EXISTING CONDITIONS
PROGRAMS FINDINGS The following list describes the main program findings. These findings are based on what the programs the city currently offers, their associated locations, and the number of registrants. These findings play in important role in determining potential recommendations that may affect the city’s future programs. »
Youth activities such as Tae Kwon Do, Teen Action Committee BBQs, Youth Basketball, and Preschool appear to be in high demand.
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Community events like those surrounding Ontario 5K Reindeer Run are popular.
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Senior programming that allows for social interaction and physical activity such as Friday Night Dance and Chair Yoga are well-attended.
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Activities that are culturally well-suited to the community and encourage social interaction and physical activity such as Mexican Folklore Dance are also well-attended.
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When totaled, pool activities ranked third highest in terms of registrant numbers.
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Highest registrations for pool activities were at Westwind Community Center.
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Waitlist information showed demand for preschool programming, day camps (most notably in Summer Day Camps), senior van trips, Computer Skills – Adult, Soccer Kicks, Toddler Tales, and Basics of Elementary & Cartoon Drawing.
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NATIONAL, REGIONAL, & LOCAL RECREATIONAL TRENDS
Since the provision of public parks and recreation services can be influenced by demographic preferences, the ORPMP process identified local and national recreation trends that help define what Ontario residents are seeking. This section reviews local and national recreation trends relative to the city’s demographic and identified interests. The current trends impacting City services include: »
A focus on walking, hiking, and camping in an outdoor setting
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Participation in youth activities and sports teams
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Swimming and aquatic-based activities
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Recreation activities and programs for diverse age-based generations
The city can adapt its park and program requirements by learning from these new shifts in participation in outdoor recreation, sports, and cultural programs.
HOUSEHOLD PARTICIPATION IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES According to the 2020 Sports, Fitness, and Leisure Activities (SFIA) Topline Participation Report, outdoor recreation is an activity group that is continuing to capture the interest and attention of new audiences; besides those older than 55, all other age groups listed camping as the number one activity among non-participants. Outdoor recreation activities that are growing in popularity are indicated with green arrows whereas activities that are losing popularity are indicated with a red arrow. Camping trips, canoeing/kayaking, fresh and saltwater fishing, frisbee, hiking, jogging/running, and road biking were all popular activities; visiting the beach was the number one outdoor recreation activity. Knowing that residents like to visit the beach may be an indication of the community’s need for aquatic related programs. Table 4-9 shows the team sports with the highest and the lowest average annual growth from 2012 to 2017. According to the 2018 SFIA, Millennials are more likely than other generations to engage in water sports. 33
