FALL 2017 | VOLUME 9 | NUMBER 1
S A S K AT C H E W A N PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A S S O C I AT I O N
REVITALIZING
RECREATION
FALL 2017 | VOLUME 9 | NUMBER 1
SPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CEO Report
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Friends Around the Table
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June is Recreation & Parks Month - A Month
President Dawna Nielson
Director for Villages Taylor Morrison
Director at Large Dylan Czarnecki
Director for Cities Ken Ottenbreit
Director at Large Chrisandra Dezotell
Director at Large Coralie Bueckert
Director for Towns Jaime Helgason
Director at Large Guylaine Green
Director for the North TJ Biemans
SPRA STAFF MANAGEMENT Chief Executive Officer Norm Campbell
of Celebration
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Green Melville Project
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Program Manager John Firnesz
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Field Services Manager Randy Durovick
Protecting the Health of our Communities with Smoke-Free Outdoor Spaces
You Goat-A Try This! 09
On the Hunt for Quality Recreation 10 Zombie Camp - Connecting Children to Indigenous Culture 11 Events 12 Innovating for Health 13 Thinking Outside the Box 14 Partnerships in Action 16
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:
Communications, Information and Research Manager Chantel Doerksen RECREATION CONSULTANTS Information and Research Services Nancy Young 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 Leadership and Evaluation Karen House Recreation Facilities Kelly Skotnitsky
Youth Engagement Desirea Weninger
FIELD CONSULTANTS/ ADMINISTRATION
Assistant Consultant Andrew Millard
Swift Current Jaclyn Davis Phone: (306) 778-1093
ADMINISTRATION Consultant - Finance Mark Sather Business Administrator (halftime) Linda Arnold Executive Assistant Lois McNaught Administrative Technician Ryan Monks Administrative Assistant II Kayla Lazeski Administrative Assistant I Mary Anne Schuweiler Fitness/Administrative Assistant II Lynn Bradley
Regina Office: Phone: (306) 780-9231 or 1-800-563-2555
Rosetown/North Battleford Kerry Bailey Phone: (306) 882-6607 Prince Albert Rob Boulding/Shari Morash Phone: (306) 953-0052 Weyburn Vacant Yorkton Darren Spelay/Tracy Malayney Phone: (306) 782-1072 Humboldt Clint McConnell Phone: (306) 682-5265 La Ronge Daniel Longman Phone: (306) 425-1910
CEO REPORT The world is undergoing a massive transformation that is having a significant impact on the recreation sector. Changes in technology, social constructs, communication systems, economics, political ideologies and the increased need to look at things on a global scale are all influencing the manner in which we continue to do business. As outlined in the Framework for Recreation in Canada 2015: Pathways to Wellbeing we need to ‘re-affirm our historic values while simultaneously adopting new ways of working to meet emerging needs’. It is time to revitalize recreation in our communities and our province.
Our sector is well positioned to help address some of the wicked problems that are affecting the province today including growing obesity and inactivity rates, increasing social alienation among disadvantaged populations, escalating mental health issues and the challenges caused by changing demographics. But we need to be creative in how we approach these issues. We have the necessary skills required to establish partnerships. We understand what it takes to strengthen communities. We know how to lead and we understand the need to collaborate and work together for the common good.
Recreation was born out of the need to provide services for those that were most vulnerable and in need of support. It was considered a public good. It was a service that was provided at little to no cost because it benefitted communities and societies as a whole.
Our challenge is to think outside the box and find new ways to engage our partners and those we serve.
But we are gradually distancing ourselves from this concept. The ‘user pay’ philosophy and a shift towards individual and facility focused activities has been constantly eroding away at the foundational beliefs of our sector. It is time for us to reacquaint ourselves with our reason for being and commit to finding new and innovative ways to provide our programs and services.
