DIRECTION - Winter 2019

WINTER 2019 | VOLUME 10 | NUMBER 2

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

Hibernation is for the Bears Get Moving and Stay Moving

WINTER 2019 | VOLUME 10 | NUMBER 2

SPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President’s Message 02 Fat Biking 03 Curling Gets People ‘Out of the House’ 05 Ice Fishing - The Reel Deal 06 Hit the Trails 07 Recreation Facilities Should Never Hibernate - Not Good for the Heart 09 With Great Powder, Comes Great Responsibility 11 The Keepers of the Ice 12 Adaptive Ski Programs 13 Iced and Ready with Regina Downtown 15 A Community for Curling 16 Having Snow Much Fun Outdoors this Winter

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President Coralie Bueckert

Director for Villages Taylor Morrison

Director at Large Guylaine Green

Director for Cities Ken Ottenbreit

Director for the North Tonia Logan

Director at Large Jody Boulet

Director for Towns Jaime Helgason

Director at Large Chrisandra Dezotell

Director at Large TJ Biemans

SPRA STAFF MANAGEMENT Chief Executive Officer Todd Shafer Program Manager John Firnesz Field Services Manager Randy Durovick

Youth Engagement Kelsey Michaluk Inclusion and Access Kristin Bialobzyski ADMINISTRATION

Communications, Information and Research Manager Chantel Doerksen

Consultant - Finance Mark Sather

RECREATION CONSULTANTS

Administrative Technician Ryan Monks

Information and Research Services Nancy Young

DIRECTION is published four times a year. The publication is provided to members of the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. Please direct all communications to:

Communications Lori Ross Christian Bates-Hardy

Lori Ross, SPRA Consultant - Communications Editor, DIRECTION #100 - 1445 Park Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 4C5 Phone: 306.780.9370 Email: lross@spra.sk.ca.

Parks and Open Spaces Andrew Exelby

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, SPRA and DIRECTION magazine.

Facilities and Training Tim Hanna

Grants and Funding Andrew Millard

Physical Activity and Fitness Wendy McKellar Leadership, Evaluation and Human Resources Karen House

Executive Assistant Lois McNaught

FIELD OFFICES Jaclyn Davis Phone: (306) 375-7972 Kerry Bailey Phone: (306) 882-6607 Rob Boulding Phone: (306) 953-0055 Dan Gallagher Phone: (306) 848-0274 Darren Spelay Phone: (306) 782-1072 Clint McConnell Phone: (306) 682-5265 Daniel Longman Phone: (306) 425-1910

Administrative Assistant Kayla Lazeski Administrative Assistant Tracy Malayney Fitness/Administrative Assistant Lynn Bradley Administrative Assistant Chloe Truong

Regina Office: Phone: (306) 780-9231 or 1-800-563-2555

Supported by:

Cover photo courtesy of Hanna Walczykowski

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Winter is upon us, and with that - the opportunity to explore all of the beauty our province has to offer.

Think back to your childhood and waiting patiently for the pond to freeze to a thickness strong and deep enough for that first skate, or the first line you dropped in a freshly drilled fishing hole. What about waiting for a fresh snowfall to snowmobile, snowshoe, toboggan, ski or make snow angels? Think about that anticipation and excitement - and how the temperature, the wind or the weather didn’t matter.

Sometimes, our experiences are easy to create, with an outdoor rink, a toboggan hill or a cross-country ski trail. But don’t forget to look beyond that to less traditional winter activities - consider a milk jug on a sheet of ice, a crokicurl rink or large tires on a bike.

Keeping that thought in your mind, I challenge you to two things this winter.

1) Revitalize a winter activity you haven’t tried in years - maybe its ice fishing, shinny, skating, snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing or curling.

2) Try a new activity - something from the list above or how about a sno-pitch tournament, snow golf, or try a tour on a fat bike.

Winter is a great time to get outdoors and feel the beauty of our landscape. But, as the days get shorter and the temperature cools down, the temptation is there to skip your outside activities and scale back on your winter routine. But, it’s important not to use the weather as an excuse because now more than ever, you need time outside.

Whether inside the heart of your community or outside exploring the great outdoors, bask in the wonderment of our environment. So don’t avoid the cold and the snow - look for the best that it has to offer! Enjoy these opportunities while they are here. Staying active will also boost your energy. It is your time to spend, so spend it in a positive, healthy social way!

