DIRECTION - June 2012 by Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association

JUNE 2012 | VOLUME 3 | 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

Provincial Trends in Parks and Recreation

SEPTEMBER 2011 01

JUNE 2012 | VOLUME 3 | NUMBER 2

SPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Darrell Lessmeister

Director for Villages Clive Craig

Director at Large Mike Powell

Director for Cities Jasmine Jackman

Director at Large Corrine Galarneau

Director at Large Kyle Lamkey

Director for Towns Mike Schwean

Director at Large Mimi Lodoen

Director for the North Sandy Rediron

SPRA STAFF MANAGEMENT: Chief Executive Officer Norm Campbell

TABLE OF CONTENTS CEO’s Report

SPRA Field Consultants - At Your Service

Lottery Lingo

Field Notes

Saskatchewan Municipal Awards

Forging Partnerships

Re-Activate Our Kids

Barriers to an Active Lifestyle

What’s Trending in Recreation?

We’re Going Camping!

Aging Recreation Infrastructure

Events 14 Volunteering in Saskatchewan Grants and Funding

SPRA Commercial Members

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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:

Program Manager John Firnesz Field Services Manager Randy Durovick Communication, Information and Research Manager Luella Newman RECREATION CONSULTANTS: Information and Research Services Chantel Doerksen Communications Lori Ross Sandra Jackle 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: Swift Current Richie Bleau/ Danielle Dyck Phone: (306) 778-1091

Business Administrator Bonnie Thiessen

Rosetown/North Battleford Kerry Bailey/ Michelle Longtin Phone: (306) 882-6601

Business Administrator (Half-Time) Debbie Giesinger

Prince Albert Rob Boulding/ Manda Porter Phone: (306) 953-0052

Executive Assistant Lois McNaught

Weyburn Morgan Grainger/ Patricia Butz Phone: (306) 848-0272

ADMINISTRATION:

Administrative Technician Ryan Monks Administrative Assistant II Paula Lichtenwald

Melville/Yorkton Michael Squier/ Linda Weinmaster Phone: (306) 728-3860

Administrative Assistant I Amanda Rieger

Humboldt Clint McConnell/Lynne Morelli Phone: (306) 682-5265

Administrative Assistant I (Half-Time) Donna Matheson

Physical Activity Kelly Wood Phone: (306) 778-1095

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

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.

in motion STAFF Manager Cathie Kryzanowski Manager Community and Target Strategies Marnie Sinclair Manager - Marketing and Communications Christine Niemczyk Consultant Graham Richardson

01 SEPTEMBER 2011

Communications Consultant Kim Herperger Communications Assistant Amanda Perry Executive Assistant Nicole Shewchuk Administrative Technician Laurie Cosgrove

Phone: (306) 780-9248 or 1-866-888-3648 Fax: (306) 780-9466

CEO’S REPORT

Norm Campbell

Identifying trends that may affect the parks and recreation sector in the future is an effective tool that can be valuable in helping to identify organization and program direction, resource allocation strategies, training program opportunities, human resource needs and a host of other strategic planning considerations.

Researching trend identification is a process that many individuals and organizations dedicate resources and time to. Access via the internet opens the door to trend information from across the country, through databases such as the Leisure Information Network (LIN), as well as the SPRA Resource Centre and Media Monitor that provides electronic access to Saskatchewan specific trending information. Providing opportunities for our members and partners to share information is another important way to understand what is happening in our communities and what the future needs could be. The challenge however, is not necessarily to identify a trend but to accurately predict the impact it will have on the sector and on an organization’s operations. SPRA Chief Executive Officer

In the past, trends that were predicted included the forecasted increase of computer technology use and the explosion of the communications sector. These predictions were all accurate, however many futurists also thought that this would lead to using less paper, increased leisure time and freedom from work. The opposite has actually happened. We are using more paper than we ever have, our four day work weeks are contingent on working additional hours during the week and we are constantly connected to work through emails, texts and our mobile phones. As we in the recreation sector review what trends affect us, we must also be prudent in determining how they will ultimately impact our field and those we serve. It is not enough to identify trends, an action must be identified that will provide direction and understanding on how they will be addressed. Our response to the impact of the trends is as important as the trend itself. The 2010 Recreation Environmental Scan, conducted by SPRA, identified 15 trends that are expected to impact the recreation sector in the coming years. This document can be located in the Top Stories section of the SPRA website at www.spra.sk.ca. A number of these trends were also identified at the National Recreation Summit, held in Lake Louise in October 2011. These find-

