Size really doesn't matter in Billerica.

Never judge a town by its size. The town of Billerica, Mass., is a diminutive 39,000, but two-thirds of the children in the town are actively involved in Billerica's Recreation Department. Its diverse and varied programming, coupled with the department's dedication to providing its townsfolk with lifelong recreation opportunities, make this small Northeastern town a Sportstown winner.

Recreation Director Joseph E. Higgins and Assistant Recreation Director Peggy Hannon-Rizza have devoted themselves to the people of Billerica with a combined 32 years of service to the recreation department. And the people of Billerica, which is just 30 miles outside of Boston, have shown their appreciation by almost fully supporting the programming. Ninety percent of the Recreation Department's budget is funded by the townspeople, with the remaining 10 percent going toward the three, full-time staff people (including Higgins and Hannon-Rizza).

"Sports really have played a critical role in our community," says Hannon-Rizza, who received the coveted Joe Trapasso Award last year.

The Recreation Department's philosophy on inclusion and lifelong sports participation is an aggressive one. It has made all of its programs integrated and inclusive. Higgins and Hannon-Rizza encourage the participation and enjoyment of lifelong sports in their community with a wide array of offerings that include (among the standard fare) lacrosse, Special Olympics, ski jumping, BMX bike track, horseback riding and street hockey.

In order to customize its programming to accommodate everyone from kindergarten to older adults, the town of Billerica Recreation Department has partnerships with non-profit organizations as well as private philanthropist groups.

As an example, the Recreation Department continued its partnership with the Billerica Police Department's Community Service Program (DARE, PAL) to offer programs to the youth of Billerica. This summer it provided ramps for its BMX riders, skateboarders and inline skaters at the Billerica Mall parking lot. It also developed a BMX racetrack at Vietnam Veterans Park. When the public schools had two early release clays, the department offered students a day filled with music, food and activities at the Lampson Recreation Complex. The cooperative effort of the Boys and Girls Club, Billerica Police Department, Billerica Fire Department, School Department and the Recreation Department ensured that this event was successful.

The National Youth Sports Coaches Alliance (NYSCA) helps certify all of the Recreation Department's coaches and volunteer staff on the ethics and morality of youth sports. Policies are re-addressed quarterly through a continuing educational journal sent to each coach through NYSCA. Billerica Recreation is a chapter under NYSCA. Also through NYSCA, all children are taught any skill sets they seek in their respective interests. As a result, some of these children have gone on to professional careers in sports, and Billerica is represented in every professional sport--from golf to football.

"We know that sports really builds character," Hannon-Rizza says. "It's a positive thing to do and it keeps them busy."

Billerica also tries to come up with multi-generational programming, such as the Independence Day Yankee Doodle Homecoming, the Health and Recreation Fair, Earth Day Festivities and the First Night Celebration--a way to welcome in the new year.

But recreation programming is just one facet of Billerica's success. The Recreation Department has dozens of capital improvement projects that have helped provide the programming that the townspeople have come to rely on. It has developed a street hockey rink, soccer, baseball and softball sports complex, a whiffleball park, a little league and T-ball field, a water playground, BMX bike track, among other features. In its five-year master plan, the town of Billerica will have a skateboard park, four new basketball courts, two new playgrounds, another multi-field sports complex, two new soccer fields and a new recreation building.

The town of Billerica Recreation Department continues to find new ways to deliver recreational opportunities to its citizens. The small town of Billerica has made its mark, making it as large as any densely populated city.

For more information, log on to www.town.billerica.ma.us.