Coralie Bueckert, SPRA President

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Group photo from the Global Fat Bike Day ride in Saskatoon Photographer: Frank Collins - Danger Dynamite! Multimedia

FAT BIKING

HOW CYCLING BECAME A FOUR SEASON RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY Fat biking is a very fast growing emerging recreational activity that has purposely designed bicycles to accommodate oversized tires which, in turn, allow for travel on softer surfaces like snow and sand. Comparing a mountain bike side by side to a Fat Bike is bound to grab your attention – it looks a bit like a ‘monster truck’ compared to a ‘compact pickup truck’. Fat Bikes use 4” to 5” wide tires at very low tire pressures (5-10psi) and thus, tend to float closer to the surface - where a normal 2.3” mountain bike tire would sink in. This has allowed for a whole new realm of adventure possibilities by bike - from rides along the beach or shoreline, or on sandy trails, to… wait for it… riding for recreation right through the Winter!

Most Fat Bike riding in Saskatchewan actually happens between November and April. It might take a little longer to get from A to B but you have the opportunity to be active and outside, while taking in the beauty of our winter landscape (bonus – bug free).

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Is the Fat Bike much harder to pedal than a regular bike?

Yes a little bit, but not as much as you might think by looking at the cartoon-like tires. Part of what makes it viable in the winter is that you are going slower and working a little harder both of which keep you warmer.

How do you keep from getting cold?

Dressing appropriately is very important - often newer riders will overdress, get sweaty and then get cold. Dressing for Winter Fat Biking is very similar to that of cross-country skiing - dressing in layers and adjusting layers for your effort level is required to stay dry and warm. When combined with proper gloves and handlebar covers called pogies, winter cycling helmets, goggles, balaclavas and insulated boots, it can be enjoyable to be outside for many hours at a time. It is advisable to carry a seat bag, or pack with a spare lightweight insulated jacket, in case you have to stop for any length of time.

Can it be done in all conditions?

No, if the snow gets too deep or loose then effort levels become very high. It is best enjoyed on packed surfaces such as well-travelled paths or snowshoe trails, or trails that have been packed or groomed. As conditions get less firm, an adjustment to lower tire pressure is required to keep from sinking in. When tires sink in more than one inch on a groomed trail, it is good practice to vacate the trail. It is also good practice to avoid riding trails groomed by cross-country ski or snowmobile clubs unless you have received specific permission from the club or organization operating the trails.

How do I learn more?

Saskatoon is home to Canada’s first and only Fat Bike specific cycling club – the Fatlanders Fat Tire Brigade (FFTB).

Formed in 2014, the FFTB has now grown to 90 paid members and a social network of nearly 300, and grooms 12.5 km of trails for Fat Biking in Saskatoon. Thanks to advancements in batteries and LED lights, we have organized group night rides on Tuesday and on Sunday afternoons through the Winter. Other active groups promoting Winter Fat Biking are the Fat Bikers of Regina and the Boreal Outdoor Recreation Association in La Ronge. Global Fat Bike Day was held in December and attracted 98 riders to Saskatoon for a giant social ride, as part of a global celebration of the unique year round adventure that Fat Bikes have created.

If you are interested in giving it a try – many bike shops and winter resorts now carry Fat Bikes rental fleets. Don’t be surprised if you quickly find a big grin on your face and an urge to do more Fat Biking.

Jeff Hehn Fatlanders Fat Tire Brigade

GRANTS AND FUNDING

Apply today for these SPRA funding opportunities!

SPRA Métis Recreation Development Grant

Deadline: May 1, 2019 Available to SPRA Active members, this grant helps to develop recreation opportunities for Métis people in Saskatchewan.

Visit: www.spra.sk.ca/funding/spra-grants

SPRA Community Diversity Inclusion Grant

Deadline: May 1, 2019 Available to SPRA Active members, this grant assists members in offering recreation programs or events that engage the diverse populations within their communities.

Visit: www.spra.sk.ca/funding/spra-grants

“Culture Day is important for the preservation of our heritage and language.

Without the assistance of the SPRA Cultural Day Grant, we would not have been successful. The Métis Culture is alive and well, thanks to gatherings like Cultural Day - along with the financial support of Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association.”

– Beauval Minor Sports & Recreation

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CURLING GETS PEOPLE ‘OUT OF THE HOUSE’ Calvin and Joni Day ranch in the RM of Lacadena near Kyle, Saskatchewan - they started down the path of milk jug curling, looking for ways to keep their young family active during the long winter months. With some modifications over the years, the Day’s Annual Milk Jug Curling Bonspiel is still going on strong. Their children are grown and starting families of their own, so there may be future generations carrying on this family tradition. Here’s how it all started...

The Day’s Annual Milk Jug Curling Bonspiel started fifteen years ago while spending New Year’s Day with friends and family. Saskatchewan winters can be cold with very little snow, making tobogganing and skating challenging. So, we came up with the curling - any age can play and we are moving so that helps to keep us warm!

The game evolved through a process of trial and error. In the first years, we used random coffee cans filled with sand and water, but the cans’ edges wouldn’t slide. We then tried Folgers cans with sand and water, which worked better but the mouth of the can got bent and then the ice inside broke up.

Then we discovered the milk jugs and they worked awesome!

