DIRECTION - June 2014

JUNE 2014 | VOLUME 5 | 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

Making Waves Recreation on the Water

June 2014 | VOLUME 5 | NUMBER 2

SPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

President Mike Powell

Director for Villages Clive Craig

Director at Large Dawna Nielson

Director for Cities Jasmine Jackman

Director at Large Corrine Galarneau

Director at Large Coralie Bueckert

Director for Towns Guylaine Green

Director at Large Mimi Lodoen

Director for the North Vacant

SPRA STAFF President’s Report

01

Take the Plunge

02

Drowning Prevention

03

Spray Parks: Recirculating or Flow Through Systems 04 Trans Canada Trail - Water Routes

06

Aqua Fitness

07

Swim to Survive

08

‘Take a Shot’ Photo Contest

09

I’d Rather Be Fishing

09

Designing for Discovery

10

Events 11 Up the River With a Paddle

12

Commercial Ads

13

Boating Safety

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DIRECTION is published four times a year (December, March, June and September). The publication is provided to members of the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. Direct all communications to: Editor, DIRECTION #100 - 1445 Park Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 4C5 You may also send letters or comments to Lori Ross, Communications Consultant, at 306.780.9370, by fax at 306.780.9257, or by email at lross@spra.sk.ca.

Articles within this magazine are the opinions of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of SPRA. Articles in DIRECTION may be reprinted, provided that full credits are shown for the author and the magazine.

Supported by:

MANAGEMENT Chief Executive Officer Norm Campbell 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 Christian Bates-Hardy Human Resources and Funding Lee Anne Balliett Parks and Open Spaces Andrew Exelby Physical Activity and Fitness Wendy McKellar Aboriginal Support Tim Haywahe Leadership and Evaluation Karen Thompson

Recreation Facilities Kelly Skotnitsky

FIELD CONSULTANTS/ ADMINISTRATION

Funding and Youth Tanya Murphy

Swift Current Jaclyn Davis/Christine Rousseaux Phone: (306) 778-1091

Assistant Consultant Kristin Bialobzyski ADMINISTRATION Business Administrator Bonnie Thiessen Business Administrator Anita Ehman Executive Assistant Lois McNaught Administrative Technician Ryan Monks Administrative Assistant II Natalie McAmmond Administrative Assistant I Kayla Schreiner Donna Matheson

Rosetown/North Battleford Kerry Bailey/Janae Dawson Phone: (306) 882-6601 Prince Albert Rob Boulding/Shari Morash Phone: (306) 953-0052 Weyburn Morgan Grainger Phone: (306) 848-0272 Melville/Yorkton Darren Spelay Phone: (306) 728-3860 Humboldt Clint McConnell/ Lynne Morelli Phone: (306) 682-5265 La Ronge Kathleen Cornthwaite Phone: (306) 425-1910

Fitness/Administrative Assistant II Lynn Bradley

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

in motion STAFF Manager Cathie Kryzanowski Manager Community and Target Strategies Marnie Sinclair

Communications Consultant Amanda Perry

Administrative Assistant Jill McDougall

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

PreSIDENT’S REPORT Welcome to the water recreation themed edition of DIRECTION. There are so many recreation opportunities that happen in, on and around the water, so it is no surprise that an entire edition can be dedicated to those activities. Some of my best memories include water activities - from water skiing with friends and tubing with relatives, to fishing with family and building sandcastles on the beach.

In particular, I remember the big dock…you know…the big dock at the lake…not the close one that you could touch the bottom on…but the big one…out there a little further - that you needed to swim to and could jump and dive from. I can still hear the distant laughter of the kids on the big dock… their voices carrying over the lake as they jumped, splashed and played. I think that was my main motivation for learning to swim, and a key reason for my kids to learn to swim.

One of my fondest moments was when we were on a family vacation at the cabin. While at the beach, my two boys came up to us and asked to go out to the big dock. For the first time, they ventured off together - without me - to the big dock. We stayed on the beach and listened to their distant laughter…at least until I could not take it any more and joined them! To this day, I find it impossible to avoid the siren call of the big dock…every time we get to the beach, I always make a point of swimming to the big dock!