We will not always be successful but when we are, we should celebrate our successes and share our experiences with others. Quality recreation programs are a fundamental component of a well-functioning society and must be accessible and available to everyone. By being creative, sharing our accomplishments and supporting each other’s work we can positively influence the wellbeing of our communities. Norm Campbell SPRA CEO
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FRIENDS AROUND THE TABLE BUILDING RECREATION IN SMALL TOWN SASKATCHEWAN
Small towns sometimes face community challenges unknown to larger urban centres. A smaller population can mean fewer resources - but no less heart or spirit. This past year, the community of Coronach came together to address a decline in their recreational offerings and proved that challenges can bring out the best in a community. Heather and Jeff Dionne grew up in Coronach. When they remember dark winter mornings and the squeak of skates, or sweating through the longest days of a hot summer, those moments are tied to their hometown, their friends and the neighbours that helped shape their young lives. Coronach is still home. Jeff works at the power plant. Heather works at Canada Post and is mother to three active kids. They want their children to enjoy the same opportunities and experiences they remember from their childhood. But times change. Fifteen years ago Coronach had a full time Recreation Director. In those days there was a full roster of hockey teams. Now there are three. Owen (age 10) is able to play in the local Atom league, but Kyan (age 12) would have had to commute an hour to Assiniboia to play and practice. After counting the cost, Kyan had to say goodbye to hockey.
committee that would dedicate itself to the task. The pool is connected to the main building of the Coronach Sportsplex. It houses a regulation size, artificial ice skating rink with seating for 300. It also has a curling rink with four sheets of ice and seating for 100. The original rink has been repurposed as a year-round equestrian arena. It’s an extraordinary accomplishment, but the Coronach Sportsplex is much more than its name suggests. “We were married there,” says Heather. “In a town of 700 people, it’s home base.” From wedding receptions, to trade and community fairs, to funerals, it is where the people of Coronach gather to celebrate who they are.
Families all over small town Saskatchewan are familiar with the story. Some towns face a decline in overall population, some are faced with uncertainty as the interests of the emerging generation change and some have seen a once robust recreational structure fragment and grow dusty as their maintenance and management budgets have declined or completely disappeared. For a parent whose child has just lost an opportunity, it can seem like an insurmountable problem, too big for any one person to fix. Heather explained it like this, “Small towns are limited in what they have to offer. We accept that we don’t have everything a city does, but the limits make you appreciate what you do have, especially with regard to recreation, because there’s times when there’s not much else to do. As you look ahead, you anticipate and rely on the seasonal things that you’ve got in place.”
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In the spring of this year she learned the local pool would not be opening. “It was a bummer summer.” And it was the tipping point for her. She committed herself to doing whatever was necessary to have the pool open next year. She formed a pool
As Heather was searching out grants that would enable the town to repair and upgrade the pool, she learned that the fire suppression system in the Sportsplex was no longer to code. The community had 2-3 years to replace it (at a cost of $40,000) before the hub of their whole recreational system shut down. She wasn’t sure where to turn for help, or how to rally the community around its need. She knew her neighbours cared deeply about the community, but there was no dedicated point person who had all the answers. The town’s priorities were on matters of governance. The existing Rec Board was under
The Coronach stakeholders identified three key priorities. The first was their facility needs. Thanks to grants and gifts the community sought out and received, “that has been accomplished,” said Heather. “The fire suppression system is in, there’s been roof repairs, a lot of needed maintenance and painting.” The community is now working toward their second goal: the development of a well-educated Rec Board that is able to serve the community’s vision. Third on the list is the creation of a paid position to oversee the programs and facilities. “It’s a lot of work,” said Heather. “But it’s time well spent.”
resourced; it rarely met or acted. Most local activities were championed by individuals who mostly operated alone. She did what many of us would - she searched for “recreation” and “Saskatchewan” on Facebook and Google looking for examples of how others had found a way forward. Her search quickly led her to the South West District for Culture, Recreation and Sport (SWDCRS), a non-profit which serves communities by walking alongside them, guiding them into an assessment of their needs and priorities, then connecting them to the resources they require. Heather contacted Marian Campbell, a specialist in community development with SWDCRS. The group detailed their practical concerns and problems, but also opened up about their fears. “We’ve invested so much, over generations,” said Heather. “My parents helped build the curling rink. They created all these opportunities for me, now it feels like we’re failing our kids. What if my town is dying out?” Heather wasn’t going to let that happen. The phone conversation with Marian was reassuring. Coronach was experiencing a normal phase in the life of a small Saskatchewan town. Marian explained what the SWDCRS could provide – consultation, guidance and encouragement. They planned a community visit. Marian would come to Coronach and meet with community stakeholders. She’d prompt them to express and discuss their wants, needs and priorities, she’d listen and guide them into making an action plan. She could also connect them to the organizations and programs which could provide real support and expertise. To this end, Marian brought Jaclyn Davis, a consultant with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, to the meeting. Part of Heather remained concerned that when all the stakeholders gathered, their different interests might pull them in different directions. But as Marian and Jaclyn guided them through an examination of their needs and priorities, the town came together. “It was like friends around a table,” said Heather. “We all had the same points on our lists. Everyone from all these different parts of life were on the same page. It was an a-ha moment.”
