MARCH 2015 | VOLUME 6 | NUMBER 1
S A S K AT C H E W A N PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A S S O C I AT I O N
Recreation Outside the Box
MARCH 2015 | VOLUME 6 | NUMBER 1
SPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President Mike Powell
Director for Villages Clive Craig
Director at Large Dawna Nielson
Director for Cities Jasmine Jackman
Director at Large Marvin Sanderson
Director at Large Coralie Bueckert
Director for Towns Guylaine Green
Director at Large Mimi Lodoen
Director for the North TJ Biemans
SPRA STAFF 01
MANAGEMENT
Recreation After Dark
02
Kids on the Block
03
Chief Executive Officer Norm Campbell
Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga
04
Underwater Hockey
05
Post Halloween Pumpkin Roll
06
Fitness 2J2
07
Community Gardening in Saskatoon Parks
08
In For the Long Run
09
President’s Report
Lacrosse United Generations at the Mistawais First Nation
10
Grants and Funding
10
Not Your Average Curling
11
Pool Amenities: The New Game Changers
12
Events
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Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things
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Commercial Ads
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DIRECTION is published four times a year (December, March, June and September). The publication is provided to members of the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. Direct all communications to: Editor, DIRECTION #100 - 1445 Park Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 4C5 You may also send letters or comments to Lori Ross, Communications Consultant, at 306.780.9370, by fax at 306.780.9257, or by email at lross@spra.sk.ca. Articles within this magazine are the opinions of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of SPRA. Articles in DIRECTION may be reprinted, provided that full credits are shown for the author and the magazine.
Supported by:
Program Manager John Firnesz Field Services Manager Randy Durovick Communications, Information and Research Manager Luella Newman RECREATION CONSULTANTS Information and Research Services Chantel Doerksen Communications Lori Ross Christian Bates-Hardy Human Resources and Funding Lee Anne Balliett Parks and Open Spaces Andrew Exelby Physical Activity and Fitness Wendy McKellar Aboriginal Support Tim Haywahe Leadership and Evaluation Karen Thompson
Recreation Facilities Kelly Skotnitsky
FIELD CONSULTANTS/ ADMINISTRATION
Youth Engagement Tanya Murphy
Swift Current Jaclyn Davis/Christine Rousseaux Phone: (306) 778-1091
Assistant Consultant Kelsie Graham ADMINISTRATION Business Administrator Mandy Selinger Business Administrator Anita Ehman Executive Assistant Lois McNaught Administrative Technician Ryan Monks Administrative Assistant II Natalie McAmmond Administrative Assistant I Kayla Schreiner Donna Matheson Fitness/Administrative Assistant II Lynn Bradley
Rosetown/North Battleford Kerry Bailey/Janae Dawson Phone: (306) 882-6601 Prince Albert Rob Boulding/Shari Morash Phone: (306) 953-0052 Weyburn Sean Hanlon Phone: (306) 848-0274 Yorkton Darren Spelay/Tracy Malayney Phone: (306) 782-1072 Humboldt Clint McConnell/ Lynne Morelli Phone: (306) 682-5265 La Ronge Kathleen Cornthwaite Phone: (306) 425-1910
Regina Office: Phone: (306) 780-9231 or 1-800-563-2555
in motion STAFF General Manager Cathie Kryzanowski Manager of Community Mobilization Marnie Sinclair
Communications Consultant Amanda Perry Administrative Assistant Jill McDougall
Phone: (306) 780-9248 or 1-866-888-3648 Fax: (306) 780-9466
PRESIDENT’S REPORT Creativity…the fun part of everything! Especially recreation! This edition of DIRECTION is highlighting those out of the box programs…the unique and innovative recreation activities, programs and events that creative people like you are introducing to everyone. I once heard a comparison for our recreation world that I think applies perfectly…in a creative way, to boot. From the 8th to the 12th Century, Vikings were the dominant force in the world…they conquered vast areas, built empires and were the first to explore North America. A successful Viking was willing to take risks to find new opportunities. A Viking culture created a team. Leif Erikson was not alone when he made the row in his long boat to Newfoundland, he had a team willing to try new things and share the rewards. Over time, Vikings stopped exploring and became farmers…the age of the Viking came to an end. The Viking once looked to the horizons and now, the farmer focuses on the management of the fields. Don’t get me wrong…the field is important…what you have, must be managed. The risk is that there is a great tendency to do the same thing every year. It seems to work and there is nothing wrong with being a competent manager or farmer. It is when external forces or other circumstances change that managing is not enough…it is time to take out the long boats again and be a Viking.