I started collecting jugs pretty much the day after the spiel, to build up the supply. I filled them with water the week before, using food coloring to color coordinate the jugs. Then, I put a short rope in the top to use as a handle to throw the jug. You also need to paint the ice like a curling sheet.

Rules are simple basic curling rules: two-person teams, twelve jugs per sheet and six end games. Each team throws six jugs per end - closest to the button counts. We also allow take-outs if you can get the jug that far.

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The Day’s Family Bonspiel has had as many as 16 teams.

Milk jug curling is a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy the winter!

Joni Day

ICE FISHING

THE REEL DEAL Cold wind begins to blow across the Saskatchewan landscape, putting a notable chill into the bones of avid outdoor enthusiasts. It marks the end of driving the boat on the lake with friends and casting from your favourite dock with the next generation of anglers. However, for myself it marks the countdown to another ice fishing season, as the lakes’ surface slowly freezes to a thickness so it can be safely traversed.

As an angler, I find the challenges and joys of fishing in the winter to be amplified. The challenge of dragging a heavy sled across the ice to what appears to be a suitable fishing location, constructing a shelter, drilling a hole in the ice and constantly contending with the cold that freezes myself, as well as the hole I have just drilled. These additional challenges to the angling experience heighten the thrill and satisfaction of landing a fish from the smallest Perch to the largest Northern Pike.

at a set depth through the hole drilled in the ice, and to detect when a fish strikes, without having to be in contact with this piece of gear at all times. The tip-up, once set up statically, fishes next to the hole you are actively jigging from, increasing the chances of success.

Ice fishing is a great way to experience the outdoors during the snowy months of winter. It’s a truly enjoyable and rewarding activity that you can do with the whole family or any number of friends. Ultimately, the number of fishing rods and holes you choose to drill are the only things that limit you.

Good luck to all of you winter anglers out there. Stay warm and enjoy this winter activity that will make you eager for the summer to end.

Matthew A. Lipp (pictured below) Avid Fisherman

Although ice fishing can seem daunting, some basic tips will increase the likelihood of success and an enjoyable experience. For starters, staying warm is crucial and makes sense since it is hard to have a good experience and focus on fishing when you’re uncomfortable and constantly contending with your body shivering. Dress in layers and more than you think you’ll need. Layers of clothing can always be removed if the weather proves to be warmer than expected. An ice fishing shelter and heater (available at your local hardware store), although not necessary for warmer days, can add a substantial amount of comfort to the ice fishing experience.

Like with all angling, location can often be the difference between success and failure. It is wise to drill a test hole and either fish it for a while, and see if you get a bite, or drop a sonar to see if there are fish in the location before constructing a shelter. It becomes more difficult to change locations after a shelter is built - so, it is worth taking the time with a few exploratory jigs.

When ice fishing, I tend to simultaneously fish dynamically and statically. Dynamically jigging - one hole with another hole in close proximity to my jigging hole, where I will set up a tip-up. A tip-up is a device used to suspend live or frozen bait

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HIT THE TRAILS! If you live in Saskatchewan, there are many ways to embrace our winters! But, the best way is on the seat of a snowmobile!

Saskatchewan is home to approximately 11,000 kms of signed and groomed snowmobile trails. The provincial snowmobile trail network is interconnected - linking communities for your enjoyment. The snowmobile trail system has family friendly safety shelters along the way, where families can enjoy cook outs or simply stop and warm up! The trail system offers a great way to see locations unique to our Province that are difficult to reach any other time of the year. Vistas, forest trails, prairies, rolling hills, open spaces, lakes and rivers are all waiting for snowmobilers to visit. Also, experience the food, accommodations and good old Saskatchewan hospitality awaiting in the local communities along the snowmobile trails!

Snowmobile Clubs and communities host snowmobile rallies, derbies and fundraising events. These events are great reasons for snowmobilers to experience the diverse regions in the Province. Many return to these events annually and bring along friends to enjoy the well signed and groomed snowmobile trails. Each and every club has spent countless hours on the snowmobile trails - to provide a safe, enjoyable experience for snowmobilers. Not one destination or location can be said to be better than another, all are enjoyable. Interactive trail maps are now available on your smartphone. Snowmobile trail maps can be picked up by visiting an SGI Issuer to assist you when planning a snowmobile trip.

If you want to get involved with snowmobiling, or would like to join a club, visit www.sasksnow.com. Here you will find a listing of all the Snowmobile Clubs in our Province and their contact information. This website also provides other rider information, upcoming events and safety information. We hope you choose to accept winter and enjoy it out snowmobiling as it’s said ‘Families that snowmobile together stay together’.

Chris Brewer Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association, President/CEO

Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association is one of the 33 Provincial Recreation Associations funded through the Recreation Section of the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund.