Committed volunteers are the lifeblood of small town recreation. Heather’s advice to anyone intent on improving their town’s recreational offerings, is to persevere. “Get people involved. Pick up the phone and talk to the District. There are people who are waiting to guide you and encourage you. You’re going to have to do the work, but they will come along and help you make a plan that answers your needs so you can take the next step.” For now, Heather remains busier than ever, often heading to the rink several times a day with her youngest, Ella (age 5) “a true rink rat”, to oversee practices, conduct maintenance, recruit volunteers or to watch her son’s practices and games. At home there’s always another email to answer and more material to research, but the work is deeply satisfying. The support of her husband and both sets of parents have been invaluable, as has the work and encouragement put forward by the community. She’s encouraged by the successes they’ve found by working hard together and knowing that she’s made a real difference for her children gives her the energy to keep on. Is your community in a similar season? SWDCRS exists to help. The District has offices and community development coordinators in three locations. They’re ready to take your call, field your questions and guide your community toward a stronger understanding of its needs, strengths and opportunities. Written by Andre Harden Andre is an award winning screenwriter, playwright, director and story consultant with over twenty full length works produced or optioned. He lives in Moose Jaw. A STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM South West District Community Development Coordinators work with dozens of communities every year to help build sport, culture and recreation programs and services. When communities need more ongoing support for recreation board development, that’s when SWDCRS staffers turn to Jaclyn Davis, Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Field Consultant. Jaclyn’s expertise has been instrumental in helping south west communities reach their recreation board development goals. We thank her sincerely for being by our side at community meetings and look forward to working with her in the years to come. Article reprinted with permission from SouthWest District for Culture, Recreation and Sport Inc. 04
JUNE IS RECREATION & PARKS MONTH
A MONTH OF CELEBRATION Saskatchewan has once again celebrated summer with the June is Recreation & Parks Month (JRPM) campaign. Every year, communities across Canada recognize the month of June as a time to support their local park and recreation sectors. June is Recreation & Parks Month serves the purpose of recognizing the important benefits that recreation and parks have on the lives of citizens. Celebrating JRPM allows people the opportunity to utilize their parks and open spaces and participate in recreational activities in their area. This year in Saskatchewan, there were just under 50 registered JRPM ambassadors and a number of communities that officially proclaimed June is Recreation & Parks Month. Communities and organizations across the province were creative with a fun array of celebration activities being hosted. From picnics and barbecues to community gardens and outdoor yoga, JRPM participants were able to partake in unique and fun summer programming.
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Participating in recreational activity is a great way to promote healthy living, bring people together and create an active community. SPRA was once again pleased to offer financial assistance to JRPM ambassadors through the Celebration Initiative Grant. JRPM Ambassadors and SPRA Members had the opportunity to apply for grant funding to support hosting an event in their community during the month of June. With the beautiful summer weather that Saskatchewan experienced in June, all ambassadors hosted a variety of great events with support of organizers, volunteers and enthusiastic community participants.
