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Programs /  Recreation Programs

Basketball, Tennis, Volleyball and Other Activities

Summer Programs

Adult and Youth Swim Programs

Basketball, Tennis, Volleyball and Other Activities

Afternoon Athletes

This is an after school gym program for elementary school children. Different group games and activities will be played: Dodge ball, soccer, kickball, capture the flag and more. For further information, please email bignaszak@amherst.ny.us or call (716) 631-7132 ext. 7519. back to top

Men's Basketball

This program is intended for adults ages 18+ to enjoy several “pick-up” style full court games at the Clearfield Community Center. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. For more information, please email bignaszak@amherst.ny.us or call (716) 631-7132 ext. 7519. back to top

Adult Tennis

For more information, please email alorenzo@amherst.ny.us. back to top

Adult Volleyball

For more information please email, bignaszak@amherst.ny.us or call (716) 631-7132 ext. 7519. back to top

Pre-K Program

A drop-off program for children ages 3 & 4 who are fully potty trained. This program will include a variety of daily activities such as athletics, arts and crafts, music and dance and story time. This program is designed to foster children’s physical development, self-esteem, and to encourage peer socialization in a recreational setting. For more information, please email jkiefer@amherst.ny.us. back to top

Toddler Tune-Up

A pre-school gym program for children ages 1-4. This program will include games, songs, and athletic activities that foster the children's physical development, coordination skills and self-esteem. Parents stay and participate with there children. For more information, please call (716) 631-7132. back to top

Children's Tennis Clinic

For more information, please email alorenzo@amherst.ny.us. back to top

Recreation Programs for Individuals with Disabilities - Adult and Youth

For more information, please call (716) 631-7132 ext. 7522. back to top

Toddler Open Gym

This is a pre-school gym program for children ages 1 to 4. Parents will be required to stay with their children. Please call (716) 631-7132 ext. 7518. back to top

Summer Programs

Summer Playground Program

This seven week program offers a variety of activities for youth ages 12 and under, including games, arts and crafts, athletics, and special events. All playgrounds will be open Monday thru Friday. Playgrounds open daily, weather permitting. Children 5 and under must be supervised by someone 13 years or older at all times. For more information, please email jreed@amherst.ny.us. back to top

Summer Playmobile

Specialized crafts and sporting activities are provided for children 12 and under. Children 5 and under must be supervised by someone 13 years or older at all times. For more information, please email jreed@amherst.ny.us. back to top

Summer Sports Clinic

Several series of 1/2 day, weeklong sports clinics for children ages 6-13. These clinics are intended for children of all ability levels. Each weekly session will include discussion of rules and strategies, basic beginning drills, skill training and game play. For more information, call (716) 631-7132. back to top

Summer Tiny Tots Tennis Program

A starter tennis program for children ages 5-7. The classes are smaller and the skill progressions are designed to take into account the developmental capabilities of this age group. For more information, please email alorenzo@amherst.ny.us. back to top

Summer Team Tennis

The Team Tennis program is designed to allow the players of intermediate to advances skills a chance to participate in a competitive team program. Players will participate in team conditioning, agility drills, drill practice sessions and challenge matches in preparation for competition with other sites. There are four team sites, which will compete against each other. Each team will develop a hierarchy of players with the top 7 considered Varsity players and other players Junior Varsity. Teams are co-ed and players must be ages 14-17. Exceptions are made if younger players show appropriate skills. For more information, please email alorenzo@amherst.ny.us. back to top

Recreation Programs for Individuals with Disabilities - Adult and Youth

For more information please email jburns@amherst.ny.usor call (716) 631-7132. back to top

Adult and Youth Swim Programs

Toddler splash time

Designed specifically for children 6 months to 3 years old. This program will include skills and games that will introduce the children to the water. A parent or guardian will be required to stay and participate with their child. For more information call (716) 631-7132. back to top

Family Splash time

For families with children under 7 years of age to use the Splash Park ONLY. A parent or guardian must accompany child(ren). There is no less instruction. For more information please call (716) 631-7132. back to top

Swimming Lessons for the Intimidated Swimmer

Designed specifically for children 7 years old and up who are extremely frightened or timid of the water. This program will be individualized to meet the child's personal needs. The main focus of this course will be to develop association with aquatics and understanding of water safety. For more information call (716) 631-7132. back to top

Adult Swimming Lessons

Designed specifically for adults who would like to either conquer their fear of the water or simply brush up on their stroke development. This class is limited in number and the class will focus on survival skills, stroke development, and water safety. This program will also be personalized to meet the needs of each individual. For more information please call (716) 631-7132. back to top

Summer Lap Swim

For complete schedule please see brochure and for more information please call (716) 631-7132. back to top

Summer Senior Swim

For complete schedule please see brochure and for more information please call (716) 631-7132. back to top

American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program - Various Levels Offered