ings are being reviewed and discussed at both the national and provincial levels - to determine the most effective and efficient strategies to address them. Provincially, SPRA has been working collaboratively with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport and using the information generated from both sources, and from provincial stakeholder consultations, to guide the development of a Provincial Recreation Policy. The information has been distilled down to six (6) priority areas, including effective organization of the recreation service delivery system, increased focus on recreation as one of the local government’s essential services, accessible recreation program opportunities, enhanced leadership capacity, enhanced indoor and outdoor recreation infrastructure, more community capacity in First Nation and Métis communities. These six (6) priorities were presented for discussion at the Provincial Recreation Policy Development Consultations held in Saskatoon on May 16, 2012. Over 80 individuals representing a wide variety of sectors, professions and disciplines spent the day reviewing the trends, and identifying what impact and actions are required to meet the challenges of Saskatchewan’s changing recreation landscape. At the national level, a working committee consisting of representatives from provincial governments and the notfor-profit sector have been using the trending information to guide discussions that will ultimately lead to the development of a National Recreation Agenda. Input came from the over 200 Summit attendees and the commissioned Summit Papers. A National Recreation Agenda Report has been developed and by the end of June, the Report will be shared with Provincial Ministers and interested stakeholders across the country. For Saskatchewan, the development of these initiatives is timely. SPRA is committed to continuing to work with our partners and stakeholders at the local, provincial and national levels to develop strategies to guide the continued development of the sector. Using the trend information collected, analyzing the recommended strategies and identifying actions that can be taken will provide a solid foundation for the continued development of a comprehensive, and relevant recreation strategy for the Province. ■

JUNE 2012

SPRA FIELD CONSULTANTS

AT YOUR SERVICE!

The Enhanced Member Support Initiative (EMSI) transitioned SPRA from a centrally located, Regina based organization, to a province-wide operations network, dedicated to providing increased and more effective service to our members. Through EMSI, SPRA Field Consultants are positioned to assist in building capacity, raising the profile of recreation and parks in Saskatchewan and providing advisory services and support to SPRA members. Here are the faces that will be visiting your communities to provide you with information and support. Our Field Consultants are very excited to be working with you and your communities to advance parks and recreation and assist you in any way that they can.

Kerry Bailey Rosetown/North Battleford

Morgan Grainger Weyburn

Direct: (306) 882-6607 Email: kbailey@spra.sk.ca

Direct: (306) 848-0274 Email: mgrainger@spra.sk.ca

Richie Bleau Swift Current

Direct: (306) 778-1093 Email: rbleau@spra.sk.ca

Michael Squier Melville

Direct: (306) 728-3862 Email: msquier@spra.sk.ca

Rob Boulding Prince Albert

Direct: (306) 953-0055 Email: rboulding@spra.sk.ca

Clint McConnell Humboldt

Direct: (306) 682-5265 Email: cmcconnell@spra.sk.ca

What Communities are Saying about SPRA Field Consultants.... “I really enjoyed having the personal visit with our SPRA Field Consultant, his enthusiasm for Recreation has re-energized me and has sparked a renewed interest in looking at programs that could benefit our community!” 02

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“I have to thank you for the day you decided to come to Unity for a visit. You convinced me to apply for that SPRA Leadership Grant…. Found out I’m approved for $1500 for all my projects I applied for. You need to come and visit me on all the grant deadline days…”

“[Our Field Consultant] has created and succeeded with the opportunity to unify many of us recreation directors. Before he was a Field Consultant, we were not the tight knit group of resources we are today.”

SPRA’s progress as an organization has been a product of leadership, innovation, willingness to research and respond to trends in the field, an ongoing quest for knowledge and skills, and the willingness to accept change. The Enhanced Member Support Initiative and the hiring of SPRA field staff is one of the most significant examples of progress! WWW.SPRA.SK.CA If you have any questions about recreation and parks contact the Field Consultant in your area today! ■

LOTTERY LINGO $10,000 Winner in Prince Albert A love for the FROGGER™ video game prompted Alvin White to purchase the SCRATCH ’N WIN ticket of the same name and now he’s $10,000 richer! On Monday, April 16th after picking up his partner from work, Alvin stopped at the Prince Albert Co-op C-Store, located at 779, 801-15th Street East. He purchased several lottery tickets, including the new $3 FROGGER ticket.

Get K ids Active!

When they got home, Alvin and his partner divided up the tickets and started scratching.

After School Time Period Does Your Community Need?

After School Support Increased Physical Activity Opportunities Leadership Development

SPRA Can Help!

For information and resources: Visit www.spra.sk.ca/afterschool

Alvin explained, “The third ticket that my partner scratched was the big one! She said, ‘I think we won $10,000!’ I picked up the ticket and read the instructions to make sure we were playing it correctly – I had to check it a few times.” Within minutes, they were back at the Co-op to have the ticket checked and anxiously waited for the prize amount to appear on the monitor. The Prince Albert resident had won $10,000, the game’s second Top Prize! The winner said the money will allow him to move to a place with no stairs or get a vehicle that better suits his needs.

