The Village of Westbury Summer Recreation Playground Program 2000 came to a close last week, signaling the end of warm-weather days and the approach of the new school year.

Michael Jackson, recreation program development supervisor for the Village of Westbury Recreation Department, reported that this year's programs surpassed all others, because of the high quality and quantity of day trips, and staff members' success in keeping the activities running smoothly.

"This was probably the best year ever," said Jackson, noting that he was proud of the program's 11 staff members for keeping the trips and other activities well-organized.

During the six-week program, which ran from July 10 through Aug. 18, local children ages 3 to 10 traveled to destinations near and far for some wholesome fun. The recreation department hired a charter bus to take the children to Sands Points Preserve, The Long Island Reptile Museum, Hall of Science in Queens, Safety Town at Eisenhower Park, Cantiague Park, Adventureland in Farmingdale, and the Long Island Children's Museum in Garden City. The group also visited the Westbury Children's Library and the Westbury Senior Center. When they weren't off on excursions, the children spent their summer days on the playground and fields of the village's recreation center.

The village's Summer Recreation Playground Program was started over 20 years ago, in response to the need for a local summer day camp for youngsters. It has grown steadily from its initial group of 20 youngsters to this year's enrollment of 70. At its beginning, the recreation department offered a program from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. That has expanded too, with youngsters now in the village's care from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The purpose of the program - offering fun in a supervised environment - has not changed, however.

"We try to give them a chance to unwind for the summer," said Jackson. He added that the playtime afforded by the program "definitely gives them an opportunity to release their energy."

Jackson noted that the program also serves an important role in the social development of the children. "It gives them an opportunity to meet new friends. They learn to communicate with other kids, and to respect adults other than their parents," he said, adding, "It definitely keeps the kids off the street."

The department also aims to make the program affordable, according to Jackson, charging village residents $350 per child for the entire summer.

As the Village Recreation Department closes up its summer activities, it is switching gears to its after-school recreation program. That program, which begins next week, serves about 100 children, ages 6 to 14, Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. "We'll be ready for the opening of the school year," said Jackson.