“The excitement was overwhelming, all ages included” – Jeannie Rip, Village of Christopher Lake “Over 300 people took part in an opportunity to have family time outdoors and celebrate all the outdoor programs we can offer over the summer” – Kelly Schafer, Swift Current “Picnic on the Plaza was a great kick-off event that garnered awareness about the importance and impact recreation has on our lives” – Candace Dustan, North Battleford The 2017 June is Recreation & Parks Month campaign showcased once again the many positive aspects of parks and recreation in the province. Parks provide ecological, sustainable and social benefits, while also providing a recreational venue that gets people active and engaged in their communities. SPRA would like to thank everyone who participated in June is Recreation & Parks Month this year for their celebration efforts. Communities recognizing the benefits and importance of parks and recreation are vital to the continued high quality of living we enjoy in Saskatchewan. Thank you to all ambassadors and participants for another wonderful June and we hope to see you back next year! Kim Lewis SPRA Summer Program Development Assistant
GREEN MELVILLE PROJECT The City of Melville was very honoured to receive a grant from Tree Canada, CN EcoConexus and Communities in Bloom that allowed our community to plant almost 1,500 trees. Andrew Fahlman, the Director of Public Works and Planning, took on the task of producing two new programs due to this opportunity. He created the ‘Adopt-A-Tree’ program that allowed community members to plant trees in front of their homes, ensuring that the city’s streets are lined with trees for many years to come. The home owners have pledged to take care of their trees for the first five years, which will help make sure that the trees take root and grow for another 100 years.
Andrew has created two very successful programs that will leave a legacy within the City of Melville, as approximately 1,500 trees will grow during our time and our children’s time.
The second program Andrew created was ‘Green Melville’. This program allowed eighteen parks and green spaces around our community to receive replacement trees for those that were destroyed in recent storms over the past few years, or receive trees for the first time, such as the Trans Canada Trail and Melville Reservoir. Additionally, this program allowed the City to bring the community together and had community groups help plant trees, while raising funds for their individual organizations. We were very fortunate to have eleven groups, more than 100 volunteers, planting with us on June 10, 2017, with a majority of the organizations involving youth during the planting. What a great way to share a legacy and teach our youth the importance and benefits of planting trees! With the grant, we were able to plant 31 carefully selected tree species to encourage biodiversity, disease resistance and wildlife habitat. We were even able to include 227 Manitoba and Amur Maples to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. We also planted white birch to honour Saskatchewan’s Provincial tree and white poplar to symbolize and honour the First Nations peoples of our province’s Sun Dance. The City of Melville’s Public Works department spearheaded these programs because they saw the benefit they would bring. We are extremely fortunate to have a Public Works department that is so supportive of green spaces and has such a respect for everything that we believe in and advocate for in recreation. The City is also very lucky to have Andrew specifically on board because he has a true passion for the outdoors, environment, wildlife and nature in and outside of work, which clearly was showcased in the programs that he developed for the city.
Andrew Fahlman at the Ceremonial Tree planted at City Hall to kick off the program.
Heather Miller Recreation & Programming Manager City of Melville
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PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF OUR COMMUNITY WITH SMOKEFREE OUTDOOR SPACES Earlier this summer, Regina implemented one of the strictest outdoor smoking bylaws in the country. In doing so it joins a long list of Canadian municipalities protecting residents from the harms of second-hand smoke, including some here in Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Warman, Martensville and Maidstone). As a result, smoking of any substance including marijuana and the use of electronic cigarettes are banned on outdoor patios of restaurants and bars, all municipal properties including parks, playgrounds, sports fields, on golf courses and any municipal property where the public gathers. That would include the Exhibition grounds, Mosaic Stadium, the Scarth Street Mall and 12th Avenue plaza. This is something all Saskatchewan residents can be proud of, as our province has one of the highest smoking rates in the country. All levels of government need to take decisive action now to protect people from second, prevent youth from starting and support those trying to quit. The Regina bylaw came after years of advocacy by health groups, including the Canadian Cancer Society, the Lung Association of Saskatchewan and the Heart and Stroke Foundation and an extensive public consultation. Nearly 10,000 people participated in an online survey, the biggest in recent history. Residents spoke out and made it clear they wanted outdoor public spaces free of second-hand smoke and vapour. Since the provincial government adopted laws banning smoking indoors in 2005, we have become used to it and, in fact, we like it. Poll after poll has found this to be the case. Second-hand smoke is not just bothersome, it is toxic. It contains thousands of chemicals, at least 69 known to cause cancer and there is no safe level of exposure. Research has shown that tobacco smoke outdoors can be just as concentrated as it is indoors, depending on the number of smokers, weather conditions and location. In the case of a restaurant server who might spend upwards of 8 hours on a smoke-filled outdoor patio, this is a workplace health and safety issue. 07
Saskatchewan has one of the highest smoking rates in the country -17% compared to 13% nationally. Tobacco use kills more than 1,500 Saskatchewan residents annually (2005), accounting for approximately 1 out of 5 deaths. Smoking bans help people quit. Several studies have shown that when smoking restrictions are implemented, people have quit their tobacco addiction or cut back and that smoke-free patios may help former users avoid relapse.