  • Level I (Introduction to Water Skills)
    Help students feel comfortable in the water. Focuses on creating a foundation for water safety and basic swimming skills.
  • Level II (Fundamental Aquatic Skills)
    Give students success with fundamental water skills such as locomotion and floating without support.
  • Level III (Stroke Development)
    Increase skill competency with guided practice. Coordinate front and back crawl and introduce elements of the butterfly as well as fundamentals of treading water.
  • Level IV (Stroke Improvement)
    Designed to develop confidence and competency in strokes and safety skills. Students continue working on butterfly and are introduced to the elementary backstroke, breaststroke and elements of the sidestroke.
  • Level V (Stroke Refinement)
    Students will refine the performance and increase endurance of all the strokes. Flip turns on the front and back introduced.
  • Level VI (Swimming and Skill Proficiency)
    Designed to refine strokes so students swim with ease, efficacy, power and smoothness over greater distances. Other aquatic skills are introduced to help students prepare for other advanced swimming activities such as Lifeguard Training, Water Safety Instruction and competitive swimming. back to top

Youth and Recreation

1615 Amherst Manor Dr
Williamsville, NY  14221
(716) 631-7132
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Mon-Fri)
10:00 AM - 2:00PM (Sat)


Youth and Recreation

Pouli, Mary-Diana
    Executive Director
    716-631-7132 ext. 7532

Guzdek, Eric
    Deputy Director Recreation
    716-631-7132 ext. 7512

Barth, Dave
    Senior Maintenance
    716-631-7132

Burns, Jared
    Program Leader
    716-631-7132 ext. 7713

Bush, Brian
    Supervising Maintenance Mechanic - HVAC
    716-631-7132

Cicero, Donna
    Clerk - PT
    716-631-7132 ext. 7514

Erwin, Robin
    Principal Clerk Typist
    716-631-7217

Fischer, Patrice
    Principal Clerk Typist
    716-631-7132 ext. 7520

Graczyk, Elizabeth
    Resource Coordinator
    716-631-7132 ext. 7550

Groff, Linda
    Recreation Attendant
    716-631-7132 ext. 7529

Holmes, Michele
    Program Leader
    716-631-7208

Ignaszak, Brian
    Program Leader
    716-631-7132 ext. 7519

Kiefer-Warren, Joann
    Program Leader
    716-631-7132 ext. 7516

Laudico, Alan
    Program Leader
    716-633-8117

Lefebvre, Heidi
    Project Coordinator
    716-631-7132 ext. 7514

Lorenzo, Angelo
    Program Leader
    716-631-7132 ext. 7517

McCarthy, Roseanne
    Public Relations Coordinator
    716-631-7132 ext. 7521

Miles, Jim
    Laborer Crew Chief
    716-631-7132

Miller, Kathy
    Asset Development Specialist
    716-631-7132 ext. 7523

Mohney, Sue
    Program Leader
    716-631-7299

Pieber, Frank
    Laborer Crew Chief
    716-631-7132

Pierce, Margaret
    Clerk
    716-631-7132

Reed, Jennifer
    Program Leader
    716-689-1404

Reilley, Jenna
    Program Leader
    716-631-7132 ext. 7716

Rohrer, Anne
    Clerk
    716-631-7132 ext. 7518

Sember, Andrew
    Recreation Attendant
    716-631-7132

Sosnowski, Naomi
    Program Supervisor
    716-631-7132 ext. 7522

Stravalaci, Antonella
    Director of Volunteers
    716-631-7210

Vega, Tony
    Working Crew Chief
    716-631-7132

Waltz, Bradley
    Recreation Supervisor
    716-631-7132 ext. 7528

Wendling, Jim
    Maintenance Worker
    716-689-1418

Whitehead, James
    Laborer Crew Chief
    716-631-7132

Zapfel, Janice
    Deputy Director Youth
    716-631-7132 ext. 7511



Middle School Rec Night - October 11

Middle School Rec Night at the Friday, October 11th from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Northwest Amherst Community Center - Learning Center (Enter Door A), 220 Northpointe Pkwy, Amherst, NY 14228. Exciting activities in the gym, creative craft, & large group game to get everyone involved. This is the perfect opportunity to hang out with your friends and make some new ones! Open to all middle school students in the Town of Amherst—just bring your student ID. Register now: visit amherstyouthandrec.org or call 716-631-7132.For more info, contact Jared at jburns@amherst.ny.us. This is a free event.

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Posted on Oct 07, 2024 by the Youth and Recreation Department.
Amherst Youth & Recreation Fall Program Registration

Amherst Youth & Recreation fall session program registration is underway! Complete program listings are available online by visiting amherstyouthandrec.org

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Posted on Aug 26, 2024 by the Youth and Recreation Department.

About Amherst

The Town of Amherst was established in 1818 and celebrated its 200th Anniversary in 2018. The town has a geographical area of 53.6 square miles and a population of greater than 122,000.

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The Town of Amherst ADA Coordinators are Robert McCarthy (Director of Human Resources) and Mark Berke (Commissioner of Buildings).

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Get in Touch

  • General Information:
    (716) 631-7000
  • Email:
    toainfo@amherst.ny.us
  • Address:
    Municipal Building (Town Hall)
  • 5583 Main Street
  • Williamsville, NY 14221


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