Thursday, October 1, 2026
In Glen Cove, supporting our youth is not seasonal. It is a year-round commitment.
As spring arrives, our fields, parks and programs are coming back to life. There is a renewed sense of energy across the city, and that momentum is especially clear in the opportunities we provide for our young people.
Each year, more than 5,000 children take part in programs through our Youth Services and Recreation Department. These are more than activities. They help build confidence, create structure, and give young people a place where they feel they belong. Many of the programs are free or offered at a low cost to residents, making them accessible to families across our community.
That support starts early. In our Youth Center after-school programs and the After 3 program, students get help with homework, strengthen their reading skills and build friendships that carry into the classroom and beyond. Programs like these give working families peace of mind and ensure that children have a safe, supportive place to go after the school day ends.
As we look ahead to summer, our Glen Cove Youth Bureau Summer Program, our After 3 Summer Program and seasonal recreation programs offer a safe and engaging environment where children can stay active and connected. Our youth take part in daily activities, group programming, and trips that give them new experiences and lasting memories.
We are also continuing to invest in the places where our young people play. Over the past year, we have upgraded batting cages, repaired backstops and improved our fields and park spaces so they are ready for the season ahead. Additional improvements to our fishing pier, tennis courts, basketball facilities and courts, Pascucci Field turned into every child’s soccer dream and futsal court are all aimed at creating safer and more enjoyable spaces for our children.
Throughout the year, our Recreation Department offers programs that keep children active and involved, including junior basketball, a year-long cheer program, swimming lessons at Pryibil Beach and tennis at Stanco Park. We also saw strong participation this year for youth ages 5 to 16, including volunteer opportunities for teens ages 13 and up, a reflection of how important these programs are to families across Glen Cove.
Just as important, the city works closely with many outstanding local organizations that expand opportunities for our youth. Volunteer-driven groups such as the Baseball Softball Association, the Junior Football and Cheerleading League, the Junior Soccer League, Junior Lacrosse and the Boxing Club all play an important role in our community. Their dedication, along with the support of families and coaches, helps keep youth sports strong in Glen Cove.
Our calendar is filled with events that bring families together. From the Spring Egg Hunt, which celebrated its 25th year with 15,000 eggs and hundreds of children, to the Fourth of July celebration at Morgan Park, including the children’s bike parade, the Mayor’s Snapper Derby, and Milk & Cookies with Santa, these traditions create lasting memories and strengthen our community.
We are proud to work alongside the Friends of the Glen Cove Youth Board, whose support helps expand programming and provide scholarships for our youth. Friends and the Recreation Commission recently held their fifth fundraiser, and have raised more than $150,000 over the years to support Glen Cove’s youth. In the fall, another fundraiser helps support the Youth Bureau’s Afterschool Program. That support makes a real difference in the lives of so many families.
We are also preparing our teens for the future through the Summer Youth Employment Program. This year, a number of young people are participating, gaining real-world experience and building confidence. Many of them work directly with younger children in our programs, serving as role models and mentors while learning responsibility and leadership.
When we invest in our youth, we are investing in the future of Glen Cove.
As we move through this season, we remain focused on giving our kids opportunities to stay active, off screens and engaged in positive, real-world experiences. Because when our youth succeed, Glen Cove succeeds.
Pamela Panzenbeck is the mayor of Glen Cove.