Smoke-free outdoor public places also help to denormalize smoking. Since most people start smoking before their 18th birthday, having outdoor spaces smoke-free is significant in shaping healthy supportive environments. Youth who do not see adults smoking or vaping will be less likely to view these as normal social behaviours, and thereby, are less likely to start themselves. Outdoor smoking bans are also good for the environment. They reduce the number of discarded butts and municipal cleanup costs and reduce the risk of fires. Smoking restrictions are a key component to reducing smoking rates along with increased tobacco taxes, restrictions on advertising, mass-reaching public education and accessible
cessation interventions. We applaud municipalities like Regina for their leadership in creating smoke-free environments. Unfortunately, there are many Saskatchewan communities that do not have this same protection. This is why it is critical that the provincial government introduce legislation so that every child and adult is protected, regardless of their postal code. Through introduction of a comprehensive provincial policy which makes all outdoor public spaces smoke-free, we can create a healthier future for all Saskatchewan residents. Donna Pasiechnik, Canadian Cancer Society Jennifer May, The Lung Association of Saskatchewan Dylan Andreychuk, Heart & Stroke, Saskatchewan
™The heart and / Icon on its own and the heart and / Icon followed by another icon or words are trademarks of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
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YOU GOAT-A TRY THIS! Warm sun, relaxing exercise and lots of giggles! One can start their day off with all of these things by jumping on the 'goat yoga' craze at Grotto Gardens!
Goat Yoga at Grotto Gardens involves miniature goats meandering around, jumping or cuddling with participants. Participants engage in various yoga poses, led by expert instructors from 'Sun Dog Yoga,' under the bright, sunny sky in Maple Creek. Classes vary in size from 10-25 people with 8 goats partaking in the fun! Goat Yoga takes place in a peaceful environment, either under trees or in the covered yoga barn next to the memorial grotto constructed by owners Dan and Dana in memory of their son Dean.
“Goat Yoga was so much fun! I was excited to be able to try something brand new for the first time at my age. I had never heard of goat yoga before and to be able to have that new experience right here in Maple Creek was fantastic. I was impressed with all the thought and attention that Dana & Danny put into Goat Yoga. From the big parts like a brand new barn to the small details like providing yoga matts for the guests and treats for the goats.” - Julie from Maple Creek
Yoga participants experience the many physical and emotional benefits of starting their day off with some enjoyable exercise with lovable goats! Join in the fun each Sunday or Thursday at Grotto Gardens. Visitors can obtain more information or register for classes at grottogardens.ca. Classes run until September 3rd. Watch for our ‘Kids with Kids’ classes next season where children will be able to join in the yoga fun with young goats! Hear about the Goat Yoga experience first-hand: “As soon as I heard about goat yoga I burst out laughing, in a good way! I had to try it! And I'm so glad I did. I felt like I got a bit of a work out while also enjoying the company of adorable goats. I couldn't help but smile through the whole experience. I loved it so much that I immediately made a second trip and it was just as therapeutic” – Alicia
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For more information, visit www.grottogardens.ca. Sayla Sellinger Grotto Gardens
ON THE HUNT FOR QUALITY RECREATION On the Hunt for Quality Recreation will be hosted at The Legends Centre, in Warman, SK, October 19-21, 2017. This event will include the SPRA Annual Conference, Awards Ceremonies, new and exciting features at the Commercial Tradeshow and so much more! Join us...
For pre-event sessions beginning Wednesday, October 18th and concurrent sessions on Thursday and Friday. Presenters will enhance your learning and perspectives on a wide range of topics that align with the five goals of the Framework for Recreation in Canada 2015. There is something for everyone! Our Keynote Speakers this year will be presentations you won’t want to miss! Darren Lang will join us to discuss stress in the workplace and how to manage and take control through heartfelt and fun stories. Robin Esrock, a best-selling author and TV host, will speak to us about the personal and professional boundaries that often stand in our way and how to transform, recognize our potential and achieve Big Hairy Audacious Goals!
