Waterbury Winterfest awards nearly $12k in 10 recreation grants

June 10, 2022  |  By Waterbury Roundabout

Snow soccer was one of the outdoor events during Waterbury Winterfest 2022. Photo by Gordon Miller

Last month, the Waterbury Winterfest grant committee reviewed 10 applications and awarded grants totaling $11,700 to various community organizations and programs. 

The aim is for proceeds from the annual winter festival to help grow other recreational opportunities in the community year-round. 

Grants ranged from $500 to $1,500, according to Winterfest President Roger Clapp. 

“The Winterfest Leadership Team would like to thank our partners, sponsors and participants for contributing to another successful Wanderlust Challenge photo scavenger hunt and the successful return to in-person outdoor events that made these grants possible,” Clapp said in announcing the awards. 

Looking ahead to the early-2023 calendar, the Waterbury Winterfest volunteers anticipate returning the event to its full range of activities next winter. Winterfest has been scaled back for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Clapp said organizers will firm up dates for the Winterfest 2023 in the fall. 

Grant awards

To further our mission to expand access to recreational opportunities for the Waterbury community and beyond, the Waterbury Winterfest Leadership Team has approved grant funding to the following local organizations:

Harwood Youth Lacrosse - To support youth coaching and equipment for its K-2 intro to lacrosse program. 

The Children's Room - To support the "Soccer for Little Feet" program for 80 preschoolers.

Waterbury Rotary Club - Sponsorship for the new Green Mountain Sports and Recreation Show launching this fall. 

Waterbury Skate Park - To support the planning and development of a new concrete skate park facility. 

Waterbury Youth Soccer - To support training for volunteer coaches, and new equipment for 300 participating Waterbury-area families.

MakerSphere - To support the 2022 River of Light Parade. 

Waterbury Co-Ed Volleyball - To support its winter indoor program. 

Clyde Wittemore Little League - To fund new uniforms for the softballand baseball teams. 

Green Mountain Performing Arts - To support summer camp programs. 

Harwood Youth Hockey - To help fund the “Try Hockey" clinics for young families interested in introducing their kids to the sport.