JUNE 2012

FIELD NOTES Our Field Consultants have seen first-hand how Saskatchewan villages, towns and cities are working together to make their communities better places to live, work and play through their work in recreation and parks. Here are their stories!

A true David and Goliath story of small town Saskatchewan pride tackling great odds and succeeding. Town of Kyle Recreation Director, Jaclyn Davis, was curled up on the couch with her better half one fine evening, watching TSN SportsCentre when she saw the advertisement for the Kraft Celebration Tour 2011. Jaclyn thought, “I can do this; Kyle can do this.” She promptly completed an online submission about why the Kyle Community Sports Centre should win the Kraft Celebration competition, and the cash prize. The submission and online support put Kyle into the Top 20 where they squared off against the City of Meadow Lake’s entry. Online voting occurred and…Kyle came out on top! The community received a cheque in the amount of $25,000 for improvements to the Kyle Community Sports Centre, which was presented during a TSN SportsCentre broadcast in Kyle on August 23, 2011, as part of the Kraft Celebration Tour. The Tour stop in Kyle featured a demonstration rodeo; Kraft Product sample booths; children’s activities; Saskatchewan Roughriders and TSN’s very own Dan O’Toole and Jay Onrait. This is a great example of one person taking inspired action and the result - having a huge impact on her community and the surrounding area!

The small Village of Togo has quietly been raising big dollars for recreation and civic improvement projects in their community. In 2005, the residents of Togo formed the “Togo Centennial Committee” to plan events for the Village’s upcoming 100th Anniversary. The subsequent “Birthday Bash” was a monumental success attracting over 760 revellers to the community and generating thousands of dollars for the village of just under 100 residents. Building on the success of the Togo Centennial Celebration, the Committee decided to extend their fundraising efforts to address a huge civic improvement project - building a new entrance for the village skating rink. The Committee members asked the Village Council for an interest free loan of $70,000 for the skating rink improvement project. Council agreed to provide the money to the Committee. Within three years the money was paid back and the skating rink had a brand new entrance. Currently the Togo Centennial Committee has turned their attention to replacing the Village’s old playground equipment. In only a few months, the Committee raised $14,000 of their $17,000 goal.

Photo Courtesy of Jaclyn Davis, Town of Kyle Recreation Director 04

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When there is a deficit, Raymore, like many small towns in the Province, rolls up their sleeves and gets things done. Raymore’s existing swimming pool has served the community well, but with the costs needed to repair and operate the facility increasing on a yearly basis, the community felt now was the time to replace the facility...with the help of the great Canadian Rock Band,Trooper. Raymore’s Save Our Swimming Pool Committee (SOS) was established to get the fundraising started with an initial goal of $850,000. The SOS has already hosted a few successful fundraisers featured Wayne Lee, a highly regarded hypnotist and a hockey game against players from the Saskatchewan Roughriders! In addition to the SOS, another local committee is also lending their support. On August 4, 2012, the Raymore Entertainment Fund will open the gates to the Raymore Sportsgrounds as the Boys in the Bright White Sportscars will be dropping off the band Trooper for an outdoor concert. Proceeds from this event will be dedicated towards the new swimming pool as well as to other community improvements. Raymore is one example of a small town in Saskatchewan where people work together to make their community a better place.

Marian Campbell, Community Coordinator with the South West Distric t for Culture, Recreation & Sport (SWDCRS), truly believes that “Together is Better.” “Together is Better” was the theme of the recent Symposium hosted by SWDCRS in Swift Current. Marian was determined to have members of communities across the District come together under one roof to learn about programming, funding and to take advantage of the opportunity for some quality networking with members of other communities. Representatives from the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, Sask Sport, SaskCulture, Saskatchewan in motion, the Community Initiatives Fund and the South West District itself were invited to set-up displays and spoke about their programs. During the Symposium breaks, participants were invited to walk around and speak with the presenters to gain more information about their agencies. A Round Table was also held where communities were given the opportunity to discuss what types of things were happening in their communities. At the end of the day, each community member walked away with some valuable information, as well as many new contacts from people in communities just down the road from their own. Marian felt the Symposium was a success and is now planning on making it an annual event.

JUNE 2012

SASKATCHEWAN MUNICIPAL AWARDS

RECOGNITION FOR RECREATION AND PARKS The 2012 Saskatchewan Municipal Awards featured a new category dedicated to excellence in parks and recreation. Read on to find out more about the award and the community that took the prize!

