Lake Saltonstall is one of the recreational areas available year round with a permit through the…read moreRegional Water Authority. Permits are about $25 per year and include parking pass codes, maps, and a quarterly event update. Be sure to bring a camera--there is also a photo contest every year. Lake Saltonstall is quite beautiful. There are two parking lots. The one at 400 Hosley Ave is mainly situated for hikers. The one farther down the street is for people who want to fish in small boats. I entered the gated lot for hikers. There are a series of interconnected trails (white triangle for parking, white rectangle for general movement towards the lake, and then you have your choice of the dead ended red trail that is approximately 3 miles with scenic overlooks, or the green circle trail approximately 4 miles, that wraps itself around the opposite side of the lake. The green circle trail will loop around the lake and to the other side (according to the map). My hiking partner and I went down most of the green trail that surrounds the lake, but then the trail turned into a shaded bugfest (or bug feast, whichever side you're thinking of). We quickly turned around and headed back towards the area we had previously trod upon. The debris and heavy limbs post-Irene have definitely been cleared away, but the water is still somewhat high at points. Bring plenty of bug spray for the woodsy areas.

As stated before, you need to purchase a New Haven Regional Water Authority recreation permit for…read moreaccess to this area. It is patrolled by their police officers so you need to have your pass with you. The property is gated with a combination lock which you receive the code to when you get your pass. It costs $25 for an individual yearly permit or $35 for a family permit. Your permit will also get you access to 8 other properties the RWA owns. Lake Saltonstall is stocked annually by the state with trout and the RWA also has been stocking walleye for a number of years in the lake, too. There are also crappie, carp, perch, bluegills, and largemouth bass to be caught. If you want to fish here, you will also need at CT Fishing License if you are 16 years old or older. There is no swimming allowed and no dogs are allowed. Boats are available to rent for fishing since you cannot bring your own boat. They are trying to keep out Zebra Mussels. There are miles of maintained hiking trails where you often see some great wildlife. You are allowed to mountain bike and snowshoe here, too.

Went here the other day and it was a clean and well maintained area. I will definitely be checking…read moreback in the spring when the weather is warmer and better

I have lived literally 2 miles away for 10 years and never knew this place existed. I joined a…read morekickball league and went last night for my first game, and was surprised, excited, and shocked all at the same time. This park is massive, and there are amazing views of the city of Hartford. There is plenty of on-street parking, several fields for games, and just wide, open spaces. I'm looking forward to coming here weekly for my games, and also just to explore, have a picnic, or just to play!

Dr John is amazing.Extremely knowledgeable,kind and patient.He has helped me with my back issues…read more. This is not your average 10 min chiropractor consultation.He really spends time treating your issues.His mom who sometimes run the front desk is friendly and kind.

Very clean and spacious. The workers were very helpful and enough space to enjoy the outsideread more

Clean friendly and plenty of room. Rarely if ever had to…read morewait for equipment in gym, the trail outside is wonderful (pretty & flat-ish & an accurate distance). The kids facilities look great but that's not what I use or know about. The pool is clean (only 25ft, the usual), not crowded most of the day (and if crowded the lifeguards are great at arranging the circle swim for those of us unlikely to wait ). Most times only 1 or 2 in each lane. We re spoiled. Great steam bath. Hot tub can be hotter, pool can be cooler , and sauna just hot. But après workout great to use. Great tools in gym ... hour long treadmills with uphill and down hill! Stair master! Assisted pull up for us weaklings. I see all sorts of classes /parties/ straps cycling/ yoga/ weight watchers .... seems like quite the hub Of community activity. Even the Founders Hall is next door for us geezers. Good parking (why do we look for close spots when we are here to workout?). Best part is nice folks and you can get in and out quick and safe OR be social. GREAT price for resident$ !

Whether for birthday parties, camp or just the playground we are here quite often and my kiddo…read moreloves it. The playground is never too crowded and though it's part of the rec center there is no membership needed. For those that are members or want to do a day pass they also have an indoor pool and splash pad play area. The splash pad is fun but the individuals they choose to monitor it really deter from the whole experience. The other weekend we were there and my daughter and two friends were playing Barbie's and decided to wet their hair. No throwing them or anything wild just wet their hair. A woman first approached one of the girls (a 5 year old) and sternly told her that was not allowed. Which in and of itself was not acceptable. Kids being kids they went again to wet Barbie's hair and along came the same woman, only this time she confronted the mom. The mom said she'd stop it and asked the woman if in the future she would not address issue directly with her child rather come directly to her. She pointed out the tone of the woman voice used ti speak to children to which the woman stood there and begun confronting the mom. Stating repeatedly this is my voice and I'm not shouting. We all stayed calm and simply asked her to walk away. She repeated herself a few more times before walking back to her chair. All that being said, apart from the overwatch at the splash pad it is a fun place to take the kiddos.

