our gardens.
ANNUAL ROBERT TEDFORD MEMORIAL FESTIVAL & ROAD RACE
5K Road Race Map available here.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT ARBOR PARK
The 2020 Concert series has been Cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Thanks to the generosity of Ellington businesses and family patronage, we have been able to present our Summer Concert Series at Arbor Park for many years! Donations to fund and sponsor this series of concerts can be made a the Parks and Recreation Department.
Concerts are held on Sunday evenings from 6:00-7:30 pm.
8TH ANNUAL CHARLES HUGGINS MEMORIAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT
September 19th & 20th, 2020
Location: Schwartz Park Tennis Courts
Competition is open to all with a USTA rating less than 5.0. For Boys Singles & Girls Singles the maximum age is 14 as of tournament date. Adult play is best 2 of 3 sets, AD scoring, with 7-point tiebreaker in each set. Boys and Girls play is a Pro 8 set, No AD scoring, with a 7-point tiebreaker.
Entry Fess each singles player pays $20 per draw, Each doubles team pays $30 per draw.
Each PLAYER must provide a new can of tennis balls for each match played.
Each tournament participant receives a tournament tee.
Click here for Tournament Registration Form and Fees.
HUNTER K. GIROUX MEMORIAL TRAVEL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
This tournament is named for the late Hunter K. Giroux, a former coach on the recreational and travel level, as well as an invaluable member of the Ellington Parks & Recreation Commission. Hunter's energy and zeal for competition, and his caring and supportive approach to every athlete regardless of ability were genuine trademarks. Tournament teams from throughout the region are expected to participate. Concessions will be available. Please make an attempt to catch a game.
Businesses interested in advertising in the tournament program booklet, please contact Dustin Huguenin at (860) 870-3118. All proceeds will benefit Ellington Recreation Programming.