Saskatchewan communities are trend leaders in projects using innovation and enterprise. On May 11, 2012, the annual Saskatchewan Municipal Awards (SMA) ceremony celebrated some of the best and brightest of these, including improvements to long term care facilities; overcoming the wrath of Mother Nature; taking pride in preserving the past; friendly environmental options for waste water reuse; and municipalities working together and forming partnerships to achieve a common goal. Recognition for the recreation and parks sector was achieved with SMA’s newest category, the Community Life Enrichment Award. The Award, presented and sponsored by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA), is presented to the municipality that demonstrates leadership and continuous improvement enhancing and enriching the quality of life in their community through advocacy, enabling, support and provision of diverse and inclusive recreation. This might include active living programs and facilities, attractive parks and open spaces and collaborative efforts in socializing citizens. The anticipated success of the new award was achieved in that the Community Life Enrichment Award category received a high number of applications! SPRA would like to congratulate the first recipient of the Community Life Enrichment Award, the City of Yorkton, for the Aviva Project. 06

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The Aviva Project... Following the catastrophic flood in July 2010, residents of the City of Yorkton saw an opportunity to construct a skateboard park in conjunction with the work being done to mitigate any future flooding. Unfortunately, the City did not have the funds to construct the skateboard park at the same time. Through the dedicated work of residents, a campaign was initiated to win the “Aviva Community Fund” prize, valued at $150,000. Through the use of social media and online videos the campaign committee engaged citizens, businesses, First Nation groups, municipalities and influential community members to build their support network. All of this work paid off as the committee was awarded the grand prize, making the skateboard park a reality. The Aviva project was also given the Judges Award. SPRA looks forward to working with the Saskatchewan Municipal Awards to offer the award into the future. ■

Sandra Jackle SPRA Consultant - Communications Pictured above: The City of Yorkton accepts the Community Life Enrichment Award for the Aviva Project. The Award was presented by SPRA President, Darrell Lessmeister.

FORGING PARTNERSHIPS On May 16 at the Provincial Recreation Summit, the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) and the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) signed a partnership agreement that will strive to improve the knowledge of recreation, leisure and park policies in Saskatchewan. This collaborative relationship between SPRA and SUMA offers an operational framework that will advance both individual and common goals, while fostering greater public awareness of urban government roles in building healthy communities through recreation and park networks. SPRA President, Darrell Lessmeister said, “Our partnership with SUMA will forge strong bonds with urban governments and highlight the importance of recreation and parks in Saskatchewan. SPRA is looking forward to advancing the promotion, development and facilitation of parks and recreation opportunities throughout the Province while providing leadership and support towards building healthy, active communities.”

Pictured left to right: SUMA President Allan Earle and SPRA President Darrell Lessmeister shake hands after signing the partnership agreement

“Saskatchewan is growing, and recreation is essential to meeting the needs of a growing population” said SUMA President, Allan Earle. “SUMA and SPRA have a long history of collaborative work. This partnership agreement ensures we have the framework to sustain that collaboration and continue to make sure Saskatchewan citizens have the quality of life they deserve and the recreation facilities and programs they need.” SPRA and SUMA look forward to developing their relationship through a more integrated approach in the delivery of recreation and park programs that serve to enhance the quality of life in Saskatchewan.

Sandra Jackle SPRA Consultant - Communications

Across Canada, our parks are being celebrated in the month of June. You can join the celebration by hosting a June is Recreation & Parks Month (JRPM) event in your community or by participating in one that is already planned. JRPM is focused on showcasing the benefits of parks and recreation. For more information, contact Andrew Exelby, SPRA Consultant, Parks and Open Spaces at (306)780-9262, or aexelby@spra.sk.ca or visit www.spra.sk.ca/juneisrecreationandparks.

Join the celebration today! JUNE 2012

RE-ACTIVATE OUR KIDS! Research states that Saskatchewan children and youth will spend 7 times more time in front of a screen than playing outdoors this summer!.....It’s time to re:activate our kids! Summer means increased leisure time for thousands of Saskatchewan kids and families. While some school-aged kids will be playing outdoors and participating in summer recreation programs, the majority of children will be sitting in front of screens such as TVs, computers and video games. In fact, on non-school days our kids are spending from 7 to 9 hours a day in front of a screen and less than 60 minutes a day being active. Our challenge in the recreation sector continues to be how to address this growing epidemic.