Lessons from the Red Cross and the Life Saving Society made it possible for me and my kids to enjoy the water and remain safe. In this edition, you will find articles dedicated to water safety from both these organizations…and at your local pool/waterfront, you will find lessons offered by both these organizations. Take advantage of those opportunities while you can and begin creating your aquatic memories.

From lane swimming to specific aquatic fitness classes in the pool, the aquatic environment offers many opportunities for fitness. You could expect that from the environment that brought you the Speedo. This edition has an article dedicated to Aqua Fitness... so feel free to break out the Speedo… or not. That would, however, make the aquacise class something to talk about!

In our Province, there are many opportunities to enjoy our variety of waterways without getting wet. This edition of DIRECTION has articles on fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and water trails. I am going to make an effort to do all three this summer…perhaps at the same time.

With summer finally arriving, the aquatic world offers an abundance of opportunities to make your own waves. This edition also includes a list of water related activities…So read on and then get out there…and find your big dock!

I have been “making waves” for some time now. My recreation career began as a lifeguard. I was able to earn a few dollars and make some great friends, all while instructing a new batch of big dock swimmers - some have even gone on to be instructors themselves. The cycle continues for this life skill.

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TAKE THE PLUNGE It’s summer in Saskatchewan!

So take the plunge and try some of these fun water related activities.

TUBING

Think of it as an aquatic rollercoaster. Kids and adults alike love tubing! Nothing beats a little white knuckle fun as you hang on to that tube as best you can. Don’t forget your lifejacket.

FISHING

PADDLE BOARDING

Fun for the whole family. A relaxing yet enjoyable way to spend your time with family and friends, making magical memories, sharing stories and bonding. Who knows, maybe you’ll even find your fish tale to share for years to come.

Imagine greeting the sunrise in the middle of a lake while relaxing on a paddleboard. Whether you are just paddling alone, or out with a couple friends; paddle boarding is ultra fun and rewarding too. And have you heard about paddleboarding yoga?

SWIMMING

WINDSURFING

Swimming opens up a lot of recreation possibilities that would otherwise not be safe to participate in, like surfing, kayaking, diving and canoeing, to name but a few. Having swimming skills also decreases the number of injuries and fatalities that occur around bodies of water.

Windsurfing is an exhilarating water sport combining sailing and surfing. Balance is key, but in the end, it’s a great way to spend your day outdoors while still getting exercise without even realizing it.

WATER POLO

White water rafting offers an element of danger and anticipation, yet it requires no training at all! The only requirements are that you wear your lifejacket and helmet. This is a highly recommended activity for all those who seek adventure.

If you are looking to fulfill that competitive streak and workout like never before - water polo has just what you’re looking for.

A team sport of pushing and passing the ball in an attempt to score on the other team’s net will definitely test your skills and lung capacity.

SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING

This is often an art form that mesmerizes an audience as they watch swimmers twirl, split and glide in perfect unison.

It’s underwater art perfected from hours of dedication and practice.

KAYAKING

There are few things more relaxing than sitting in a kayak and watching the sunset over a lake. Kayaking can offer 02

stress relief like no other activity as well as aerobic exercise mixed with upper body conditioning . You know what they say, “Even a bad day of kayaking is better than a good day at work.”

June 2014

WHITE WATER RAFTING

WAKEBOARING

Closely related to snowboarding and skateboarding, wakeboarding is a fun way to spend your afternoon gliding or trying to master jumps and turns through the water while being pulled behind a boat. This sport is fun for the whole family - whether you’re the one in the boat or in the water.

Allison Morgan SPRA Summer Student

DROWNING PREVENTION Canadians underestimate measures needed to prevent child drowning, Red Cross research suggests. Although child drowning rates are decreasing, it remains a major cause of preventable death for children younger than 10.

Research from Red Cross last year shows that Canadian parents need to develop a better understanding of how to safeguard children in, on and around the water.

to prevent drowning. In 70 percent of child drownings in backyard pools, the pool has no fence, or has a fence that does not adhere to safety bylaws.

“With summer quickly approaching, it’s important that all residents of Saskatchewan educate themselves and their children about the risk of drowning,” said Rebecca Benko, provincial operations manager for the Red Cross.

“Over half of all child drownings happen between June and August,” said Benko. “Parents and caregivers need to be extra diligent when watching children not only while they are in the water, but also when they are on it or near it.”