our inner Viking to seek new opportunities…even beyond our traditional parks and recreation field. It may help to make others aware of all the costs associated with recreation programs (i.e. not just the playground equipment but the landscaping cost as well) and maybe more importantly, the costs of not having recreation programs. Think of new ways to position your association…if you are just the “fun” agency, you will be first to be cut…but if the facilities and programs contribute to community wellbeing, you are essential…not discretionary. It is important to be willing to take that risk, even though some ideas will end up in Valhalla. There are numerous examples of Viking worthy programs highlighted in this edition. Paddleboard yoga, glow curling and pickleball - just to name a few. Going Viking is a process of adopting a culture of growth and exploration. We, of course, need to have some farmer in us but we certainly need to have some Viking as well.
I suggest you ask yourself…Am I a Viking or a Farmer? And then hop in that long boat and see where it takes you.
With a little Viking mentality, you can show value to your community in new and exciting ways…ways that are less dependent on tradition and make use of available resources. There is a perfect example of this in the 2J2 article focusing on communities utilizing whatever equipment is available to get people active. Don’t let time stop you either. Why not have some programs after dark…even in the dark. I ran a Dive-in Theatre in our pool once…we watched Pirates of the Caribbean (I could not get Jaws!). It was new and fun…the popcorn did get a little soggy - but we were Vikings! Check out the article on programming after dark for some way cool ideas. We also need to go beyond the creative programming and think outside the box for things like funding. New sources of revenue will not be found if we simply tend to our fields. I am pretty sure pillaging would be inappropriate, so we need March 2015
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RECREATION AFTER DARK Here are some great ideas to take recreation from day to night! Outdoor Film Screenings with an Active Twist
Develop fun recreation activities around movie themes. For example: ■ Rocky I to IV Marathon with access to an inflatable boxing ring and carnival games like high striker. ■ The Cutting Edge or Blades of Glory paired with moonlight skating at a local outdoor rink. ■ Foot Loose with the opportunity to participate in an 80’s fitness class.
Night Time Programming for At Risk Youth
Open gymnasiums and facilities during the night hours for planned evening activities. Consider offering a healthy free snack and a variety of organized sports like basketball, soccer, art classes or Zumba workouts.
Electric Run
Sunset Paddle
Host a Sunset Paddle. Par ticipants will enjoy floating in a kayak on the calm water, as the sun sets in the sky and the moon rises and the sta rs twinkle! This is a great opportunity to teach participan ts about stars and constellation s and for them to experience wildlife. End the night with a BBQ or hot drink on the shoreline.
Consider hosting a fun 3K walk/run event where participants don glowin-the dark t-shirts, face pai nt and nail polish. Decorate the pat h with glow in the dark neon scener y. End the night with a late-night dan ce party at the finish line.
Camping
Create an evening of fun camp activities: ■ Orienteering with a compass and the stars. If you ever find yourself on a trail in the dark, knowing how to find the North Star is essential! ■ Hide and go seek in the dark. Make sure you establish boundaries to ensure no one gets lost in the woods and ensure hazards are clearly marked. ■ Campfire, smores and storytelling!
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Owl Prowls
Host an owl prowl which includes an interactive presentation about owls and a moonlit guided hike to call for owls. It will be a hoot!