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I’D RATHER BE SNOWMOBILING!

Grayson Cherkas loves snowmobiling and encouraging the youth in his community to participate in this fun outdoor winter sport!

Grayson has been an active volunteer and member of his local Snowmobile Club, the Kelvington Trailblazers, for a number of years. He is currently President of the Youth KAOS - Kids and Adults on Snowmobiles. Grayson is a mentor and a leader amongst his peers at school and throughout Kelvington. He is always actively recruiting new members to assist with various volunteer efforts in the community.

Not only does he assist with snowmobile safety classes, he also volunteers his time clearing trails, cleaning and maintaining snowmobile shelters and taking care of the Porcupine Provincial Forest. He encourages all those using the trails to respect the environment so they can be maintained and enjoyed for years to come.

Grayson has volunteered his time over the past few years, selling 50/50 tickets and attending and volunteering his time at community events. He recently organized a group of 10 kids at the Club’s local derby fundraising/Provincial Festival raising over $2000!

EVENTS Spring Education and Training Symposium

April 15 - 18, 2019 (Humboldt, SK) If you are a recreation director, facility manager, park operator or volunteer, the SPRA Spring Education and Training Symposium is the place to be in April 2019! SPRA is offering multiple Symposium Streams that will enhance your training in the areas of parks, recreation, arena, supervisory and landscape maintenance. Visit www.spra.sk.ca/symposium

SPRA Conference

October 16 - 19, 2019 (North Battleford, SK) All Aboard the Wellness Train!

This Conference will focus on occupational, mental, physical and social wellness, all important facets of overall wellbeing.

This, along with North Battleford’s rich railway history, made the Theme a wonderful marriage. Wellness has been in the spotlight, especially as of late, so our hope is to keep that train on track! If you’re a professional or volunteer in recreation, parks,or facilities, this is one event you will not want to miss! Visit www.spra.sk.ca/conference

“Grayson should be very proud of his leadership skills, as well as the respect he has gained from anyone who has met and volunteered beside him.”

- Shannon Scott Past Vice Chair SSA Board of Directors KAOS Chair SSA Board of Directors

Grayson was awarded the SPRA Youth Volunteer of the Year Award at the 2018 SPRA Conference.

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RECREATION FACILITIES SHOULD NEVER HIBERNATE NOT GOOD FOR THE HEART Picture this – it is mid winter and your facilities and programs are running along tickety-boo – old man winter is knocking at your door and you won’t give him the time-of-day. You may be asking yourself...Is there anything I can do to further engage my community this winter? How can I get them out of hibernation and more active?

Recreation facilities are often described as the ‘heart’ of a community. How true! ‘Heart health’ is not only an aim for individuals but it should be for our recreation facilities as well.

Sitting around in a sedentary state should be avoided, but how?

you a few pieces of paper and some staples. Offer a draw for a $25 gift certificate to a local store and anyone that posts will be entered. Get the local store to sponsor your fun idea – even better for the heart.

Too easy! Ok, some other examples. Your arena lobby could be turned into a social networking place every Tuesday morning for ‘new moms’, or a ‘55+’ club. How about a yoga class in a dressing room once a week, led by Mrs. Smith? Picture this – the smell of fresh coffee and homemade muffins in the lobby, and they bring you one every week. Talk about a bonus.

Some great ways to liven up the place by providing some space - good for the heart.

Not convinced? Ok, more examples. Perhaps you encourage Mr. and Mrs. Jones to organize a morning walking club in the park and you provide them access to the community hall coffee maker for a warm-up after the walk. Or, you encourage the Broken Bats co-ed slow pitch team to have a fun 8-team ‘snow-pitch’ tournament in January and offer them the use of the fields and clubhouse for free. Good for the heart.

Often our recreation facilities get a little sleepy in the winter time, especially our outdoor facilities like sportfields and parks, or the arena during the mornings, or the community centre on weeknights. This is when your community development instincts kick in.

Reach out to the community and let them know you are ‘open for business’ and that you would like to facilitate and enable some new activities to take place. I know what you are thinking – I don’t have the time or resources to run more programs.

Exactly! But you have access to valuable resources like space and facilities. You can employ these with very little expense. Say what?

Ok, start with a simple low-cost example. Use the community bulletin board to have a friendly competition and ask people to post some fun winter activities they are doing. It may cost

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Remember, as a recreation practitioner, we are broader focused than just sports. Recreation should always be spelled with a capital ‘R’. Think a little outside the box and remember our cousin – culture. You got it – time for another example.

You heard about this person in town that writes poetry.

Perhaps you can work with her to have a poetry reading on Thursday evenings in the meeting room at the community centre. It won’t take any time at all and no more work. You should contact her and see. Start small and see if it grows into a regular event over at the coffee shop. Good for the heart!