Children can drown quickly and quietly, and often in situations where they were not expected to enter the water. Only one-third of children and youth who drown in Canada were taking part in aquatic activities that parents typically see as risky, like swimming or wading. One-third of children drown in situations where they enter the water unexpectedly, like falling from a dock or entering the water without their caregiver’s knowledge.

Ipsos Reid polling conducted on behalf of the Red Cross shows that Canadian parents underestimate children’s risk of drowning in shallow water. Ninety-eight per cent of parents with children younger than four say that water depth influences their level of supervision. However, data shows that 40 per cent of children drown in water less than one metre deep, and 90 per cent of children who drown in shallow water are not with a supervising adult.

The Red Cross offers these tips to keep kids safe near the water: Beware of currents. Never underestimate the power of a current. Swimmers or waders can be swept away in an instant, particularly if non-swimmers or weak swimmers get caught by current in rivers or out of their depth in abrupt drop-offs.

Open water is very different than a swimming pool. Distance is deceiving. Swimmers contend with cold water, waves, currents, drop offs, sandbars, poor visibility, undertows, and underwater obstacles, as well as motorcrafts.

Wear lifejackets. A lifejackets is like a seat belt – it only works if you wear it and wear it properly.

The Red Cross has been helping to keep Canadians safe in, on and around water since 1946. For more information about Canadian Red Cross swimming and water safety programs, or for safety tips, visit www.redcross.ca/swim.

Fifteen per cent of child drownings in Canada happen in backyard pools, but Canadian parents also underestimate the importance of backyard pool safety measures. Only half of parents believe four-sided fencing is an important measure

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SPRAY PARKS: RECIRCULATION OR FLOW THROUGH SYSTEMS With the popularity of Spray Parks, many communities are faced with the decision of whether to choose a Recirculation or a Flow Through system to provide safe water for their Spray Park. Below Western Recreation outlines some of the differences of each system to assist you with your decision making.

RECIRCULATION Capital costs

The addition of a surge tank with filter system and chemical control, adds a substantial cost to the project. Budget between forty and ninety thousand dollars depending on the Province and the size of the system. The Province of Alberta has recently implemented new regulations. Make sure your selected spray park builder has a complete understanding of the regulations and is experienced in these types of installations. It is most important that they understand hydraulic design and engineering as it relates to Spray Parks in general.

Energy Costs A recirculation system requires energy to operate 2 large pumps, a control panel, 2 chemical feeders and automated chemical controller and a touch screen programmable controller Average electrical cost is estimated at $150 per month based on single phase power energy at $0.10 kWH and a 350 GPM system.

Labour costs Daily water testing (10-30 minutes per day) - weekly pressure washing of pad (1-3 hours per week) Daily inspection of pad (10 minutes) Weekly cartridge rotation (10 minutes per week) Weekly pressure washing of concrete pad(2-3 hours) Seasonal open ( 3-4 hours) Seasonal closing (6-8 hours)

Chemical Costs Two chemicals are required in order to provide safe balanced water in a circulation system 04

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Chlorine in the form of Sodium Hypochlorite (liquid) or Calcium Hypochlorite (non-stabilized commercial pucks) is typically used for sanitization. Chlorine consumption will be a function of the number of users with the organic load from dust, debris and other particles that collect in the system.

Chlorine is required to kill microorganisms and bacteria, in addition to oxidizing the organic load. Chlorine consumption will vary from 5-15 litres per day depending of the organic and bacteria load and size of the spray park. In addition to Chlorine, you will require a pH buffer to offset the pH increase caused by adding chlorine. Muriatic acid can be used to lower the pH and consumption would equal about 60% of your chlorine consumption. A Spray Park with 100 users per day will consume roughly the same amount of chemical as a swimming pool with equal number of bathers per day.

FLOW THROUGH SYSTEM Many communities are opting for a flow through system when a suitable potable water source is readily available and cost effective. The downside to a flow through system is of course the water costs. The feature selection and layout of a flow through spray park must be carefully considered.

In order to mitigate water costs it is critical that low flow features are chosen and positioned on the pad in a manner that allows for efficient play zones and feature sequencing.