KIDS ON THE BLOCK Have you ever wondered what would it be like if everyone were exactly the same? When the Kids on the Block puppets ask a group of first graders that question, invariably the answer is “that would be sooooo boring!” Kids on the Block is anything but boring: it is an educational and recreational puppet performance designed to increase acceptance and appreciation of differences, which are central to our communities. Through the use of large puppets and live theatre, the Kids on the Block educates, dispels myths relating to individuals who have disabilities and promotes social inclusion in all aspects of life. Kids on the Block is a program of the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL), which is an organization that provides supports to individuals with intellectual disabilities in Saskatchewan. The SACL Kids on the Block troupe has been active for over 25 years; it is one of 1600 Kids on the Block programs worldwide presenting the message “It’s OK to be different.” While the SACL’s focus is on supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Kids on the Block discuss a variety of topics; including bullying, feelings and other kinds of disabilities. The presentation is designed for children between the ages of 4-12 years old. Children relate to the stories presented to them and learn what a person with a disability can do rather than what they cannot. Presentations are offered at schools, recreation programs, clubs, daycares, camps and even conferences. The performance ranges from 30 minutes for preschool audiences, to 45 minutes for school aged children. After each skit the children have an opportunity to ask the puppets questions about disabilities, feelings or experiences.
Puppeteers Jennifer and Andrea with the Kids on the Block. Puppets from left to right: Brenda, Michael, Renaldo and Anna. More information about the Kids on the Block and the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living is available at www.sacl.org.
“It’s wonderful how the children relate to the puppets,” says Andrea Young, SACL’s Youth Coordinator. “They open up and share things that are difficult to discuss otherwise. A grade five student let us know that his brother has autism and how this skit will help his friends understand what having a brother with Autism is like for him.” Kids on the Block breaks down barriers (to recreation) and builds social cohesion, generating healthy, inclusive communities. March 2015
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STAND UP PADDLE BOARD YOGA Yoga Haven is combining yoga and nature with Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga - proving you can take yoga almost anywhere!
I love yoga and I love water, so I was excited to have them meet. I first saw stand up paddle boarding in Tofino while on a surf and yoga retreat. The surfing was amazing and very humbling as falling happened a little more often than I expected. While on the beach, there were a couple people standing and paddling and I knew that's where I wanted to be. I got my first board about 4 years ago and immediately played with yoga postures on it. It became my floating mat which took me out into nature - and there is nothing like combining yoga and nature. I took some training on the board shortly after and started teaching Stand up Paddle Board (SUP) Yoga. I teach important techniques like how to hold the paddle, paddling efficiently, turns, water safety and a variety of poses for all levels. I really wanted to do something fun when I decided to teach this and show people they can take yoga anywhere. A typical class is 5-6 people so I can watch everyone with alignment and technique. The first thing we do, after going over the equipment and safety on the shore, is take some time to paddle out and get used to standing on the board. We take time to do a few movements while paddling then we find a quiet spot where we focus on breath work and connection to nature. After we have some time moving on the board, I like to anchor everyone. My design for anchoring gives us all plenty of room to be together and practice some challenging yoga postures without having to paddle back towards the group if the wind picks up. It's difficult to do lunge on my stable yoga studio floor but while moving and balancing on a board on water it takes it to another level. I certainly know the state04
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ment about feeling muscles you didn't know you had is true. It's great to give students a variety of options for one pose on the board as people are at different levels. It's really important to stretch out the neck, shoulders and arms after paddling and some of the yoga postures, so after we've had a good challenge I like to work on flexibility. We take it to sitting stretches or postures on the back to help release tightness and just take time to slow down. The best thing besides being outside doing yoga on the water, is the laughter. We always have such a great time supporting and cheering each other on, trying not to fall in, surprising ourselves at our abilities and getting back on the boards when we do fall in to try the pose again. Yes, people do fall in and no I can't guarantee you won't!
“SUP with Lori from the Yoga Haven is a great experience! The lake is beautiful and it’s the perfect mix of nature, adventure, great instruction and encouragement. A must try in Regina.� - Mei-Ling, SUP Yoga Participant
People tell me they love it for many reasons - the fun, the challenge, the sunshine and the chance to be outside while practicing yoga. I think one of the best parts of the class or some time doing SUP Yoga is the relaxation pose at the end while on our backs for some still zen, while literally floating on water.
Lori Lee Owner Yoga Haven www.yogahaven.ca www.lorileeyoga.com
SUPPORTING MENTAL UNDERWATER HOCKEY HEALTH THROUGH Learn more about Underwater Hockey - the sport where two teams compete to maneuver a puck across the bottom of a swimming pool into the opposing team’s goal by propelling it with a pusher. This is an article worth holding your breath for!
