Raymond Parks and Recreation’s Casual Kicks adults-only kickball group has had a very exciting and community-building six to seven weeks each Wednesday night. They’ve been playing competitive, friendly games of kickball for most of the summer as a way to get out and exercise, while making friends with members of the town.
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| Raymond resident Samuel Glidden kicks the ball to the outfield during Raymond Parks and Recreation's Casual Kicks group kickball game at Sheri Gagnon Memorial Park in Raymond on Wednesday, Aug. 27. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA |
“Personally, growing up I was a big soccer fan,” said Raymond Parks and Recreation Director Riley Silvia. “I wanted to do something ... everyone can do and something that’s chill for adults because we do a lot of youth programs and we’re trying to find something that adults can do and bring the community together during the summer. It’s been a pretty consistent group of at least 20 to 25 people every week. I think people kind of came the first week and didn’t know what to expect, and they were so happy to be here and wanted to return every week. It’s a great community event to bring the town together.”
The atmosphere was electric before, during and after the start of the game; everyone was mingling and having a good time. Since this was the final game of the summer, the group had a big cookout to celebrate the successful summer season.
“Some of our friends were joining and peer pressured us into joining and I’m so glad we did; it’s been a blast,” said Raymond resident Mandi Stevenson. “The whole family looks forward to Wednesday nights; the kids get together while we’re here and my husband and I get to get a little bit of exercise and also a little bit of social life, which we don’t normally get, so that’s nice. I just want to mention how awesome Riley has been organizing this – she’s been a rockstar for us.” 
Samuel Glidden, a Raymond resident, said he joined the kickball group as a way to stay active while being with friends and the community, while showing the kids the importance of an active lifestyle. For Glidden, it’s been something he really looked forward to. He liked having that friendly, competitive spirit combined with community comradery and physical fitness.
“When (Riley) first brought it up, we were a little hesitant to do it because I’m 42, I’m going to hurt myself,” said Raymond resident Derek Milone. “Then everyone in the community said you got to do it, I signed you up. So, we said let’s do it. It’s been a great way to intermingle sport parents without being on the sidelines. It’s enabled us to scratch our own competitive itch and also stretch muscles and break things. The kids love it too, it’s almost like a juxtaposition, the kids get to watch us, and we get to have a little bit of fun.”
Raymond residents want other members of surrounding towns to know that Raymond Parks and Recreation are a super welcoming group and the more the merrier; residents and non-residents are welcome to sign up. The department is working hard to make sure that everyone, of all ages, are involved in something.
Milone says they are hand-over-foot improving the lives of Raymond residents.
“It’s a great community to get involved in, it’s a way to meet people,” said Silvia. “We have such a great community around us and (Raymond Parks and Recreation) is a great way to gather together, and to meet people. I see it growing. I’m really glad we made this decision this year and kickball will continue in the future.
For more details about available programs, visit their website at Raymond.recdesk.com or call 207-655-4742. <
Samuel Glidden, a Raymond resident, said he joined the kickball group as a way to stay active while being with friends and the community, while showing the kids the importance of an active lifestyle. For Glidden, it’s been something he really looked forward to. He liked having that friendly, competitive spirit combined with community comradery and physical fitness.
“When (Riley) first brought it up, we were a little hesitant to do it because I’m 42, I’m going to hurt myself,” said Raymond resident Derek Milone. “Then everyone in the community said you got to do it, I signed you up. So, we said let’s do it. It’s been a great way to intermingle sport parents without being on the sidelines. It’s enabled us to scratch our own competitive itch and also stretch muscles and break things. The kids love it too, it’s almost like a juxtaposition, the kids get to watch us, and we get to have a little bit of fun.”
Raymond residents want other members of surrounding towns to know that Raymond Parks and Recreation are a super welcoming group and the more the merrier; residents and non-residents are welcome to sign up. The department is working hard to make sure that everyone, of all ages, are involved in something.
Milone says they are hand-over-foot improving the lives of Raymond residents.
“It’s a great community to get involved in, it’s a way to meet people,” said Silvia. “We have such a great community around us and (Raymond Parks and Recreation) is a great way to gather together, and to meet people. I see it growing. I’m really glad we made this decision this year and kickball will continue in the future.
For more details about available programs, visit their website at Raymond.recdesk.com or call 207-655-4742. <
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