As you can see, the examples of how we can become community developers are as endless as our imagination, energy and space. Community development is basically knowing what assets exist in our community and then mobilizing those assets to improve the community.

Through Take the Lead!, students ages 11-14 learn how to be Youth Leaders and how to facilitate active, safe and fun play for their younger peers – no matter the season!

As a recreation practitioner, you have the advantages of being well connected to those community assets and more importantly, you often have valuable resources like space and facilities.

Having a New Year’s Day ‘polar bear’ dip at the outdoor pool may be taking things too far this winter. Instead, starting small with very little investment is often a great first step. See how it builds from there. Perhaps that winter idea will outgrow your nest and fly away in the spring to another location. Wouldn’t that be a great success – and good for the heart?

To support Youth Leaders in their activity planning for the winter months, they have access to a Take the Lead! Youth Leader manual which features active games that can be played over indoor recesses, or that can be taken outdoors for winter fun. The Winter Wonderland collection of games encourage play in the snow and include student favourites such as the Fox and Goose game, Snowball Tag, Monster Hands, Capture the Polar Bear and many others. Each of the games in the Winter Wonderland series also feature information about the Fundamental Movement Skills used and developed through participation. This encourages youth to continue in their development of physical literacy year-round.

For more information, visit www.spra.sk.ca/takethelead.

I hope this article will inspire YOU to take baby steps towards improving the ‘heart health’ of our facilities and communities during the winter because hibernation is for bears and certainly NOT for recreation facilities or practitioners. Start with one idea. See how it goes/grows. Not every idea will be a success but that is ok. It is more important to remember that any idea tried is good for the heart this winter.

Tim Hanna SPRA Consultant - Facilities and Training

"To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold."

- Aristotle

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WITH GREAT POWDER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY The La Ronge Nordic Ski Club was ready for the ski season and connecting people with the great outdoors! Before the snowfall, the Race Team started dryland training and volunteers were busy with trail clearing and planning events and activities for winter 2019.

La Ronge Nordic is a member Club of Cross-Country Saskatchewan and serves the general area of La Ronge, Air Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band in northern Saskatchewan. The Club has access to 60 kilometers of worldclass cross country ski trails nestled in the boreal forest of Lac La Ronge Provincial Park. This trail network consists of the Nut Point trails that lie adjacent to the Town of La Ronge, the Don Allen trails located about 16 km north of La Ronge, and the connecting Saskaloppet trail.

A variety of skiing opportunities for skiers of all ages and skill levels are provided. The ski season always kicks off with a TGIF and Ski Swap weekend in November. Then, weather and snow conditions permitting, the Jackrabbit program, racing activities and adult ski lessons start as soon as possible.

Racing events include two Sask Cup races hosted by the Club each year. The School Ski Championships is an annual event hosted jointly by the Club and the Northern Sport, Culture and Recreation District in March, to bring students from across the province’s north to the Don Allen trails to participate in ski races (and eat lots of hotdogs and marshmallows). Special events are also held. A favourite of many Ski Club members is the evening ski adventure on December 21 to celebrate the start of winter, the ‘Winter Solstice Ski to the Summit’, at the Don Allen trails.

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One of the key activities that help to wind down the season is the Don Allen Saskaloppet that takes place during the first weekend in March every year. This event is enjoyed by skiers who come from the La Ronge area, other northern communities and southern Saskatchewan locations, as well as from out-of-province. Skiing events range from 5, 8, 13, 20, 35 and 55 km options that occur on Saturday. On Friday of the Saskaloppet weekend, we kick things off with the 2-day Kupesewin event - an event for the hardy skier! Kupesewin skiers can opt for either the 50 km or 84 km route, but all must sleep under the stars, even on the coldest of nights, at the Summit on the Don Allen trails. The Kupesewin skiers conclude their ski on Saturday. Social activities such as a Meet & Greet, Chili Lunch and Awards Banquet round off the Saskaloppet weekend.

The La Ronge Nordic Ski Club appreciates the commitment of volunteers who make our activities happen. We also appreciate the strong working relationship with staff of Lac La Ronge Provincial Park to maintain the ski trails. We encourage you all to come experience the outdoors, meet new people, get active and experience the joy of skiing.

Further information about the La Ronge Ski Club can be found on our website www.larongeskiclub.ca, or by contacting the Club President, Heather Bernardin, at president@larongeskiclub.ca.

THE KEEPERS OF THE ICE If you have spent time at the Bengough Skating Rink or Curling Rink over the past few decades you would know these two guys - Fred Meston and Allan Hoag. With 65 years of combined experience, these two have made Bengough’s facilities ‘ice-traordinary’.

Both of these men lead by example and have been active, dedicated and respected volunteers within the community.

Allan and Fred are longtime friends and neighbours who share a love of making good ice for local skaters and curlers.