My name is Maja. I came to Saskatoon a year and a half ago, where I started working at the University of Saskatchewan. I moved from Slovenia, one of the smallest countries in Europe to Canada, the second largest country in the world. The distances here still amaze me. Here, you need several hours by car to reach the next province, while from Slovenia, I need half an hour to our neighboring countries of Austria or Croatia. I always like to travel, to discover new, cool countries and meet interesting people, and in Canada, I definitely have a lot of fun. I first saw Underwater Hockey when I was swimming in the next lane in the YMCA's pool. I was very surprised that such an unusual sport exists. As an external observer, I couldn't decide if I like this sport or not, but I always like to try new things. Actually, in Canada, I have tried several new sports including ultimate frisbee, rock climbing, Underwater Football and Underwater Hockey. After many years of individual sports like tennis, badminton and skiing, I wanted to participate in a team sport again as I did in childhood. I joined the Saskatoon Seals Underwater Sports team in February and as a novice player I can say that I like this sport more and more every time I go out. I appreciate being part of a team with such a warm atmosphere and positive vibes, especially here far away from home, my family and friends.
QUALITY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
this sport special compared to others is that you cannot communicate underwater and obviously, you cannot breathe whenever you like. I found these limitations very interesting and completely new for me. The best part of our Underwater Hockey team is our friendships out of the pool and that is why for many of us, this sport means more than just physical activity. Our team is very international, which makes our team that much more interesting. Every Friday evening after training, we go out for a drink and some food or we go to someone's home. Every once in awhile we go to a tournament in a different city in Canada, which I think is a great opportunity to see more beauties of this country. We are working all the time to improve our game and that is why we are always open to have new members join us.
Maja Primozic Saskatoon Seals Underwater Sports team
From outside the water, Underwater Hockey might look kind of rough. In fact, a player needs many different skills to play well. The game is technical and strategic and like any other team sport, cooperation between team members is crucial for a successful match. Team work is important because you can not stay underwater for a very long time. What makes
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REGINA BEACH
POST HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN ROLL What do you do with your bags of raked leaves, jack-o’-lanterns, and pounds of candy leftover after Halloween? Head to Regina Beach of course!
This past November 1st, Regina Beach held its first annual Post Halloween Pumpkin Roll. This event brought people of all ages with their leaves, pumpkins and unwanted Halloween candy in tow to the Regina Beach Recreation Site for one last afternoon of fall fun before winter set in.
This event, even though a bit odd, was not only a crowd pleaser, but also an unconventionally successful way of improving community connectivity. The goal of this event was to provide the community with an easy opportunity to contribute to an event in hopes they would feel connected to the event and the environment - which the event benefitted. A call for bagged leaves was sent to the community to help make the ginormous leaf pile and over 65 bags of leaves ended up being donated. The majority of these leaves were added to local compost piles and spread out for deer to enjoy after the event. Because of this event, the 40 participating leftover jack-o-lanterns and pumpkins had a purpose beyond decoration and entertainment. These items made their way to their final resting place in a compost bin instead of the garbage. And, 15 pounds of the unwanted treats collected for prizes through the Candy Trade-in station was donated to a local Christmas fundraiser.
This event began with participants lining up on the top of the Main Beach hill with their jack-o-lanterns. Rules were laid out and on the count of three, rollers released their pumpkins down the hill to see whose went the farthest, whose was the fastest, and whose was the most acrobatic. After several rolls down the hill, most pumpkins ended up in pieces and received a free ride to their final resting spot. Participants then made their way over to the other fall activities on the beach. These activities included a Candy Trade-in station where kids could trade-in their Halloween candy for toy prizes, a ginormous leaf pile, a mini-pumpkin scavenger hunt and a fall themed craft table. 06
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This event benefitted not only those who participated, but also those who donated and those who received the leftover material and sweets. It was really a win-win event for the Regina Beach community. Kathleen Hilsden Regina Beach Recreation Coordinator
FITNESS 2J2 Fitness 2J2 teaches communities how to use what you already have for a fantastic fitness experience. Learn how!