With the assistance of some of our province’s recreation leaders, Saskatchewan in motion offers a few ideas to help get kids moving this summer.... ■ Backyard & Beyond is a resource that can be downloaded from the in motion web site with lots of great ideas for families to take action filled vacations or weekend adventures around Saskatchewan including their own backyard. ■ The in motion Daily Physical Activity Manual is a tool developed for classroom teachers, but playground and summer camp leaders will find hundreds of games and activity breaks they can easily integrate into recreation programs of all kinds. The DPA manual is available on the in motion website. ■ Consider making parks and playgrounds a place for exploration and adventure! Add a new element or two every few days to keep kids coming back. It can be as simple as a load of cardboard boxes or dollar store skipping ropes and bubbles – or even a portable basketball hoop or Ultimate Frisbee. 08

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■ You can do a lot with a can of paint! Hopscotch, four square, dance steps – the sky is the limit with a little creativity and an hour’s worth of time you can transform a quiet school ground or seldom used parking lot to a hub of activity – download copies of the Saskatchewan Blue Cross Push to Play to help remind folks how to play. ■ Consider family events like street dances, bike rallies or other multi-generational activities – if parents won’t let their kids out of sight – we’ll need to include them in the fun! ■ Host a screen time challenge – download a screen time log from the in motion web site or contact the office and we’ll send you hard copies! If we build it will they come? Maybe not. It’s hard to escape the excitement of the TV screen or video game. That is why Saskatchewan in motion has launched a new campaign called re:activity. Re:activity is a multi-media memo to parents which includes stories, expert advice and tools designed to inspire more physically active families. Re:activity features webisodes that follow a typical Saskatchewan family as they face the challenges that many busy families have when trying to make physical activity a priority. Tools, tips, and resources are available to download from the in motion website. YOU can help by encouraging families in your community to visit re:activity at www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca . Watch for new re:activity community tools coming your way in fall 2012. ■

Amanda Perry Saskatchewan in motion Pictured above: (Left to right) – Quinn, Scott, Clara, and Chloe Bansley playing shinny outside on the driveway

BARRIERS TO AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

WHAT WE CAN DO TO GET BACK ON TRACK! We are all guilty of using excuses for why we can’t lead a healthy lifestyle. In the recent Heart & Stroke Foundation publication entitled, “Time Crunch is Stealing Healthy Years from Canadians”, lack of time, lack of facilities, cost and lack of motivation were cited as either real or perceived barriers that are shortening the lifespan of Canadians. The study found that out of the four most common barriers to healthy living, two barriers are perceived and two are real.

PERCEIVED BARRIERS Perceived barriers, lack of time and lack of facilities, it is easy to dismiss these barriers as “signs of the times”. Yes, we as a society are much more crunched for time with the pressures of a career, family and personal interests. Yes, in some parts of the country Canadians do not have access to recreation and fitness facilities…but, there is always a detour around the barrier. In order to be active we don’t need to work out for hours at a time. Simply increasing physical activity throughout the day is enough to benefit overall health and wellbeing. We also don’t need state of the art recreation facilities to open up our front door and take a walk.

WHAT WE CAN DO As recreation professionals we can help to break down these perceived barriers by starting a walking or fitness group, promoting active transportation and making sure the facilities and parks that are presently in our communities are open, welcoming and useful to everyone.

REAL BARRIERS The two real barriers, cost and lack of motivation, are a bit more complicated to navigate around as they are influenced by many socioeconomic factors. The barrier of cost relates to the cost and availability of healthy food across the country. In Assiniboia, the local Five Hills Health Region Office addressed the need for affordable fresh food by partnering with the Town to create a community garden. The garden offers rental plots to residents and donates a portion of the yearly harvest to the food bank. This past fall the Town of Assiniboia

planted over a dozen apple trees on the community garden grounds in order to increase the amount of fresh food being donated to the food bank each year. Motivation is something we are all looking for and different things motivate different people. We in recreation cannot expect to motivate everyone in our communities to lead a healthy lifestyle.

WHAT WE CAN DO What we can do to help motivate our communities is to offer engaging programs and promote organizations like Saskatchewan in motion, Parkland Valley Sport, Culture and Recreation District and Heart & Stroke Foundation who all strongly advocate the benefits of living a healthy active lifestyle. Through the programs we offer and the messages we deliver, we can inspire people within our communities to find their own motivation. Although there are only four identified barriers to Canadians not living an active lifestyle, there are many complicated factors influencing each of these barriers. At a local level recreation practitioner don’t need to address all of these complicated factors to make a difference. Taking small steps to promote healthy lifestyles and active living will make a difference in our communities. Remember, real long lasting change usually starts at the grassroots level. ■

Michael Squier SPRA Field Consultant The information presented can be found in the “Time Crunch is Stealing Healthy Years from Canadians”, Heart & Stroke Foundation.

JUNE 2012

WHAT’S TRENDING IN RECREATION? Members of the SPRA Research Committee offer a glimpse into trends in recreation from a postsecondary perspective.

CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS Diversity within our population is evident at the provincial and national levels. Saskatchewan is home to an aging population, a rich heritage of Aboriginal individuals and an influx of New Canadians. Although our country is seen as having a high quality of life, one in five families in Canada live below the poverty line. We are seeing evolving gender roles, more societal acceptance of gays, lesbians, transgendered and queer individuals, and integration of individuals with a disability in our communities. In response to these changing demographics, the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina recently implemented a new, mandatory undergraduate course on diversity. The purpose of this course is to examine the relationship between the diversity of the Canadian population and involvement in sport, recreation, exercise and physical activity. We look at diversity in relation to gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, age, ability, social class, immigration, nationality, culture and religion. How can recreational activities be more inclusive to these diverse populations? ■ Offer existing activities to different groups in society. For example, marketing and promotional materials could be translated into different languages and include images of a wide range of people. ■ Inclusivity can also be achieved through the development and implementation of new activities and services to meet 10

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unique needs and interests. As an example, a running club could offer guide assistance to blind individuals. Recreation is important to everyone and should be made available to everyone.

These demographic shifts also have implications for our volunteer base. One of the most common ways to recruit volunteers is to ask people we know. We need to ask people that perhaps we do not know as well, to volunteer at all levels, from leadership roles to hands-on volunteers. A diverse volunteer group translates into better capacity, as it brings expanded community networks, new skills, ideas, expertise and enhanced creativity. It also serves as a tangible indication of the diversity within one’s community. The diversity in our population is an opportunity to alter recreational activities to meet different needs and to involve more of our community in recreation.

Dr. Larena Hoeber Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies University of Regina

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION: MOVING TOWARDS CERTIFICATION IN SASKATCHEWAN In the fall of 2010, the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina launched its Therapeutic Recreation degree program. The program is designed to

prepare students to write the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation (NCTRC) exam to become Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) upon graduation. The program includes a 14-week field work experience under the supervision of a qualified CTRS. Currently, students are required to leave the Province in order to work with a CTRS. Fortunately, we have several practicing Recreation Therapists who are pursuing certification and will soon be eligible to supervise our students within the Province. University of Regina Therapeutic Recreation student, Shauna Sigurdson is currently completing her fieldwork placement at the Mission Memorial Hospital in BC. Her responsibilities will include learning how to develop, administer, supervise and evaluate therapeutic recreation and social programs designed to meet the needs of the residents. We look forward to welcoming Shauna and our other therapeutic recreation students back to Saskatchewan. Soon, they will mentor future students and contribute to the growth of therapeutic recreation within the Province. A move towards NCTRC certification in Saskatchewan benefits everyone: ■ Students have a wider range of job opportunities after graduation. ■ The public benefit from consistent standards and qualified professionals within the field. ■ Organizations benefit from having certified professionals to manage and deliver quality Therapeutic Recreation programs.

Dr. Rebecca Genoe Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies University of Regina

READ, WRITE, TWEET? TECHNOLOGY AND THE LEISURE EXPERIENCE In recreation management courses, we teach students about user demand related to technology, such as expectations for online-registration and access to wireless internet. We provide training in specific skills such as use of new computer programs and website design however, with the rapidlychanging trends in technology, the need for specific skills will change with it. Therefore, we also focus on instilling students with skills related to reading, higher-level thinking, problemsolving and other abilities they will need to continue to learn and adapt to trends throughout their careers.

When considering trends in technology, we also emphasize the role of technology in the leisure experience. Technology allows for leisure opportunities unheard of just a few decades ago (e.g. face-to-face online communication, adaptive equipment for people with disabilities), but it also has numerous negative impacts such as reduced interpersonal skills as a result of excessive online communication. Research suggests that being constantly connected to mobile communication can reduce the quality of the leisure experience (imagine checking messages while having coffee with friends) and leaves people feeling rushed and anxious. In fact, neuroscientists argue that being bombarded with information through technology leaves our brains over-stimulated and fatigued which in turn, reduces our ability to focus or learn. To help students understand the role of technology in their lives, I assign an exercise in which they are challenged to spend 24 hours free of mobile phones, mp3 players, television, video games and any use of internet or computers unless required for school or work. They then write a paper reflecting on their experience. Many students are shocked to discover their level of dependence on technology. One student left her phone at home when she went to school in the morning and after two hours of being riddled with anxiety, she drove 40 minutes round-trip to retrieve the phone. Other students express amazement at how much “free time” they have when they are not busy with texting, social networking and internet surfing. As a class, we use this assignment as a basis for discussing the challenge faced by recreation professionals to find a balance between meeting user demand for technology while still providing a leisurely break from the constant presence of technology and the stress that seems to follow.