Together, with over 65 years of combined experience, they have made the ice rink and curling rink efficient, welcoming and a great place to gather and stay active.

Allan learned the art of ice making from his dad, who spent 22 years as caretaker for the ‘old’ natural ice Curling Rink. Allan returned home to farm when the current curling rink was being constructed. His dad decided it was time to retire because the new rink would have artificial ice and he felt it was time to pass the job down to the younger generation. Allan took on the job, initially thinking he would be there for a couple of years, until it was established, but ended up doing the job for over 40 years in total. Allan became an avid curler during his time at the Rink and has passed the love for the game down to his kids, grandkids and many other young people in the community who he has coached or taught clinics to over the years.

Due to his leadership and devotion to the Rink, it has become one of the best kept and organized curling rinks in the entire area. The Bengough Curling Rink was one of the first rinks in the Province to install viewing mirrors at the far end of the ice, making the game more enjoyable for the many spectators who flock to the Rink during our Bonspiels each year. During the 2016/17 curling season, Allan stepped back into a consulting role and passed the torch on to the younger generation. Allan was recently presented with the Scotty Richardson Memorial Award by CurlSask for his outstanding contributions to the sport of curling in Bengough.

Fred has been involved with the Skating Rink as a player, coach, referee and rink/minor hockey board member for over 40 years, but has been the ice caretaker for the past 26 years.

Fred's main motivation for staying involved with the Rink for so many years is seeing the kids having fun and being active.

Before the artificial ice, the installation and maintenance was all manual labour (scraping was done with hand scrapers and flooding was done with a small water tank on wheels that was pushed around the entire ice surface). Artificial ice brought with it a tractor driven zamboni, which drastically decreased the workload. Our Skating Rink was built in the 1950s, but has seen a number of facelifts over the years, under the watchful eye of Fred, to keep it functional and operational, i.e. widening of the ice surface, new boards and plexiglass, new bleachers, artificial ice, new dressing rooms and storage rooms, zamboni room, new roofing, new flooring in the lobby and player's boxes, etc. Fred has also taken a step back over the past couple of years, but is still actively involved in the rink start-up, ice plant operation and he still serves as the Chairperson for the Skating Rink Board.

Allan and Fred were presented the SPRA Facility Operations Award at the 2018 SPRA Conference in Maple Creek. This Award is presented to a long-term practitioner whose leadership in the facilities sector demonstrates extraordinary or outstanding achievement in the enhancement or operation of a Saskatchewan recreation facility.

Debra Ashby Bengough Parks and Recreation

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TABLE MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK

ADAPTIVE SKI PROGRAMS Table Mountain Regional Park, west of Battleford, has experienced a growing downhill ski industry since the early seventies. Managed by Lawrence Blouin and a Board of enthusiastic representatives from the surrounding area, the hill is what one would expect to find in the mountains - the one exception being the limited amount of vertical we have on the prairies.

Table Mountain has an exceptional and dependable administration and staff in all areas of its operation. They include a large ski and snowboard rental shop, an excellent kitchen and bar, a first rate professional and volunteer ski patrol, and a large well trained ski and snowboard school. And, let’s not forget the maintenance staff (lifties) who manage good snow and equipment for our benefit. Thousands upon thousands of people from all over have learned to ski at Table Mountain.

We believe that if you learn to make a good turn at Table Mountain, you can ski safely anywhere else in the world.

Table Mountain supports a Snow Star program for youth - taking them from beginners to competent status. It teaches the basics of skiing using a team building concept. From there, top level graduates can go on to join the local ski race team while others will simply have sufficient skills to last a life-

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time. There is similar growth available to the snowboard and other speciality groups.

Our snow school runs many programs throughout the ski season. There are parent and tot programs, discovery ski and snowboard lessons, private and semi private lessons - all at reasonable rates. There is also a tube run and a snowboard park, with many challenging features.

The majority of our clients during week days are school students who bus in from many parts of eastern Alberta and Saskatchewan. A busy day will often involve 500 students and their support staff. Weekends see most of our season pass holders, as well as walk-in traffic - many eager to experience Canadian winters for the first time.

Through the years, hundreds of people with disabilities, be they students on school trips or routine day traffic, have discovered the thrill of skiing. Our instructor group are all certified by the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance (CSIA) or the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI) and in many cases, the Canadian Association of Disabled Skiing (CADS).

We are proud to offer wheelchair accessibility to the ski lodge and washrooms. Table Mountain staff are dedicated to providing the best possible experience to all their clients. However, the key is clear communication in all aspects of the ski experience. Early booking is encouraged so appropriate equipment and instruction is available. Participants are asked to provide a declaration of all needs and concerns, and to identify a support person - does he or she ski or not - to ensure the best experience possible. Our two chairlifts and two magic carpets are fully functional, safe and fun for all users.