Secondly, you will want to strongly consider zone activators, a touch screen controller and a control manifold in your design. These two factors will make the difference between a $ 14,000 annual water bill and a $150,000 water bill. (That is for 100 days of operation).

Nirbo offers many high impact water features that require only 4-10-20 GPM for operation. DO NOT consider, for example, a water umbrella that requires 100 GPM in your

Western Recreation & Development can assist you by providing detailed piping placement drawings as well as backfill, concrete and rebar details and specifications. We also provide supervised installation services, which we recommend highly.

Note: Western Recreation offers annual start up and winterizing packages for our clients.

Western Recreation & Development Inc. has successfully completed over two hundred aquatic projects, throughout seven Provinces over the past quarter century. We would be pleased to meet with you in person to discuss your upcoming project.

flow through design, as your water costs for this feature alone would be in the range of $170.00 per day for 5 hours of daily operation (at $1.50 per cubic metre) That's $ 17,000 per season!

Brett Dyregrov President of Western Recreation & Development Inc. 1-403-848-2755 www.waterparks.ca

Labour costs daily inspection of pad (10 minutes) weekly pressure washing of concrete pad (2-3 hours) seasonal open (3-4 hours) seasonal closing (6-8 hours)

DID YOU KNOW?

Controls and Sequencing

Regardless of the Water Supply system chosen your New Spray Park design should incorporate the following features; the ability to control operational hours, using programmable control panel the ability to reduce operation when a park is vacant, using pad located activators the ability to separately program zones or individual features. This will help to control energy and water consumption costs. In addition it can reduce the overall cost of construction by maximizing pump, filtration efficiency and minimizing pipe sizing requirements.

DOING IT YOURSELF? Most communities do not have an experienced Spray Park builder "in the neighbourhood" and explore the option of doing the work using local resources. The main failure with Spray Park construction is damage during the winter. It is important that all pipe runs and water feature mounting jigs are placed in a manner that allows for simple, trouble free winterizing and general maintenance. Equally as important is the subsurface preparation of your pad, the installation of a suitable granular base and the placement of an Engineered concrete pad with adequate thickness and reinforcement.

A four inch concrete slab placed on six inches of gravel could be a recipe for disaster!

All operators of recreational powered watercraft who operate within Canadian waters are required to have their Pleasure Craft Operator Card (commonly referred to as a Boating License or Boat Card). In Saskatchewan, you do not need a boating license for sailboats, kayaks and the like, but you do need a boating license for any powered vehicle. Operating a powered vehicle without a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, or boat operators license, could subject you to a $250 fine.

Visit www.boaterexam.com/canada and get certified online!

June 2014

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TRANS CANADA TRAIL

WATER ROUTES When people hear the word “trail”, rolling waves and sparkling waters may not be the first images that come to mind.

But the Trans Canada Trail does indeed offer Canadians a safe network of recreational water trails, also known as Blueways - including a brand new stretch of the South Saskatchewan River.

The South Saskatchewan Heritage Waterway was spearheaded by the Trans Canada Trail Association (TCT) alongside Tourism Saskatchewan, WaterWolf Planning, Mid Sask Community Futures Development Corporation and Whitecap Dakota First Nation. This newly designated section of TCT waterway stretches over 100 kilometers along the South Saskatchewan River – recently nominated as a Canadian Heritage River by Partners FOR the Saskatchewan River Basin - from the Gardiner Dam to the south end of Saskatoon. It is a beautiful, scenic part of the province, rich in history and culture First Nations were the first to use the South Saskatchewan River, followed by European fur traders in the late 1600s and the waterway has been vital as a transportation route across the prairies for hundreds of years.

outside and experience the natural beauty of this country in the ways they most enjoy, whether on foot or on the water.

Some of TCT’s water routes include Mackenzie River Trail in the Northwest Territories and Great Slave River Trail in Northeastern Alberta, where adventurers can camp in the rugged Northern wilderness, canoeing and kayaking to their hearts’ content.

TCT’s South Saskatchewan Heritage Waterway can be enjoyed by anyone - kayakers and canoers alike, and with no waterfalls and relatively shallow waters, it is an ideal spot for families and children. There are four proposed pull-out camping locations in surrounding communities, providing basic overnight camping comforts (i.e. portable toilets, picnic tables, campsites, etc.) all located in such a way that even novice paddlers have enough time to reach the next site in one day. Alongside paddling, visitors can walk the TCT in the town of Outlook, where they can walk over the bridge (if they are not up to paddling across the water underneath it) and find more dirt and paved Trail near Outlook District Regional Park.