Dr. Toni Liechty Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies University of Regina Dr. Hoeber, Dr. Liechty and Dr. Genoe serve on the SPRA Recreation Research Committee. Together with the Committee, SPRA is focused on Saskatchewan-based research and encouraging evidence-based practice in the recreation sector. ■

JUNE 2012

“WE’RE GOING CAMPING!” When you were a youngster, did you jump up and down saying this over and over until your parents were starting to cover their ears?

Camping meant endless summer hours playing in the sand, swimming, catching minnows and frogs, roasting wieners over a campfire and possibly some marshmallows to burn and make your fingers gloriously sticky. It was being so tired at the end of the day that you could hardly crawl into bed before your eyes closed. It was heaven! So what is different for today’s campers? Absolutely nothing! The experience is still the same for every member of the family. Today’s families are busier than ever now with work, school, sports, music lessons and the list goes on. When summer comes, those wonderful memories click in and families head for somewhere that will give them the chance to just be together in the great outdoors. There are a few changes when you talk about camping today versus camping forty or so years ago. You may still see some tents in the campgrounds and there is the odd tent trailer; much updated ones compared to the ones where you just had to touch the wall when it was raining just to see if what your parents said was true about it leaking! Everyone used to gaze in awe at the Airstream trailers that pulled into the campground then, but now the normal camping family is pulling something in the range of a 35 to 40 foot recreational vehicle with one or two slides, complete with beds, bathroom, shower, a fully loaded kitchen and spacious living room with all the electronics you could wish for. The campground operators are struggling to keep up with the demands of these “houses on wheels” as they seem to grow larger each year and contain more items that use power. The campsites have been made larger and the power has been increased at many parks in the Province to accommodate the camping units of today.

JUNE 2012

With all that opulence behind the tow vehicle or contained in a motor home, you would think that those same people would choose to use their time at a park differently as well. Not so – everyone heads for the outdoors just as soon as they are parked and settled into the campsite. All manner of extra toys come out to aid in the outdoor play, but it is still just that. The dynamic of the people on the campsite may be a little different these days, but maybe not. Grandparents are still camping, either because they still love it or because they get to show their grandchildren what great things can happen when you are camping. Families can include many generations, lots of friends and the family pets too. Everyone is ready and waiting impatiently to get to the park and head to the beach, golf course, bike trails, walking trails or just to settle down with a book under the tree canopy. There is something for everyone when it comes down to spending time at a park. The RV’s may have changed, the toys may have changed, but everyone is still sleepy-eyed and trying to stay awake at the end of a long day spent camping! ■

Darlene L. Friesen Executive Director Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association Photo courtesy of the Sellar Family.

AGING RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE A significant problem exists in that community recreation facilities are aging and require substantial capital maintenance, upgrading or replacement in order to continue to serve the needs of the community. There is a direct connection between physical activity levels and appropriate provision of the Built Environment, including recreation and sport facilities, parks, trails and active transportation corridors. A long-term strategic investment is required in the area of recreation facilities and active transportation infrastructure, to advance physical activity in communities and improve the quality of life of the Province and country. Access to recreation infrastructure plays a foundational role in developing and sustaining healthy people and communities. Despite this fact virtually every community in Saskatchewan is challenged by aging facilities and inadequate infrastructure. It is very positive and encouraging seeing that all levels of government continue to invest in the future of Saskatchewan communities by ensuring funds are allocated towards the development, renewal and rehabilitation of recreation infrastructure. Recent studies show that the majority of Saskatchewan’s infrastructure is between 25 to 34 years old and are past their expected life cycle, including: ice arenas (60%), curling rinks (65%), community centres (68.2%), senior centres (71%), outdoor pools (64.2%) and indoor pools (68%). Maintenance and accessibility to recreation and sport infrastructure is a key component of healthy living. (1) The cost to replace the present community recreation infrastructure in Saskatchewan is estimated at $3.05 billion dollars. The cost of deferred maintenance on Saskatchewan’s recreation infrastructure is $685 million dollars. These figures do not include other important recreation infrastructure such as parks, trails, sport fields and non-traditional facilities. Recreation facilities, parks, open spaces and trails all play a vital part in the quality of life of communities as well as

individuals. It is very important to recognize the importance of recreation infrastructure and the needs to be accounted for and supported just as streets, sidewalks in the whole infrastructure picture. ■

Kelly Skotnitsky SPRA Consultant - Recreation Facilities 1) Position Paper: Investing in Healthy People and Communities through Recreation Infrastructure, December, 2006.

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EVENTS JUNE 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30, 2012 June is Recreation & Parks Month Locations across Saskatchewan Each year, recreation service providers and park authorities throughout the country utilize June to celebrate the return of summer programming, to gather their communities together, recognize volunteers, get residents involved in fun outdoor physical activities and gain support for the parks and recreation sectors. For additional information, visit www.spra.sk.ca/juneisrecreationandparks.