At Table Mountain, we are proud to mentor the Saskatchewan Adaptive Snow Ski Club (SASSC). This season, they are currently planning events in December through March. More information may be obtained by contacting Jamie Smith-Windsor at 306-960-1963 or sassc_ski@yahoo.com.

You are also encouraged to contact Table Mountain Regional Park snow school at 306-937-2920 for private bookings.

We at Table Mountain love what we do. I can tell you that there is a great deal of joy in meeting folks from all walks of life and introducing them to a great Canadian winter pastime.

Come and see us soon!

Over the course of the last 46 years, Table Mountain has strongly supported many individuals and groups with different types and levels of ability. CADS, after all, is dedicated to adaptive skiing - meaning, whatever one’s level of ability, it is likely possible to adjust or develop equipment to their individual needs.

Whatever level of skill or ability, participants have the opportunity to learn to ride and enjoy skiing, sledge or sit ski. With training, it is possible to master full self control of the sit ski.

Varying lesser degrees of control would require guidance of a trained instructor. This suggests any client who may have their own ongoing support person may eventually have that person appropriately trained in the CADS system. Ask and we would be happy to direct you in obtaining that training. We encourage everyone to get out of the house and try downhill skiing, you just may like it!

Wayne McGillivray Assistant Ski School Director Table Mountain Regional Park

At Table Mountain we have a great deal of teaching experience related to people with cognitive, sight, physical and hearing disabilities. Our staff training is ongoing and client safety and fun are paramount.

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ICED AND READY WITH REGINA DOWNTOWN Let’s be honest, most people in Saskatchewan feel like it’s a badge of honour to live and survive in a place that spends days and weeks in the -30 degree range.

Although it is true that life does go on for us during the frigidly cold prairie winter, the truth is many of us do not brave the weather as we say we do. Most of us consider running from our house to our car, our car to our workplace as winter exercise. There is no better example of this than in downtown Regina where the pedestrian traffic becomes almost non-existent after the first snowfall.

However, there is a shining light in Regina’s downtown that brings out the hardiest of those living, visiting and working in the city, the Rink on City Square (formally known as the Victoria Park Rink). The Rink on City Square is installed and maintained by the City of Regina and activated by the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District. For several hours each day, the Rink on City Square warming hut is open and offers free skate rentals for those needing a pair.

The Rink on City Square receives, on average, 6000 participants from late December to the end of February. The people who take part in the rink are of all ages, from all over the city and the world, with various skill levels, from people who have never skated before to those who have been doing it all their lives.

The best part about the Rink at City Square is the winter community it builds. Not only does the rink get people out and moving during the sluggish winter season, but it also creates a comrade between those learning to skate and those who are experts. At the rink, there is no prior experience needed. The Regina Downtown staff are happy to tie your skates and give you a helping hand onto the ice. Staff who skate are available and willing to help those who need a little extra steadying.

Members of the public are also quick to help those who are struggling to get their glide down.

Last year, Regina Downtown and the City of Regina worked with Curling Saskatchewan to add Crokicurl to the Rink at City Square. The lively mix of two classic Canadian games, crokinole and curling, was a huge success. As with skating, you do not need any prior knowledge of either game to partake in the activity. We have rule boards and staff available to teach the ins and outs of what we can only hope will be a future Winter Olympic Sport.

With access to free skates, a warming hut, Crokicurl for those not ready or able to skate and a park full of clean, accessible, lit pathways, I can think of no better way to stay warm and active this winter than by coming to downtown Regina and proving that not only can we survive the prairie winter, but we can thrive in it.

The Rink at City Square Warming Hut Hours: Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m./6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Visit: www.reginadowntown.ca.

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A COMMUNITY FOR WINTER RECRECURLING ATION RESOURCES The Leader Curling Rink was condemned in the Fall of 2016.

This was a big loss to the community as curling has always been a big winter activity in this area. In 2017, Leader began construction of a new facility for the Curling Rink. This included increasing the size of the arena lobby and creating more washrooms that are accessible to everyone. The Curling Club formed two committees to tackle this project - the Building Committee and the Fundraising Committee. To save money, the Town of Leader called on volunteers to help in many different areas. Volunteers contributed over 2500 hours at the construction site. Volunteers ranged in age from 4 to 93 years old.

The Fundraising Committee has raised 60% of the needed funds of 1.5 million. They have put in many hours planning and executing various fundraisers throughout the year. On top of the fundraisers, they have had exceptional financial support from the community and local businesses. Funds raised by personal and corporate donations make up 50% of the total funds raised to date. The community was able to curl January 2018 in an amazing new facility, and it was all made possible by great volunteers and community support. Leader is a community that can do great things and they are able to prove it.

The Town of Leader received SPRA’s Community Achievement Award for their community and volunteer efforts related to the Curling Rink. This Award is presented to a municipality or community group for cooperative community effort with a large volunteer component that has enhanced the quality of life for a significant number of people in the area.