Joel Pedersen and Fitness 2J2 are hitting Northern Saskatchewan like a force of nature. Communities are lined up with requests to host this week-long boot camp style program. The program is tailored to community requests and Joel teaches community members to use what materials they can find around the house rather than purchasing expensive equipment. He teaches functional fitness that uses movements integral to a traditional lifestyle in the north. Joel spends the daytime in Phys. Ed classes leading functional fitness workouts for youth and inspiring PHE teachers to increase physical activity programs. In the evenings, he works to meet community requests for women’s self defense, back-to-basics boot camp, sport-specific team training, mentorship for future fitness instructors and any other programs the community identifies as priorities.
■ Southend - CSRC Ira Cook (2013) ■ Cumberland House - CSRC Jillian Carriere (2013) ■ Pelican Narrows - CSRC Joel Erb (2014) ■ Black Lake - Jacqueline Robillard - Athabasca Denesuline Child and Family Services- (2015) ■ Green Lake - CSRC Angel Laliberte (2014) ■ Stanley Mission - CSRC Prestin Fleming (2014) ■ Fond du Lac - CSRC Andy Adam (2014) The program scope of Fitness 2J2 is increasing participation opportunities that facilitate community development in the north. We are excited to see the program continue to build. For additional information, visit www.fitness2j2.com or www.nscrd.com.
“Our community was very fortunate to have Joel come light a fitness fire...he offered functional fitness for everyone, all ages and fitness levels. We had 44 fitness classes in four days! We look forward to having Joel back in our community. The lessons and teachings he has taught our students and community members are invaluable.” - Prestin Fleming, CSRC Stanley Mission
The best part of the program is the creation of a collective experience where a whole community comes together to celebrate and participate in physical activity. What began as a simple boot-camp style program, has now evolved to include community-wide contests, prizes, challenges and a grand finale race at the end of the week - the entire community buzzes with excitement! In two years, Fitness 2J2 has already visited 7 communities, partnering with Community and School Recreation Coordinators (CSRC) as well as PHE Teachers and health and justice agencies:
Kathleen Cornthwaite SPRA Northern Field Consultant
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COMMUNITY GARDENING IN SASKATOON PARKS
DALMENY LIKES TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT!
There are many ways to enjoy the 206 beautiful parks in Saskatoon, but one activity that is gaining popularity is community gardening. Community gardens give residents a chance to grow nutritious food (as no chemical inputs are allowed), meet neighbours, build community, learn new skills and beautify the land. The City of Saskatoon presently has 19 community gardens on park land and every year we have requests for about 3 to 5 more. The City of Saskatoon Community Development Division helps interested gardeners, who have formed a gardening collective, with an application process. They liaise with the City’s Parks Division to coordinate the hook up of water access in the garden that comes from an existing park irrigation line. Parks Division also tills the garden for the first year to help the garden get established. The City of Saskatoon and community gardeners are also assisted by a local food security organization, CHEP Good Food Inc.. One of the big appeals of community gardens is that they give residents a chance to meet and develop a relationship with their neighbours who share a passion for, or curiosity about, growing food. Once a community garden is established it is organized and managed by neighbourhood volunteers. The gardeners collectively make decisions on how to successfully operate and maintain their garden. They assign, maintain and weed individual plots and they organize social events and work bees for the benefit of all
Before: A.S. Wright Park, Eastview
involved. Most collect a small fee (i.e. $10-$25) and then buy tools for everyone to share, as well as garden material such as wood chips for garden pathways or compost for the soil. Meaningful relationships develop when gardeners learn from each other, share seeds, and sometimes commiserate if any vandalism or theft of vegetables occurs. Community gardens grow community, just as much as they do healthy food. One benefit of community gardens for a municipality is that community gardeners tend to demonstrate a deep connection to their local park; they amend the soil and regularly pick up other’s litter. Gardeners often grow one plot of food for anyone in the neighbourhood to enjoy, so they attract others to the garden. Also, as they garden at different times of the day, these connected residents keep a caring eye on the park land and improve safety for all. If you are looking for an af-
fordable way to attract a wide diversity of ages and cultures to your parks, then community gardens are something you may want to support.