Join us...for fun and great networking! Catch up with friends and colleagues. Share experiences and ideas! Check out the Commercial Trade Show and Community Exhibits. Take in the Pre-Event Social on Wednesday and RecFest on Thursday night, as it is always a good time! So...join us! We can’t wait to welcome you to Warman! Our committee, our Associations and our province awaits! Come and join us on the hunt for quality recreation in October! See you there! Heather Chatfield Host-Committee Co-Chair ON THE
Join us...for celebrations as we recognize excellence. Put your best foot forward at the SPRA Awards Gala, participate in our Black Tie Bingo and enjoy some great food, fellowship and superb entertainment!
HUNT FOR
QUALITY RECREATION
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ZOMBIE CAMP
CONNECTING CHILDREN TO INDIGENOUS CULTURE For ten-year-old Raiden, from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, participating in a Zombie Apocalypse Survival Camp sounded like it would be a lot of fun. Raiden had never been to a summer camp before, so he eagerly joined other children and elders in his community for a week this past July to learn how to live off the land. The creative name was used to attract children to participate. The camp was designed to bring children and elders together over shared learning of Indigenous cultural and land-based practices. “We made pemmican, we were helping with drying meat, and I helped with tanning a moose hide!” Raiden explained. “[Our elders] helped us to learn our old ways because we don’t do this anymore.”
Marie (aged 12), Autumn (aged 8) and Raiden (aged 10) learn how to smoke wild meat at their park in Muskeg Lake Cree Nation during a Zombie Apocalypse Survival Camp this past July.
With help from their elders, children picked sweet grass and sage, worked on beading crafts, learned how to smoke wild meat and tan moose hide and crushed sea shells to make traditional medicine. The children also participated in a talking circle with elders where they shared stories, learned how to pray to the creator and smudged with sweet grass. “My favourite activity was tanning the moose hide,” Raiden told us, thinking about all of the new things he learned. “I liked stepping on it in soapy water. This helped clean the hide.” 11
For elder Darlene who helped out at the camp, it meant a lot to be able to pass on these traditions to children like Raiden. “[The children] learned about what happened a long time ago and what their ancestors did in the past and how they survived. Perhaps they will carry on these activities in the future, tanning hide, making pemmican,” Darlene said. The learning wasn’t just for children. “There is always something to learn from attending this type of function,” Darlene added. She learned how to tan a hide for the first time just like Raiden. The Zombie Apocalypse Survival Camp is supported by the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation band. This year, Canadian Feed The Children (CFTC) joined with them as part of a new partnership through the development agency’s Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds program. Muskeg Lake Cree Nation is one community in a cluster of communities from Treaty Six territory in central Saskatchewan that has partnered with Canadian Feed The Children to address food insecurity through community-led, land-based education. Neighbouring First Nations (Beardy’s & Okemasis, Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation) have also joined the Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds program this year, an expansion of programming that has been funded by a generous grant from the Slaight Family Foundation. Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds aims to reach 20 new Indigenous communities by 2020. For Raiden, now that the camp is over, he feels prepared to survive a zombie apocalypse – if one were to ever happen. But most of all, Darlene hopes Raiden and the other children who attended the camp have left knowing how important it is “to be proud of who you are.” Kailey Morin CANADIAN FEED THE CHILDREN
EVENTS SPRA Conference
October 19 - 21, 2017 (Warman, SK) If you’re a professional or volunteer in recreation, parks, or facilities, this is one event you will not want to miss! You can expect national caliber keynotes and presenters, connecting with colleagues and experts from the field, timely learning about topics that matter most and entertaining social events. Visit www.spra.sk.ca/conference.
SaskFit
November 4 - 6, 2017 (Regina, SK) Join fellow fitness enthusiasts at Saskatchewan’s Premier Fitness and Health Conference for an outstanding weekend of workshops, lectures and special events to inspire, educate and motivate! Visit www.spra.sk.ca/saskfit. For information on upcoming events, visit www.spra.sk.ca/events.