Stuck in a winter rut? Our SPRA Resource Centre has a number of winter focussed resouces available to help you in planning. Here are some examples.

Too cold to go outside? Not so!

Balance winter fun with skills and safety. This book will prepare leaders to guide others in enjoying activities in the snow. Learn about activities that require little or no props, adaptive snow games, tips based on actual winter excursions, gear requirements and leadership suggestions shared by winter experts.

Risk management shouldn’t have you skating on thin ice!

From the acclaimed author and president of Municipal Risk Services, find a practical approach to understanding the liability and risks involved in managing winter recreation. This resource includes checklists and inspection forms that will leave you well-equipped to face all that winter has to offer.

The SPRA Resource Centre provides access to tools to support recreation, parks, facilities, fitness, grants and funding, coaching, programming and volunteer and non-profit management, including: Online tools/resources, Books/DVDs/CDs and GPS and Pedometer Kits. Visit www.spra.sk.ca/information to access more resource options.

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HAVING SNOW MUCH FUN OUTDOORS THIS WINTER! For many people, the winter months mean more time being sedentary indoors BUT SaskOutdoors is helping people enjoy time outside in the winter!

Most of our events are ‘learn-to’ opportunities to gain new skills. These include community skiing, snowshoeing and camping events. We also support other organizations to try new winter activities through our grants program. As we live in a winter province, we find it important to run many events from November - March. We’re certainly not hibernating!

Saskatoon. We are fortunate to have had partnerships with the City of Saskatoon, Fresh Air Experience and the Regina Ski Club.

This year, we led a learn-to winter camp event.The goal of this camp was for participants to learn the necessary skills to winter camp safely and comfortably so that they may go out unasOne of the ways we encourage all families to participate in win- sisted in the future. We want to help the people of Saskatchter activities is by organizing easy-entry or low-barrier events ewan appreciate the winter season and highlight some simple such as play days. These are free, held in public parks and get techniques to help stay warm, dry and well fed during winter people outside for short amounts of time. These events are activities. This camp was held near Lumsden, at the Living is great for newcomers, young families and anyone with less Skies Retreat and Conference Centre, this year. The cost was exposure to Canadian winters. kept low, at $40 for non-members, to encourage marginalized groups to participate. We partnered with Renewed By Nature SaskOutdoors participates in the Wintershines Winter Festival to provide guiding and also had volunteer help from our board. and Waskimo Winter Festival. Since these are already comThis work was highlighted by CBC News. munity events, there is great exposure for our organization and it is nice to see a whole city embrace winter experiences.

Over the February Break, SaskOutdoors partnered with Aligned with these festivals was a Learn to Cross Country Wildernook Fresh Air in Saskatoon to offer a winter camp for Ski event outside Regina and a Learn to Snowshoe event in young women, ages 10 to 12 years, who crave more outdoor 17

through giving back to nature and the neighbourhood community each day. As part of our commitment to engage marginalized youth, we had scholarships available for newcomer youth and other methods of supporting participants where cost was a barrier to access. First Aid training was provided by Back40 Wilderness First Aid. Twice a year, SaskOutdoors offers grants to any project that involves outdoor and/or environmental education. Preference is given to projects that involve underrepresented groups (First Nations people, newcomers to Canada, those who face barriers accessing outdoor and environmental education) or projects that reach areas of Saskatchewan where such opportunities are less available. Applications are accepted prior to March 15 and October 15 annually. This year, one such project was to start a winter camping program at a Saskatoon high school that had not traditionally had an outdoor club.

The winter camp was held at Shekinah Retreat Centre, which allowed the group some flexibility with indoor/outdoor spaces.

Students slept in tents at -25 degrees Celsius and got to try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fire building, tree identification and they also learned about the glacial formation of the river valley.

time exploring and creating with friends. Snowlandia was an opportunity for young women to be active outdoors during the winter break.

Each day featured a different winter adventure in Gabriel Dumont Park’s and Holiday Park's naturalized spaces. The morning and afternoon learning experiences focused on practical outdoor skills such as staying warm and dry, first aid, winter travel and building shelter. Although most of the day was spent bundled up outdoors, there was also lots of time for cozy low-key, down-time hours indoors - eating, reading, crafting and drying off! There was also a component of generosity

SaskOutdoors continues to seek opportunities to partner with winter programming across the province. We have a gear locker based in Regina and are willing to help share our resources across the province. Please reach out to us at www. saskoutdoors.org to partner or learn more about our winter programming!

Aditi Garg Edited by Leah Japp, SaskOutdoors Photos by Taniya Heuchert, Aditi Garg, and Mark Pearson

SaskOutdoors is one of the 33 Provincial Recreation Associations funded through the Recreation Section of the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund.

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