JUNE 2, 2012 Saskatchewan Trails Day Locations across Saskatchewan With spring fully in bloom and a beautiful summer ahead, the Saskatchewan Trails Association (STA) is pleased to

announce the return of Saskatchewan Trails Day. The STA encourages everyone in the Province to take this opportunity to celebrate the physical, environmental, recreational, economic and aesthetic benefits provided by Saskatchewan trails. For additional information visit www.sasktrails.ca.

OCTOBER 18 - 21, 2012 SPRA Conference and Annual General Meeting Melfort, SK The 2012 SPRA Conference and AGM will bring together recreation practitioners, parks and facility operators and volunteers from across the Province to learn the latest information and trends in the parks and recreation field. For additional information, contact the City of Melfort at (306) 752-5911.

For more events, visit www.spra.sk.ca/events.

VOLUNTEERING IN SASKATCHEWAN: STRENGTH IN NUMBERS 120: The average number of volunteer hours per person

dedicated to sport and recreation annually. This sector continues to receive more volunteer support than the education, religious and health sectors.

58: The percentage of the Saskatchewan population aged

15 and over that volunteered through a group or organization. This is the highest volunteer rate among the provinces and territories and is significantly higher than the national average of 47%.

143: The average number of volunteer hours per person

donated by Saskatchewan residents in 2010.

(2010 Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating: Statistics Canada)

JUNE 2012

GRANTS AND FUNDING SOGO ACTIVE GRANTS

COMMUNITY VITALITY PROGRAM

Your group can receive from $250 - $1000 (if required) to support activities for youth ages 13 - 19. Challenge Grants – Apply to receive up to $500 to support youth physical activity programs that are ongoing (3 times a week for a minimum of 4 weeks). Event Grants – Apply to receive up to $250 to support a onetime youth physical activity event (approximately 1 - 4 days in length). Contact Karen at (306) 780-9389 for details.

Application deadline: October 1, 2012 Apply for a small capital project grant or a community pride events and milestones grant.

For more grants and funding information, visit the SPRA website at www.spra.sk.ca/funding or www.spra.sk.ca/otherfunding.

JUNE IS RECREATION & PARKS MONTH CELEBRATION INITIATIVE GRANT Application deadline: June 15, 2012 The purpose of the Celebration Initiative Grant is to ensure that June will be recognized as Recreation and Parks Month and to support localized promotion through planned events or programs. SPRA will contribute up to a maximum of $500 per JRPM Ambassador (supporting communities and agencies) that are active members of SPRA. Contact Lee Anne at (306) 780-9261.

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assessments, as well as, product solutions to reduce muscular, skeletal conditions and slip and fall injuries in the workplace. Z-tech Solutions has expert staff and access to a variety of suppliers providing; matting solutions, coatings, PVC flooring products, rubber products, and fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP). Z-tech Solutions continues to focus on keeping all working surfaces safe.

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Z-tech Solutions continues to seek products that are eco-friendly or recycled material. Our products comply with Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), International Play Equipment Manufacturer's AssociationIPEMAISO 9001-2000, as well as, the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) legislation and regulations. Z-tech services include qualified

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drug and alcohol testing, surface safety assessments, onsite deliveries, and applications. Some of our customers include; Balgonie Skating Rink, RCMP, Canadian Tire, Akzo-Nobel, Havard Property Developments, NAI- Denro, Co-op Refinery, Regina Qu’Appelle Health Authority, MacDonald’s Restaurant, Sheraton Hotel Saskatoon, Regina Housing Authority, SaskTel, and Blood Services Inc. If you have a surface that is slippery like a ramp, entrance, walkway or stairs. If you are looking for a surface like rubberized flooring for a recreational center or a nonslip solution for a pool region. If you are looking for molded fiberglass grating for an industrial setting or industrial anti-fatigue mat for a work station. If you are looking for

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New & Existing Energy Efficient Ice Plants Simple, Low Risk, Reliable, and Low Maintenance Operating costs reduced by up to 60% Energy Savings Trane Screw & Scroll Chiller using a Free Cooling Module Trane Saskatchewan- Regina 109 Hodsman Rd Regina, SK S4N 5W5 Ph. 306-525-0745 Contact: Craig Nelson Email: cdnelson@trane.com

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Serving Saskatchewan for 40 Years Ron Seibel – Commercial Manager Ph. (306)525-0508 Fax (306)757-5918 Toll-free in SK 1-800-668-7668 E-mail: paradise5@accesscomm.ca ParadiseLeisureScapes.com 20

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Publication Mail Agreement #41967532 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: SPRA • 100 – 1445 Park Street • Regina, SK • S4N 4C5 email: office@spra.sk.ca