Top-notch Rocky Hill

Town honored by Sports Illustrated as Connecticut's premier Sportstown

By Andrew Schulman

Back in December 2003, Rocky Hill, Conn., unveiled its latest sports facility -- a state-of-the-art, synthetic-turf soccer field -- to much local fanfare. But for a town that has always listened and responded to the recreation needs of its residents, this new field wasn’t an aberration, just the next step in an ongoing process. The success of Rocky Hill’s Parks and Recreation Department in organizing and coordinating sports for all ages and abilities, as well as in providing excellent customer service, has earned the town the title of Sports Illustrated Sportstown for the Nutmeg State.

Located just eight miles from Hartford, Rocky Hill directly organizes recreational leagues in soccer and basketball as well as a more competitive "travel" basketball league. The town’s Parks and Recreation Department also works with outside groups to offer additional sports opportunities such as a traveling soccer league and an extensive Little League baseball and softball program.

Rocky Hill also looks to keep its adult population active, and its recreational offerings for "non-kids" continue to grow. In addition to popular softball and kickball leagues, adults can also take part in "free-play," drop-in sports that aren’t as structured as league play, but are just as competitive. The most popular drop-in sports include basketball, volleyball, soccer and ultimate Frisbee. And the town also has a full-time recreation coordinator who focuses on programs for seniors.

“We’re proud to offer programs for people of all ages and abilities," says Jason Cohen, Rocky Hill's Recreation Supervisor. "From our youth recreation and traveling leagues to our adult programs, we want to give everyone the opportunity to play."

Rocky Hill also provides excellent facilities. In addition to its new soccer field, the town operates and maintains a full complement of baseball, softball and soccer fields, as well as basketball and tennis courts, and a community center.

Rocky Hill’s hallmark remains its commitment to its residents, both young and old. One focus point of that commitment is the Parks and Recreation department’s ability to make participating as easy as possible.

“One thing that sets us apart is our cutting-edge customer service. From online registration and accepting credit cards, to responding to questions and comments from our residents,” said Cohen. “We’ve made sure to keep that personal touch that’s worked for us all along.”

Now the rest of America can get a peek at what Rocky Hill residents have known for some time -– they live in a great SI Sportstown.