After: A.S. Wright Park, Eastview
Karen Farmer Community Consultant - City of Saskatoon 08
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‘TAKE A SHOT’ PHOTO CONTEST What Recreation Means to You! INShow FORUse THE LONG RUN I personally live by the quote, “If you ever see me run, you should start running too, because something is probably chasing me.” However, I recently came across a number of unique race ideas that may even motivate me to put on my running shoes and hit the trails. ZOMBIE RUN
FOAM RUN
Through my research, I came across the quote, “Runners will survive the zombie apocalypse.” This race basically puts this quote to the test. The race begins with each brave soul being equipped with three flags representing good health. Zombies are hiding strategically along the race path planning to hunt you down...possibly eat your brains...and of course steal your flags and slow you down. If you make it to the finish line with at least one flag intact, you are a survivor!
I have seen this race marketed as “Get filthy clean!” This race can be best described as a bubble bath with obstacles along the way. Runners run or walk or I would assume slip, through the course while completing a variety of obstacles. Examples of obstacles include mud pits, net climbs and giant inflatable obstacles filled with foam, to name but a few. Could be a great way to get exercise, a bath and get together with friends!
COLOUR RUN This run has been described as a “Color Extravaganza!” In this race, “Color Runners”, are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer of the race. For example, 1K is yellow, 2K is blue, 3K is green, 4K is pink, etc.). The rules for the race are limited and include wearing white at the starting line, finishing plastered in color and having a blast!
FROZEN GOPHER CHALLENGE This race has been delivered in Saskatchewan by Prairie Dog Racing and the Saskatchewan Section of the Alpine Club of Canada. Racers basically ski, skate and snowshoe along the course. This sounds like an excellent winter race option, minus the face washes! Other interesting race ideas I came across include: The Nude Run of Finland - participants are limited to wearing shoes, socks and hats Jingle Bell Runs - participants hit the pavement donning jingle bells, costumes and holiday cheer Twinkie Runs - this race includes eating twinkies before, during and after the race The Turkey Trot - participants dress as a turkey, a pilgrim or in pajamas New Year Midnight Run - features festive costumes, live entertainment and a champagne station Dog Runs - have man’s best friend join you on your marathon
SPARTAN RACE Alright, I researched this event and I can already say, I am opting out. This race has been marketed as “Life is a battlefield” and “Full-on War.” Yikes! The Spartan Race combines obstacles like fire, mud, barbed wire and a few hellish curve balls to get competitors out of their comfort zone.
For more information about running and marathons, contact the SPRA Resource Centre at (306) 780-9206.
And just keep running! Lori Ross SPRA Consultant, Communications March 2015
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LACROSSE UNITED GENERATIONS AT THE MISTAWASIS FIRST NATION “Bring back communal recreation opportunities!” “[There's a] lack of parental involvement in activities.” These comments were heard from community members during consultations for the development of Mistawasis First Nation’s Community Plan. Their Recreation Coordinator responded to this feedback and with the support of a SPRA grant, they implemented a new program that brought generations together through Lacrosse. Running from June 1, 2014 to September 30, 2014, the goals of the program were to: ■ Encourage physical activity in the community ■ Bring youth and their parents/guardians together through recreation ■ Expand the sport of lacrosse Over 23 youth participated in each session with their parents/ guardians. The funding ensured there was enough equipment available and provided transportation to and from the sessions. Our grants offered a community-based solution and got them more active too!
Inspired by this story? You’ve still got time to apply for our SPRA Métis Recreation Development Grant and SPRA First Nation Member’s Recreation Grant. See the article to the right for details!
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GRANTS AND FUNDING SPRA First Nation Member’s Recreation Grant Application deadline: April 1, 2015
The SPRA First Nation Member’s Recreation Grant assists First Nation members to develop recreation opportunities in the First Nation communities within Saskatchewan.
SPRA Métis Recreation Development Grant Application deadline: April 1, 2015
The SPRA Métis Recreation Development Grant assists SPRA Active members to develop recreation opportunities for Métis people in Saskatchewan. For more information on these funding opportunities, please visit www.spra.sk.ca/funding.
SPOTLIGHT ON
NOT YOUR AVERAGE CURLING Find out how the Town of Elrose set the sport of curling - and their community - aglow!
