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Welcome to the Town of Kent. Incorporated in 1739, Kent has had a history as a farming community and thriving iron ore producer. It is now a rural community of about 3,000 residents located in Litchfield County in the scenic northwest corner. It has a lively mix of rural life, education and the arts.
 Kent is primarily residential with some small industry and farms. The downtown area has become a day trip destination for many. While there are many small hamlets, such as South Kent and Bulls Bridge, the obelisk Civil War Soldiers Monument at the intersection is a dramatic assurance that you have arrived in downtown Kent. The monument is in the center of town at the intersection of State Route 7, a major north-south road and Route 341, an east-west road. The downtown area is a mix of residential homes, shops, art galleries and restaurants. Most of the businesses are owner operated, so take the time to stop and talk to the owners about town.
Education is important to Kent. As well as the public elementary school, which was recently renovated, it is home to three private preparatory schools, Kent School, South Kent School and Marvelwood School. Art is well represented in the many galleries downtown.
The town also offers old-fashioned ways to enjoy life such as hiking, biking, camping and fishing at State Parks and local parks. For those inclined, it even offers scenic drives. Those of us who live in Kent often comment how lucky we are to have such a great place to call home. Please enjoy our website to learn more about Kent.
PARK & RECREATION
The Town of Kent has two parks, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Kent Park and Recreation Commission: Kent Common Park and Emery Park. Kent Common Park is located off Swift Lane, just east of the intersection of Routes 341 and 7. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and features two tennis courts, toddler playground and pavilion. A park pass is required to use the tennis courts and to reserve the pavilion and may be purchased in the Park and Rec office.
Emery Park is located on Route 341E (Segar Mountain Road) and features 200 acres that is deeded for recreational use. The park features a spring-fed swimming area, picnic areas with grills, hiking trail, playground and the Merck Fountain. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. Swimming is available seasonally from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and a park pass is required to swim. Passes may be purchased at the park during these hours or in the Park and Rec office.
Please note that information about Kent Falls State Park, Lake Waramaug State Park and Macedonia Brook State Park, including camping information, may be obtained from the State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, under whose jurisdiction these parks fall.
PROGRAMS
After School
Kent Park and Recreation offers an After-School Program Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Kent Center School. The program is open to kindergarten through sixth graders. Youngsters may attend on a regular or drop-in basis. Pre-registration is required.
Fall Soccer
Kent Park and Recreation participates in the Northwest Soccer League, a recreational multi-town league for travel teams at the Under-8, Under-10 and Under-12 levels. The U-8 program features coed teams that play small-sided games, 5v5, without a goalie. The emphasis at this level is to develop passing and dribbling skills and sportsmanship. The U-10 and U-12 teams can be both coed and girls, depending on the registration. The three travel teams practice one weeknight and play games on Saturdays from the first weekend after Labor Day into early November. The U-10 teams featured a jamboree at the end of the season while the U-12 teams participate in a tournament, reflecting the seasons’ standings. Registration information is announced typically in June with a registration deadline of mid-August. Instructional programs, featuring one weeknight practice, are offered for kindergarten and first graders. Registration forms for those programs are distributed at the beginning of September. For travel soccer registration form, please go to “Forms” on the Town of Kent homepage.
Winter Basketball
Adams League Youth Basketball is open to Kent youngsters in grades four through eight. The league features one weeknight practice and Saturday morning games in the Kent Center School gymnasium. Teams are coed with an emphasis on refining basketball skills, teamwork, sportsmanship and fun. Participants each receive a team T-shirt, sponsored by local businesses. Registration fee is $25/player and $20 for additional players in the same family. Registration deadline for Adams League Basketball is Nov. 1. For registration form, please go to “Forms” on the Town of Kent homepage. Park and Recreation offers instructional basketball programs for grades one, two and three. These programs, separated by grade, meet one weeknight during January and February. Registration fee is $5 per player and forms are distributed in mid-December.
Spring Baseball/Softball
Park and Rec offers sanctioned Little League team with Cornwall for Kent and Cornwall youngsters ages 9 to 12 as of 4/30; tryout required; Farm Team Little League team for Kent youngsters in grades 4-6 or players whose league age is 12 by Aug. 1; Minor League for third graders; Sr. Travel Softball for girls in grades 5 and 6 and Jr. Travel Softball for girls in grades 3 and 4. Each of these teams features weeknight practices and games as well as some Saturday games. Park and Rec offers also instructional programs for Kent youngsters in grades kindergarten, first and second. For registration form, please go to “Forms” on the Town of Kent homepage.
Berkshire United Soccer Club
Kent youngsters may participate in the Berkshire United Soccer Club which fields teams in the fall and spring. The fall teams features Division I level teams while the spring includes Division I and II teams. For more information about BUSC, visit www.berkshireunited.org or contact President Matt Mette, 860-364-1400.
Ongoing Programs
Tae Kwon Do – meets Tuesdays at 5:45 p.m. at the Kent Community House, North Main Street; open to youngsters and adults. Registration fee is $30 for a 6-week session and will be accepted at class.
Fitness – classes meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Kent Community House, North Main Street. Participants may work at their own pace and ability; includes weights and strengthening. Residents may try one complimentary class. Registration for a four-week session is $45 and will be accepted at class.
Dog Obedience – classes for beginning dog obedience for owners and their dogs will be announced for spring, summer and fall.
Yoga Class with Wendi Jack - meets Thursday 5:45 to 7:00 p.m. at the Kent Community House, North Main Street. Registration fee is $75 for six-week session on either day or $135 for participation on both days. Participants may also select a per class rate of $15. The flow-style classes generally run 75 minutes and include pranayama (breathing exercises), asana (poses) and meditation. Registration will be accepted in teh Park and Rec office and at classes.
Special Events
Kids Fun Run – held annually in conjunction with the annual Kent Pumpkin Run. The 2007 run is Sunday, Oct. 28 at 11:30 a.m. at Kent Town Hall. Free registration, which is required, opens at 11 a.m. Please change the last sentence to read: Each runner receives a prize. Features three age appropriate races for youngsters ages 10 and under. Free registration is required. Each runner receives a participation ribbon.
Halloween Safety Program – Kent Park and Recreation and the Kent Lions Club, in conjunction with the Resident State Trooper, provide “glow-in-the-dark” necklaces to trick-or-treaters of all ages on Halloween. The Park and Rec director and Resident Trooper distribute necklaces on Halloween between 5 and 7 p.m. on North Main Street, adjacent the Kent Memorial Library and Kent Volunteer Fire Department.
Ice Skating – Park and Rec offers open skate and sticks and pucks during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and Kent and South Kent Schools. Participants are required to have a park pass. Skaters at open skate must wear skates and hat; sticks and pucks must have helmet and skates.
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