Recreation and Parks Month has been proclaimed for June in the city by Yorkton Council.
“June is just around the corner, and with that comes the national initiative, June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM). In conjunction with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA), the City of Yorkton has been promoting JRPM for many years. This is the time to celebrate the return of summer, promote outdoor physical activities, and gather neighbours together to enhance a sense of community,” explained Taylor Morrison, Recreation Services Manager with the City at the regular meeting of Council Monday.
Morrison said marking the month helps promote activity.
“By proclaiming June as Recreation and Parks Month, Yorkton will help to recognize the impact that employees and volunteers have on the many recreation and parks opportunities that we all use and enjoy. Elected officials, recreation and parks professionals, and community members can all promote the vital contributions of recreation and parks services to the personal, social, environmental, and economic well-being of our province,” he said.
Some of the benefits as outlined by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association include:
* Generating economic activity through social growth and community pride.
* Promote personal development and social activity throughout the community.
* Grow strong families and health communities.
* Reduce the cost of health care by promoting healthy, active lifestyles.
*Improve the quality of life for residents through recreation and parks events and services.
* Support ecological environments by promoting the importance of parks and greenspaces.
* Connect people to nature and the outdoors.
* Attract tourists and new residents to the community.
* Enhance a sense of community by bringing people together.
The Community Development, Parks & Recreation department has several activities and projects planned for this year:
* Program planning for the S-CAPE Summer Program, which runs through July and August.
* Two Park Parties scheduled for June 19th at Silvery Heights Park and June 27th at Weinmaster Park, both occurring from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., weather permitting.
* A six-week outdoor Fitness Boot Camp occurring at Patrick Park.
* A pickleball tournament held in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Seniors Fitness Association on June 13, hosted at the outdoor courts located at Heritage Heights.
* Offering pickleball and disc golf equipment for borrow from the Gloria Hayden Community Centre.
* Partnership with Tourism Yorkton to participate in The Great Trail Treasure Hunt, where geo-caches have been hidden along our portion of the Trans Canada Trail, which is now being branded as The Great Trail.
* Continued improvements to the Ravine Ecological Preserve, including new interpretive signage and maintenance work to the trail system.
* Gathering community input for a new playground at Patrick Park.