TCT offers countless opportunities to explore Canada’s diverse landscapes and rich history by way of hiking, cycling, skiing, horseback riding, snowmobiling and paddling. Today, the Trail is currently 72% completed, and TCT’s bold mission is to fully connect it by 2017, Canada’s 150th birthday.

As the longest network of recreational trails in the world, the TCT offers Blueways as another option for Canadians to get 06

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TCT is used by millions to experience Canada’s legendary natural beauty and wilderness, to deepen awareness of Canada’s history and culture and to inspire active living. TCT sections are managed at the local level and are generally located within 30 minutes of more than 80 percent of Canadians.

As for more Waterway development in Saskatchewan, plans are in the works for the Qu’Appelle Valley. Stay tuned and get paddling!

Trans Canada Trail Association

Photo courtesy of Wendy McKellar.

AQUA FITNESS One of the most common myths about aqua fitness is that it is only for the less mobile, the elderly, or those who are injured. While it is hugely beneficial for those target groups, it provides many health and fitness benefits for everyone – from beginners to athletes.

Because of the properties of the water, such as buoyancy and resistance, we have the option to work harder or easier in the water. If we let the water move us, then it definitely becomes easier, however if we work against the constant resistance and against the buoyancy, it becomes a much more intense fitness program. The gains you reap depend on the effort you exert while in the water.

It is not even necessary to participate in an organized fitness class to get the benefits of a water workout. Anyone can get in a pool during a public swim time or a lane swim and workout. High knee jogging forwards, backwards and sideways, jumping jacks, cross country skiing or holding on to the side of the pool and flutter kicking - are just a few of the ways to get exercise in a non-structured way.

The aquatic fitness environment provides a low-impact workout - with less strain on the joints and muscles, while providing all the cardiovascular, strength and flexibility benefits.

Yes, it is still a great way for those who do have medical or health issues, such as arthritis, fibromayalgia, heart conditions, or recovering from injury to easily exercise in the water with comfort, as the water supports them. In the day when bootcamps, High Intensity Interval Training (HITT) Cross Fit, Insanity, P90X and other higher intensity workouts are the rage, adding aqua workouts to your regime can assist in the reduction of injury, while increasing strength and flexibility.

Water has a massaging healing affect, so after one day of intense training, you may want to jump in the pool and take advantage of its benefits.

The water provides resistance from all angles - so arms, legs and core are constantly working as you push through the water. The faster you go, the more resistance you are creating.

When you add equipment to the workout, it can increase the workload even more.

Over the past 10 years, aqua fitness has become a more acceptable option to get fit. Most conferences geared towards fitness instructors have included an aqua fitness component - providing new and innovative ways to work out in the water.

Classes such as Hydro Blast, Aqua Bootcamp, Aqua Jog or Run, Aqua Tabatta and more are now included in facilities that have pools - in order to target all fitness levels to participate. New equipment is always being developed to enhance the aqua experience.

So, if you haven’t tried it, why not get wet, make some waves and get fit while doing it!

Mimi Lodoen SPRA Aqua Fitness Trainer/Course Conductor

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SWIM TO SURVIVE Last summer was my first at running Recreation Programs in Northern Saskatchewan. I lived in a small Northern Community where the locals’ stories often connect back to the river system. Lingering under the surface are sad stories of children who slipped just out of reach or fishermen who fell through spring ice and were never recovered. As a programmer, I knew that bringing the Lifesaving Society into my community was about more than entertaining the kids, it was about giving them skills that could be a matter of survival.

Statistically, 20-25 drowning deaths occur each year in Saskatchewan - half of those are in the North which is home to less than 4% of Saskatchewan’s total population. That’s why the Lifesaving Society has been working hard since 1997 to develop and promote water safety and swim programs in the most watery part of the province. Today Lifesaving Instructors travel into the North each summer to train and educate children and adults in water safety and swimming skills.

EVERY CHILD NEEDS TO KNOW...

What does it take to be WaterSmart?