Horrible experience. Between the two front desks, not knowing their roles and sending me…read moreback-and-forth and then we're fine in the pool and they move us out our lanes saying it's for swimming classes and when other people show up they tell them right in my face it's the lane for open swim. I can't make this shit up. Ruined our mood, upset my kids and a waste of my money. Oh, and there's no family rooms to change so if you have kids that are too young to be alone, but too old to be in the opposite gender restroom this is not the place for you

Hard to believe, yet I've been going here on and off to swim for over 30 years…read more Clean facility. Friendly staff. Fully equipped gym upstairs. Ample parking. This really is a top rated facility.

Planet Fitness's Black Card enables members to use their gyms around the country. Our center in…read moreArdmore, PA is great however branches in NYC where I live parttime, give me the heebie-jeebies. Dilemma: I'm not keen on working out, but I know I need to. Do I join an expensive gym in Manhattan which would be under-utilized since I come-and-go? I was excited to discover the city-run Constance Baker Motley Rec Center on East 54th Street. They've got a fitness center, gym, track, pool and -- hold onto your hat! -- my annual membership (since I'm a senior citizen) is $25!!! Can you believe it?! Even if you're not old it'll only cost $150 per year. In Manhattan! I've read complaints that seem to permeate the facility. But for my needs -- and I really just joined -- it's great. The fitness room is somewhat antiquated, but has enough of what I want and so far (knock wood) everything works. There's a decent locker room, the staff is polite and the building itself, which dates to 1911, is pretty cool. Curious about the name, I learned that Ms. Motley was an American civil rights lawyer and the first African American woman appointed to the federal judiciary. (I love that the city pays homage to her.)

There hasn't been any heat at the Constance Baker Motley Rec Center for sometime. It's so cold in…read morethe building. I can't hold a racquet to play pickleball. My fingers are so cold. Wear a sweater as well. Sent a note on the portal to the commissioner...true to fashion has not responded back. I paid for a membership that I am not able to use since they seem to refuse to get the heat fixed. Staff has communicated the building has no heat...falls on deaf ears. SHAME ON THEM.

St. Gabs was my savior growing up, I was able to spend 2 summers as a volunteer, seeing the…read moreeverything knocked down now leaves a void in my heart.

In a past life I came here for a three day weekend spiritual retreat with my high school senior…read moreclass. As young women we re-connected with each other as well as individuals with God to be empowered and strengthen. The staff treats its guests like family as this retreat house is geared to youngsters and teens. The building is lovely as it contains ample dormorities for showers and beds. The grounds and view of the East End of Long Island of the Atlantic Ocean is BEAUTIFUL! St. Gabriel's were one of my happiest moments while in high school.

Baseball hoops and…read moredogs Preston Community Park is a great local recreational center. They manage to put a whole lot of features in this park and it is well used in the warm weather and a pleasant place to visit in the winter. The park has sand volley ball courts, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, basketball courts and even a little pond for skating in the cold weather. The park also has picnic tables and nice pavilion with benches, places to cook as well as bathrooms. There is also a walking path around the park as well as a dog walking trail. A nice community park that really does have something for everyone.

Nice place. There's a playground, track, trails, tennis court, basketball, base ball fields, dirty…read morepond like in all parks

Great pool which is hardly ever crowded. The locker room is roomy and kept clean. Even though the…read moreshowers themselves are cold and bad, there are private shower and dressing stalls available. Large, clean weights/workout equipment room with machines that are in very good condition. Just a heads up, they do not have a computer room or an indoor gymnasium at this center.

I think ppl went to UES pool. This is why this pool is empty recently. There's no time regulation,…read moreno broken lockers, pretty laidback vibes. I highly recommend. one block from E23st /1st ave Starbucks. it's next to FDR.

I love the facility Period! But of course as with most city own business theres always the issue of…read moregood Organizational skills. U never ever can go here and the schedules are consistent. Especially for the pool. I find this to be one of the worst issues to me personally." Anyway the pool is nice and it is a nice size." It would be nice to see the City either put stairs dn into the pool or a mobile stairwell that can easily be added so that seniors and those with severe handicaps and arm injuries due to strokes or falls would not have to rely upon a lift that may malfunction at any given time or ladders that are OLD n VERY OUT-DATED." THE RUNGS ON THE LADDER R NARROW AND NOT WIDE ENOUGH TO REST YOUR FEET PROPERLY THERBY INSURING GOOD SUPPORT AS WELL AS BALANCE AND SAFETY." Every time they hv done renovations on the st johns center I always pray they hv given the pool steps some much needed attention. But sad to say Im always VERY disappointed. DB

Great rec center for the community. I joined this location so that I can utilize the pool and the…read morelocation closes to me pool is under renovation. Membership fee is very affordable and be paid annually or semi annually. Sign up is very easy. Staff is friendly. There are a full program of activities that you can find the schedule online. There are different classes and pool times for free swim. I am here mainly for the swim but I have taken yoga class here and enjoyed it. There is a workout room, cardio machines, a dance studio and a gym. There are also music classes. Many activities for children and adults. The locker room is okay; it's at the basic level of clean. No frills, just bring everything that you need. I do wish there were more lap swim hours but outside of that I do not have complaints on the facility.