Welcome to the Fall 2023 edition of our Parks and Recreation Active Living Guide.

This guide will help you find out more about our high-quality programs. You’ll love what we have planned!

I’d like to reflect on our wonderful summer and thank everyone who came out to celebrate, volunteered and who shared their energy and enthusiasm at our many events so far this year. Volunteers are what make these events so spectacular, and we are grateful for anyone volunteering their time in the community.

Events like the Memorial Park Music Fest, Esquimalt Farmer’s Market, Summer Stories in the Park and the Outdoor Movie Series are other opportunities to bring the community together. It is a special thing to be able to take time out of a busy week to sit back and enjoy the sunshine with your neighbours.

I am continually impressed by the range and quality of programming that our Recreation staff develop. Having everything from senior’s social drop-in programs to new selfexploration workshops like “Living a More Meaningful Life” available to us makes it easy to try something new and focus on your physical, mental and social well-being this fall.

The Recreation team has developed a new “Training Games” fitness class that is for everyone 13+ and will challenge balance, coordination, agility, and strength through a variety of fitness-based games. There is also a new Youth LGBTQiA2S+ drop in night and a Dungeons and Dragons club. These are some great activities specifically developed for the youth of Esquimalt.

As we move into the next few months, we can also look forward to well-loved events like Ribfest, the Celebration of Lights or just taking a neighbourhood stroll to enjoy the changing seasons.

Esquimalt Recreation embodies a holistic approach to health & wellness, offering an abundance of program opportunities to take advantage of – no matter what your interest is! There are many special events, activities, and programs happening in Esquimalt at our Recreation Centre, Sports Centre, and the Gorge Park Pavilion! This guide is your conductor to a broader view into your family’s health and wellness. We are starting a new Family Fitness class that will see friendly competition, high energy, and unlimited laughs! There are so many recreation opportunities to link with your community and this creates countless benefits for you and your family.

On behalf of Council, I encourage you to explore our many wonderful parks and take advantage of our quality recreation facilities and their programming.

Barbara Desjardins Mayor of the Township of Esquimalt