Prevention of tragic events begins with educating people of all ages around water safety. That means teaching watersmart behaviour as simple as wearing a personal floatation device (PFD) in and around water, safe boat operation, and telling someone when you will be in/around water. Whether or not it’s common sense, the reality is that many people ignore safety precautions and become a risk.

Can your child Swim to Survive?

Just like any other safety skills, children need to be taught both water-smart behaviour and basic swim skills to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. The week long program focuses on these basic skills: Rolling into deep water Swimming 50m Treading water/surface support for 1 minute

TRAINING NORTHERN LEADERS

Northern Aquatic Leadership Training Week

Last May, I joined 17 Northern youth in Prince Albert for a 4-day intensive course to achieve their levels in Aquatic Leadership. As a result of this great program, all 18 participants completed Lifesaving Standard First Aid/CPR/AED training, 9 completed their Bronze Cross, 2 completed their Bronze Medallion, and all 18 gained more confidence, increased fitness and skills in swimming and water rescue.

Northern Watersmart Program

This program works with Northern communities to train youth to be leaders and trainers for Lifesaving programs. The goal is to eventually see Northern youth delivering the same programs that are currently brought into their communities.

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Photo courtesy of the Lifesaving Society

Success Story

Sandy Bay has been developing their WaterSmart leadership program for the last 3 summers, and is now hiring students as Beach Patrollers to enforce safety rules at their beach.

IT’S MORE THAN SWIMMING...

On top of swimming and safety instruction, evening training is provided to adults in the community to receive their Pleasure Craft Operator’s card through the BOAT program.

Emergency First Aid/CPR-C/AED certification is also offered as a 2-evening course.

With all of these continued opportunities to develop awareness and skills, the Lifesaving Society is confident that Saskatchewan will see a reduction in drowning deaths and increased safety measures in our communities. Let’s all do our part to educate our children, encourage youth to become certified in WaterSmart training, and be examples by practicing safety around water this summer!

Kathleen Cornthwaite Northern Field Consultant, SPRA

‘TAKE A SHOT’ PHOTO CONTEST Show Use What Recreation Means to You! SPRA invites you to show us “What Recreation Means to You” by participating in the 2014 SPRA Photo Contest. The contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers and no entry fee is required.

Photo Categories

1. Recreation Outdoors: Submit photos of individuals and groups participating in fun outdoor recreation activities - whether it is in a park, on a trail, or on the water!

2. Recreation at Work: Submit photos showing how you and your coworkers stay active at work.

3. Recreation at Home: Submit photos of individuals or groups participating in recreational activities in the comfort of their homes.

4. Recreation in the Community: Showcase your community recreation event!

5. Recreation behind the Scenes: Submit photos of individuals and groups developing and maintaining recreation environments.

Prizes:

Five winners will be selected – one in each of the 5 categories. Category winners will receive a $300 gift certificate from Atmosphere. Runners up will received prizes.

Submission of Entries:

Deadline for submissions is August 30, 2014.

Additional Information:

For additional information and contest rules, visit the SPRA website at www.spra.sk.ca.

I’D RATHER BE FISHING! Saskatchewan has some of the best fishing in the world.

Visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s website at

www.environment.gov.sk.ca/fishing

for a list of available licenses and their associated fees.

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DESIGNING FOR DISCOVERY Fun, engaging aquatic play spaces build community - they bring families together, encourage play between children of all ages and abilities, and help to create physically and emotionally healthy children. But what is the best way to ensure that the facility you’re designing achieves these goals?

The concept of designing for discovery starts with considering how children learn and play as they develop physically and mentally, how they interact with their environment and the people around them.

CORE ELEMENTS OF DEVELOPMENT

The core elements of positive development act as a foundation for designing for discovery. In supporting development through play, facility design should strive to be: Relational: the play environment should be safe for the intended age group to explore and play.

Relevant: play features should be developmentally matched to children’s levels of physical and mental development. The more closely matched, the more engaged children will be.

Repetitive: children, especially younger ones, thrive with repetition and recognizable patterns in their environment.

Rewarding: the play experience should be rewarding.

Respectful: play environments should be respectful with regard to the children playing, their families and the culture of the community.