While attending an Arena Operator Level I course in Kindersley early in her tenure as the Elrose-Monet Recreation Director, Lisa Watson was intrigued by facilitator Lloyd Johnson’s discussion of different types of paint for the ice surface in facilities. The mention of fluorescent paint and glow curling inspired Lisa to research this as a possibility for the curling surface at the Uniplex in Elrose.
curling season. It is hoped that the glow curling may attract new participants to the activity and the facility.
This was a new concept for the recreation board, facility staff, curling club and the community. How did people react to this new idea for Elrose? Lisa shared, with a chuckle, that “They thought I was crazy!” The glow curling was unveiled during the Family Fun Day at the Uniplex on December 26, 2014. The Family Fun Day included a nine team Boxing Day Spiel and a five team 3-on-3 hockey tournament which brought families to the facility over the holiday season. Post event, Lisa commented that the “Community was quite excited and people thought that it was neat.”
Kerry Bailey, SPRA Field Consultant
The Town of Elrose, is located within the RM of Monet #257 and the Rivers West District for Sport, Culture and Recreation, along highway 4 between the towns of Rosetown and Kyle.
There were minimal changes to the installation and maintenance of the curling ice to incorporate the glow curling. Lisa indicated that the fluorescent paint was purchased from Eastside Paint in Saskatoon and that the black lighting was done locally by Rowley’s Electric from Elrose. This year, surveyors’ tape was used to highlight the dividers between the sheets of ice and white ribbons were tied around the handles of the curling rocks. There was also cost-sharing with the local Ladies Curling Club to cover the cost difference in price of the fluorescent paint. As with all new projects there were some ‘learnings’ and some improvements that will be made for next season. This new twist to curling in Elrose has sparked some additional facility rentals and Lisa hopes to have some additional bonspiels this year. She has approached the Elrose Composite School SRC about the possibility of a school spiel and is considering a bonspiel for Kindergarten to Grade 6 later in the March 2015
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POOL AMENITIES:
THE NEW GAME CHANGERS With 2015 promising to set a new benchmark for commercial pool amenities in Canada, here are our top 4 industry game changers to watch out for when renovating or building your new pool. #4 BUBBLE BEDS When designing an aquatic facility, it is important to get the balance of active and passive entertainment features right for all of the age groups that will occupy the pools for decades to come. The ergonomic Airlounge Bubble Beds add passive activity capacity. Almost every age group can relax in them, they are accessible for most mobility scenarios, and can be installed in any pool around 70cm deep, and they are awesome in hot pools. Bubbles rise up from below the bed (warming up as they go), pass through the holes in the curved bed surface, and gently float you on a cloud of air literally. Users rest on the back of their head and float the day away just below the surface. They even come with a cushioned headrest.
and a permanent anti-slip texture on the treads. They require almost no maintenance or cleaning, and never a broken tile or grout line to fix.
#2 REMOVABLE HEADWALLS
#3 MODULAR STAIRS The construction of concrete stairs in any kind of commercial swimming pool is no easy task. Their construction requires mostly detail work with a mind boggling number of corners to waterproof and tile - they can take weeks to build. The modular pool stairs with ABS grating is a feature that eliminates risk and unnecessary work. Custom pre-manufactured in either straight or curved modules, the complete installation time is measured in minutes with no muss, no fuss. Builders get shorter construction schedules, savings and no more guesswork. Operators enjoy stairs with perfect tread and riser dimensions, easy repairs or replacements (if ever needed), nose edges that never lose their contrasting colour,
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The two main functions that headwalls satisfy are a vertical surface for swimmers to turn and a surface for touchpads used in competitions. A headwall rises above the static water line 30cm on the ends where swimmers start and effect turns. But the reality of headwalls is that they are pretty much destined to remain at the end of the pool. The new modular headwall system is designed with all of the features found in a quality headwall, they can be moved by one person on removable and adjustable wheels. The freestanding 2.5m modules can be easily lined up at the end or side of the pool, and easily stored.
