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Hall of Fame
On Thursday, August 12, 2010 the following two deserving individuals were publicly recognized and inducted into the Parks & Recreation Hall of Fame for their unselfish, life-long contributions to parks and recreation, and because off their outstanding dedication, have contributed immeasurably to the establishment, maintenance and continuation of community recreation in South Windsor.
Fred Hammick -Prior to his passing in 1994, Fred was active in the South Windsor community for 35 years where he served as an officer with the South Windsor Little League and coached for over 20 years in the Little League, Senior Division, and American Legion Baseball programs. Fred was also well known for the many years he coached the South Windsor Boys Travel Basketball Team, and he continued to referee in the Recreation Department Basketball Program up until 1993. He had also previously coached in the South Windsor Midget Football League, and was the first coach of the CYO basketball team for St. Margaret Mary Church. Fred positively impacted the lives a so many, as he had a knack for making every young athlete feel good about themselves regardless of their ability. Fred was a past member of the East Catholic Parents Club and Booster Club, and an avid supporter of UCONN athletics. Fred was the very proud recipient of many awards because of his unselfish giving of himself to the youngsters of the community, among them were the Oliver Wolcott Masonic Award for Community Service, the Connecticut Sports Writers Alliance John Wentworth Good Sport Award, and official citation from the State of Connecticut General Assembly, and various volunteer honors from the Town of South Windsor. Since 1988, his legacy is honored with an annual basketball tournament held by the South Windsor Travel Basketball Team named in his memory.
Craig Zimmerman -A life-long resident of South Windsor, Craig has made numerous contributions to youth sports and the community over the past 30 years. He currently holds the positions of Director for the State of CT American Legion Baseball organization; Board of Education member; Park & Recreation Commissioner; South Windsor American Legion Baseball Head Coach; Coordinator of the South Windsor Boys Travel basketball program; and Head Coach for the 8th Grade Boys Travel Basketball Team. He also volunteers for our department coordinating the schedule for all three regulation baseball fields in town to assure fairness in distribution and avoid double-booking – no small task for sure!
In the past he has served as South Windsor Little League President, Chair of the Park & Recreation Commission and League Director for the Central CT Boys Travel Basketball League.
Craig has championed numerous fund raising efforts to expand recreation facilities including sports lighting, dugouts, and the press box at the Rotary Baseball Field, and most recently an indoor batting/pitching facility now under construction at Nevers Park.
He has been and continues to be one of South Windsor’s strongest advocates for parks and recreation.
2009 Hall of Fame
Sam Brady - Sam was hired in 1962 as the town's first Recreation Director. Sam served in a part time capacity creating summer programs for the roughly 10,000 residents of South Windsor. Playground activities at the local schools and swimming were the core of activities. Admission for public swimming at "Spring Pond" was a mere 10 cents for residents and kids were free.
James Snow - Jim was hired in 1969 as the town's first full time Director of Recreation. A graduate of Springfield College, Jim held the position for 27 years and in that time did just about anything and everything you can imagine to provide recreation opportunities to the community. Jim made it happen; from chaperoning bus trips, changing pool filters at Spring Pond, to dragging a baseball infield in his Volkswagen. Jim displayed a real passion for the golf league and adult softball leagues which continue to be strong programs in town.
