FARMINGTON — Selectmen accepted an anonymous donation of $4,000 Tuesday.

It was given to the Parks and Recreation Department with appreciation “for the work of Steve Shible, the Farmington Recreation Department, its employees, instructors and coaches during my years of participation in the department’s programs,” according to a letter written by the donor.

The donor said that participating in several programs offered more than 15 years ago to children in grades 5-12, and involvement later with the department through both volunteer and part-time employment helped prepare the donor for college and prompted “an appreciation for the personal development gained from those activities.”

An upgrade to the computer lab, new table game equipment and perhaps some form of gym equipment for younger children at the Community Center are some ideas being considered,  Matt Foster, assistant director of the department, said Thursday.

“Steve mentioned that we don’t get gifts like this a lot so he wants to make it count for the most people,” he said of the diverse ideas they’re thinking about.

“Shible remembers the donor well and was really happy that he and the department were able to play such an important role in their life and have it be a good place for someone to come,” Foster said.  “He’s happy to provide opportunities for kids to do these kind of things and that they remember and want to give back.”

The donor mentioned the facility on Middle Street and Hippach Field as a “safe and welcoming haven.”

“I was unaware of the long-term, lasting impact the department would have. Others may also be unaware of the positive impact their current work and the work of a department can have on a child,” the donor wrote.

Once again the department will offer a variety of recreational opportunities for local children during the summer through the department’s Summer Youth Program.

The program includes swim instruction, Hippach Field Playground, mountain biking, golf, youth self defense, soccer, fishing, lacrosse, baseball, volleyball and more.

Registration for all swim programs begins at 9 a.m. Monday, June 18, at the Farmington Community Center for Farmington residents and Farmington childcare providers only. Class vacancies will be filled with both Farmington children and those from out of town on June 19 and 20.

Registration for some other programs began June 11.

For more information, contact the Recreation Department at 778-3464 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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