Rec Connect Information

Rec Connect
Rec Connect is a joint programming initiative between Southborough, Northborough, and Shrewsbury Recreation Departments. Rec Connect is an adaptive/inclusive social program designed for those with and without disabilities to come together and build friendships while enjoying recreational activities and community outings.
These programs are staff-supported to ensure a structured and welcoming environment. Community outings will be held in small groups on various days of the week and at varying times. Participants will register for individual events based on their interests and schedule. Programming announcements are rolling and will be posted to each departments website as their become available.

Registration for programs will be held through the Shrewsbury Recreation Department for ease of communication and a central database for registration tracking.Click Here for Shrewsbury Recreation

                                 Registration Is Now Open!

Upcoming Events for FALL 2026:

Apple Picking CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
Date/Time: Saturday, September 26th  9:00AM-11:30AM 
Location: Tougas Family Farm, Northborough   
Let's enjoy a classic fall favorite and pick some apples together!  Transportation from Shrewsbury Recreation, small bag of apples and a hayride are included in the cost.  Please bring your own money for additional purchases. 
 
Halloween Bash 
Date/Time: Saturday, October 31st     6:00-8:30PM 
Location: Shrewsbury Senior Center   
Come watch a friendly Halloween movie with us while enjoying pizza and ice cream sundae buffet.  Costumes encouraged! 
 
Sneaker Prom 
Date/Time: Saturday, November 7th   6:00-8:00PM 
Location: Shrewsbury Senior Center 
Our favorite night of the dinner and dancing is back! Come as formal as you’d like but wear your favorite sneakers!  
 
Friendsgiving 
Date/Time: Friday, November 13th   5:30-7:30PM 
Location: Southborough Senior Center 
Celebrate the season of gratitude with an evening of great food, friendship, and community. Join us as we gather around the table to share a delicious, seasonal meal with friends. 
 
Winter Wonderland 
Date/Time: Friday, December 11    4:00-8:00PM 
Location: Southwick Zoo, Mendon   
Over 4 million lights and dazzling displays turn the zoo into a Winter Wonderland – come with us to check it out! Transportation, entry and one hot chocolate per person included.  Depart and return to Shrewsbury Recreation building.  

Upcoming Programs:

Cooking Class with Kids Test Kitchen
Thursdays, October 1st - Nov. 5th  5pm-6pm

Northborough Recreation
Build confidence and independence in the kitchen with Kids Test Kitchen! Participants will learn practical cooking skills while preparing delicious recipes they can recreate at home for themselves and their loved ones. The cost of all ingredients is included in the program price, so participants can focus on learning, cooking and having fun!

Adaptive Yoga
Tuesdays, October 20th - November 24th 6:15pm-7:15pm

Location TBD (but definitely in Shrewsbury)
Through gentle movement, breathing and relaxation, participants will build body awareness, self-regulation, confidence and connection in a supportive small-group setting.




Guidelines and Expectations for Participation:
Note: Guidelines for participation outlined here are set to ensure the safety of participants and staff members. If you have any questions about the appropriateness of the program for your family member, please contact the Shrewsbury Recreation Department and speak with Carly or Laurel.

Rec Connect participants are able to follow familiar two-step directions; require minimal assistance with activities of daily living including toileting and eating; have the ability to stay with the group and understand/follow safety guidelines; manage their own behavior with minimal to moderate staff intervention and are able to make simple choices. Participants must also have the desire to participate in sessions.

All participants are required to have an up to date participant support questionnaire completed and on file before drop off for the program is allowed. Providing information upfront allows the Recreation Departments to plan proactively for each participant’s successful transition to community programs. 

If a participant requires additional support for complex behavioral or medical purposes, their family is welcome to provide a caregiver or therapist to accompany them as a volunteer, after completion of a CORI background check with the Recreation Department. For certain events, attending caregivers may be required to register and cover the cost of a ticket or meal.
The Recreation Department(s) are not able to provide 1:1 support staff at this time.

A big Thanks to the Fidrych Foundation, Friends of Southborough Recreation, Shrewsbury Credit Union and Donut NV