#1 SOFTWALK FLOORING #1 on our countdown is a feature that adds both safety and comfort to the swimmers’ experience - Softwalk Flooring. This padded floor system is tested to measure the maximum gravitational force based on which you get a HIC (Head Injury Criterion) score. The higher the HIC score, the greater the risk of serious head injury. A HIC score of 650 or lower is generally considered to be safe from serious harm, and the Softwalk Floor results come in at 195 for a 1’ fall. That is really good, especially when compared to concrete with paint, tile or pvc membrane. If that weren’t enough, it has just come out in another application. The Softwalk Floor is now used on pool decks. This allows the deck to be as safe and comfortable as the pool floor. Easier to clean, no cracked concrete, no grout lines or broken tiles, completely waterproof, textured anti-slip surface, a HIC score of 195, and warrantied for 10 years. Is this not everything we ever asked for in a pool deck?
EVENTS Northern Community and School Recreation Coordinator Program’s Annual Conference March 17 - 18, 2015 (Prince Albert, SK)
Hosted by the Northern Sport, Culture and Recreation District, the Conference is a gathering to celebrate Sport, Culture and Recreation in the north through networking, information sessions, success stories, hands-on programming sessions and a tradeshow highlighting provincial partners. Visit www.nscrd.com.
Spring Education and Training Symposium April 13 - 17, 2015 (Humboldt, SK)
The Symposium provides recreation, facility, parks practitioners and volunteers with the latest information and trends in the parks and facility industry. For more information, visit www.spra.sk.ca/symposium.
SPRA Conference
October 22 - 24, 2015 (Yorkton, SK) Ryan Jones Nationwide Commercial Aquatics Inc. www.ncaquatics.com 1-587-777-4516
The Conference will bring together Recreation Practitioners, Parks and Facility Operators and Volunteers from across the Province for the opportunity to network and learn the latest information and trends in the parks and recreation field. Visit, www.spra.sk.ca.
SaskFit
November 6 - 8, 2015 (Regina, SK) Join fellow fitness enthusiasts at Saskatchewan’s premier fitness and health conference for an outstanding weekend of workshops, lectures and special events to inspire, educate and motivate! Visit, www.spra.sk.ca/saskfit. For information on upcoming events, visit www.spra.sk.ca/events.
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TRY SOMETHING NEW!
Here are some examples of unique recreation activities you may not be familiar with. What better time is there than the present, to try something new for yourself or as part of your community programming? DISC GOLF Disc golf is scored similar to golf, but that is where the similarities end. Instead of hitting a ball into a hole, as in golf, you throw a streamlined-looking disc into a supported metal basket. The goal is the same as golf - to complete the course in the fewest number of shots. A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to each basket, or the hole. A short hole (par 3) is no more than 150 feet, but they can be much longer, depending on the par of the hole. As players progress down the fairway, they must make each consecutive shot from the spot where the previous throw landed. Finally, the putt lands in the basket to complete the hole.
GOALBALL Goalball is a team sport developed for blind or visually impaired players. Each team is comprised of six players with no more than three players per team permitted on the court at any one time. The objective of the game is to throw the ball into the opponent’s goal while the opposing players try to block the ball with their bodies. Goalball is played on a court with tactile markings to enable players to determine their location on the court and the direction they are facing at any time. Goalballs weigh 1.25kg
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and contain noise bells which help to orientate the players and indicate the direction the ball is rolling. All players wear eyeshades to block out any residual sight so that all players are on an equal playing field.
PICKLEBALL Pickleball is a sport in which two, three, or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over a net. The sport shares features of other racquet sports, the dimensions and layout of a badminton court, and a net and rules similar to tennis, with a few modifications.
SEPAK TAKRAW Sepak Takraw or kick volleyball, is a sport native to Southeast Asia. Sepak Takraw is similar to the sport of volleyball except that it uses a rattan ball and players are only allowed to use their feet, knee, chest and head to touch the ball.
Lori Ross SPRA Consultant, Communications
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Go Outside and Play Naturally™
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We’ll protect your next playground project from boredom Henderson has been bringing the fun to playgrounds across Canada since 1971. As the nation’s leading playground maker, we offer a full range of products to satisfy every child. From our flagship PlaySteel line to our new and exciting climbing rocks, play sculptures and rope play products, we have what it takes to make your project a success. Visit our new and improved website to learn more. Protect the fun!
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Western Recreation & Development has worked with Saskatchewan Municipalities providing Consulting, Planning, Design/Build Swimming Pool services from Conception to Completion for more than 25years‌. www.waterparks.ca
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