Local legislators and state education leaders, including Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, visited Piers Park Sailing Center on August 19 in celebration of its record-breaking enrollment of over 700 children, with 140 teenagers having been hired as instructors.
“It’s the biggest summer we’ve had,” exclaimed Alex DeFronzo, Executive Director, Piers Park Sailing Center. “The state is an important partner for us, so having the secretary of education is an honor.”
Piers Park Sailing is one of the 250 summer enrichment programs in Boston’s 5th Quarter of Learning, a collaboration between Boston After School and the City of Boston. The initiative provided $3,340,770 to 70 organizations, awarding $225,124.96 to fund 20 programs in East Boston.
“Our goal is to make high-quality programming that kids want to come to and enjoy the whole year,” DeFronzo explained.
DeFronzo grew up in Winthrop, partaking in Piers Park Sailing Center’s afterschool programs. He believes that Piers Park is an asset to East Boston.
“Getting to enjoy the waterfront is an important part of our neighborhood,” said DeFronzo. “I hope that all kids who want to do this do it and feel connected to the water.”
Piers Park Sailing Center serves over 3,000 youth through direct, partnership, and youth employment programs. Participants learn about marine science, climate resiliency, and the physics of sailing a boat.
“We want them to be safe on the water and have a fun time; so, all of the skills that they need to do that are the core of our curriculum,” described DeFronzo, who believes that members’ biggest adventures are exploring parts of the city that few experience, such as visiting Boston Harbor Islands.
Children, like seven-year-old Quinn Kelley, of East Boston, especially enjoys searching the islands for periwinkles, in addition to kayaking and paddleboarding.
“I like playing,” beamed Quinn. “It’s so fun.”