2. Consider the play habits of each zone when choosing features. Children will be automatically drawn to the zone that best matches their play habits. Choose play features that stimulate development at each age level, and evoke thoughtful play. Keep in mind the role of parents or caregivers, giving them easy lines of sight to the children and dry sitting areas.

3. Space play features with sufficient room to encourage maximum fun. This is important not only for safety and play value, but also in order to ensure that the play environment is as accessible as possible for all levels of abilities.

Children get the most out of their play experience in aquatic facilities where these elements exist. Instead of simply being entertained, they discover and learn as they play.

STEPS FOR DESIGNING FOR DISCOVERY

AGE-SPECIFIC PLAY HABITS Smart design can have an enormous impact on the success Beyond separating different ages, defining play zones also of a facility - you can increase safety and maximize play value through a thoughtful design. There are three steps to designing allows you to cater to the play habits of toddlers, children and youth. for discovery: 1. Define separate play zones for toddlers, children and youth.

Segregation of age groups in separate zones is necessary for the enjoyment of younger children, who may be intimidated by youths.

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In the toddler zone, little ones should feel safe playing with water elements designed to their size and abilities. With a recommended age range of 6 months to 4 years, discovery play in this zone focuses on motor skills development, sensory

stimulation and parallel play for the younger ones.

The child zone is oriented around family fun, and should be an exciting area for everyone, though it is geared towards ages 5 to 8. Discovery play in this zone includes sensory stimulation, action-reaction interactions, and collaboration.

The youth zone includes big sprays and even bigger splashes for the older kids looking for more stimulation. Designed for ages 9 and up, the element of surprise is key for this zone, where the discovery play elements relate to actionreaction interactions and collaboration.

DISCOVERY PLAY: FEATURE SELECTION

The four types of discovery play - motor skills development, sensory stimulation, action-reaction interactions and collaboration - are cultivated through the appropriate feature selection and combinations within each play zone.

Motor Skills Development Motor skills development occurs in a play environment that encourages toddlers to develop coordination and test their abilities. Low-to-the-ground play features that little ones can manipulate, predictable water patterns and multiple textures all help to develop motor skills.

Sensory Stimulation Engaging children’s senses of touch, sight and sound evokes imaginative play, leading to emotional and social growth.

Touch is stimulated with features that children reach and connect with water texture and movement. The sounds of splashing and flowing water can be supplemented with features that are noise-interactive, making sounds from musical notes to animal calls. Visual effects such as theming, water patterns, reflections, translucent effects and light refraction create even more interest for all ages.

Action-Reaction Interactions Cause and effect learning environments help children to develop intention and discover causal relationships. Using activators in each major zone puts control of the park in the hands of the children and, coupled with park sequencing, keeps them guessing as to which features will be activated and in what order. Features that allow children to redirect or control the flow of water also help them explore action-reaction interactions.

Collaboration Collaborative play gives children confidence and promotes teamwork, which is an essential part of social development.

Multi-user play features, particularly those that encourage children to work together to achieve a specific result, are conducive to collaborative play. Some examples are spray cannons or team ground sprays, which erupt in a larger and larger burst of water as kids work together to cover some of the nozzles.

The end result: building healthier communities

Using this multi-faceted design process, you can create facilities that cater to the needs, interests and developmental stages of the end users, which encourages more repeat visits and offers something for all members of the community, regardless of age or ability. The outcome? Facilities designed for success and longevity, and of course, discovery.

Lisa Neilson, Waterplay Solutions Corp.

Make sure to consider the level of sensory stimulation for the intended age group - toddlers may be overwhelmed in a play area that stimulates all the senses at once, whereas this may be effective for older children.

EVENTS

SPRA Conference

October 23 - 25, 2014 (Humboldt, SK) The Conference will bring together recreation practitioners, parks and facility operators and volunteers from across the Province for the opportunity to network and learn the latest information in the parks and recreation field. Expect inspiring presenters, informative sessions, a Trade Show and entertaining social events.

SaskFit

November 7 - 9, 2014 (Saskatoon, SK) SaskFit is Saskatchewan’s premier Fitness and Health Conference and is attended by Fitness Leaders and enthusiasts throughout the Province.

For more information on upcoming events, visit the SPRA website at www.spra.sk.ca/events.

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UP THE RIVER WITH A PADDLE Canoeing is one of Canada’s traditional pastimes that has always been popular in Saskatchewan, but in recent years there has been an explosion of paddling activity in both canoes and kayaks on Saskatchewan’s great waterways.

As well, people are taking to the water on stand up paddleboards, adding a new dimension to paddle sports.

Canoe Kayak Saskatchewan, the provincial sport governing body that oversees the sport of competitive canoeing and kayaking, has been in existence since 1976. Canoe Kayak Saskatchewan operates under the umbrella of CanoeKayak Canada and its main focus is to develop athletes in the Olympic sports of sprint and slalom canoe/kayak racing, as well as, canoe polo and marathon racing. However, with sport and recreation so closely tied together, the organization is also the regional member association of Paddle Canada, which develops and oversees recreational paddling programs across Canada.

Canoe Kayak Saskatchewan has member clubs around the province whose activities range from recreational programming to high performance programs for elite athletes. In addition, its membership consists of Paddle Canada Instructors who offer paddling programs through their own outfitting companies, paddling schools, or in partnership with communities and community groups. All play a critical role in ensuring individuals and families have the opportunity to engage in quality, safe paddling programs. Many clubs offer “learn to” programs in a supervised setting, focusing on personal safety and skill development in canoes and kayaks, but also recently in dragon boating and stand up paddle boarding.

Clubs with a competitive component offer programs for youth and adults in a variety of sport disciplines and paddle craft.

Canoe/kayak racing is a sport in both the Saskatchewan Games and the Saskatchewan First Nations Games. The Games programs provide youth participants from all areas of Saskatchewan with an opportunity to develop recreational skills into competitive skills as members of teams. The Games also help identify potential athletes from around Saskatchewan who may have potential in the sport. Trista Neilly, a former Canoe Kayak Canada national team member from Loon Lake, started her competitive career as a Saskatchewan Games athlete. She went on to compete for Canada at the world level and was one of the top medal winners for Team Sask at the 2009 Canada Games.

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Saskatchewan has consistently had athletes on national teams over the years. Competitive clubs in Saskatoon and Regina operate on a year around basis and offer great opportunities for youth looking for a sport in which to excel at the national and international level. Our province has produced Olympians in the sport of sprint racing and has had athletes on the podium at the world level in both able bodied and paracanoe events. In the past five years, slalom racing has emerged as a sport in the province and canoe polo has had a resurgence. Saskatchewan athletes have represented Canada at the junior level in international competition in both sports. As well, marathon racers have competed in many national and international events and provincial members have represented Canada at the ICF World Dragon Boat Championships.

Whether a paddler is looking for a recreational or competitive opportunity, Canoe Kayak Saskatchewan Member Clubs have all the benefits that come with a club environment. They offer diverse programs for new, novice and advanced paddlers, with a wide focus from fitness and skill development to canoe tripping. Paddle Canada instructors offer a great curriculum of skill development programs and are also active with the new Paddle Smart program which focuses on safety instruction. .

The next time you dip a paddle in the water, think about the benefits offered by Canoe Kayak Saskatchewan’s member clubs and paddling instructors. Your experience on the water could be even more enjoyable through your involvement in an organized program or by becoming a member of one of the great canoe clubs in the province.

Jan Hanson Executive Director, Canoe Kayak Saskatchewan www.saskcanoe.ca

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BOATING SAFETY Along with your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, you are required by law to carry the following marine safety equipment: Canadian-approved flotation device or life jacket of appropriate size for each passenger on board Buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres in length Watertight flashlight OR Canadian approved flares – Type A,B or C Sound-signaling device Manual propelling device (i.e. paddle) OR an anchor with at least 15 metres of rope, chain or cable Bailer OR manual water pump Class 5 BC fire extinguisher

In addition to the safety equipment listed above, we highly recommend that you carry the following items – enough for everyone on board: Marine First Aid Kit Dry clothing Drinking water Snacks Sun-screen Waterproof matches Hat Knife Sunglasses

Canadian Red Cross. Boating Safety: Boating Safety Equipment Requirements. Retrieved from: http://www.redcross.ca/what-we-do/swimming-and-watersafety/swimming-boating-and-water-safety-tips/boating-safety.

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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