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INNOVATING FOR HEALTH Since 1974, Sue Johnson has worked at the Alsask Gopher Dip Pool and is currently on her third generation of swimming lessons. Sue is now the Manager of the pool, and among her many duties, handles the pool bookings and payment of rentals made to the RM, regularly updates a Facebook page for the pool, and attends monthly Council meetings where she gives the pool report. She manages five other pool employees. Unfortunately, after working in the pool world for so long, Sue began having health issues and had to see an asthma specialist. The specialist told her that she would have to quit working at the pool. She began working with friends and others to research options because she was not willing to give up the pool. Sue went back to the Alsask Community Club with her health problem, and based the research they had found, the Club opted for a UV system that they installed in 2011. John Weeks (close friend and volunteer) did all the research on the UV system and at the time there were only two companies that sold this pool technology. For a variety of reasons, they used SpectraLight Ultraviolet (UV) Pool Systems. At the time of installation Alsask was the only the second pool with a UV system in Saskatchewan after the Shaw Centre in Saskatoon.
to operate, and, best of all, you don’t smell like chlorine. The Heartland Health Region Public Health Inspectors allowed us to put the UV system in as a test facility for the province of Saskatchewan. They claimed if it worked in our pool it would work anywhere. John Prince has indicated that the water chemistry is perfect. Sue believes the quality of her swimming lessons affect the health and safety of her students after they leave the pool. She feels there is a lot of pressure on pools to just "pass" kids in swimming lessons. There are a large number of kids that come to take lessons at her pool that have their badges for higher levels and they don't meet the requirements. In Sue’s opinion, swimming is a survival skill. Skills need to be taught and practiced until kids can do them. There are no participation badges at her pool. Alsask is a small community in west-central Saskatchewan, right beside the Alberta border. If it’s not already clear, Al=Alberta, sask=Saskatchewan. Founded just over a century ago as part of a Canadian Forces Base that shut down in 1987, Alsask was restructured into the RM of Milton in 2009; according to the 2011 census there were 131 people that lived in the town site. The pool was built almost 50 years ago as part of the Alsask CFB. After closing, the recreation centre and swimming pool were taken over by the village. It normally runs from April until September with around 500 kids signing up for swimming lessons each year.
Sue with Shannon Mundt (ConocoPhillips). ConocoPhillips has been the biggest supporter of the pool for many years, donating rescue tubes that are used for public swim and running lifeguard courses.
Sue loves the UV system. "There is no off gassing, the pool temperature is easily kept constant at 86 degrees Fahrenheit, the two bulbs in the system each last 15,000 hours, it reduces the amount of pool chemical needed. It costs about $1.35/day 13
Tragedy struck when a fire broke out in the boiler room near the end of 2011. Damage to the boiler room was extensive as both boilers were destroyed. The rebuilding began after that. Renovations to the bathrooms and filter rooms are complete. A grand reopening was held July 22, 2017. Kerry Bailey, SPRA Nancy Young, SPRA
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX Our Aberdeen Town Council had a joint meeting with the RM of Aberdeen Council in regards to the state of affairs of our rink. Our rink, valued at $12 million dollars with just over 2 million owing, has had a huge effect on our town economically. 25% of our tax base goes to supporting it and the positive economics associated with bringing many people into our community for sports, dance, etc. This also benefits our other businesses. This rink was originally built by volunteers, for a small community this was unbelieveable. This is our epicentre where people hang out and socialize have huge tournaments and camps, it is one of the main things Aberdeen is known for. The huge maintenance of the rink’s geo thermal system has been astronomical in price. The Town and RM match each other in this and all payments to the rink. Our joint councils want to see the rink paid off.
meeting due to the financial distress the rink was in - this was a do or die situation. I had about 80 volunteers. Volunteers are coming from surrounding areas as well as Aberdeen. As I entered each stage, I would call for volunteers and then proceed to the next stage. We have received calls from companies from Saskatoon wanting to donate product as well. The support has been overwhelming but this is what Saskatchewan people are about!
The RM council has many farmers on it and they came up with a crop fundraiser that allowed them to get seed, chemical, equipment and labour to harvest their crops that they plant. The proceeds of this project go to the rink. I am a builder and own Solid Core Homes and as the Mayor of Aberdeen, I wanted to do something large to contribute but that would not be farming. So I came up with the idea of building a house to sell on MLS and the profit would go to the rink. The Town of Aberdeen donated the lot and the RM had a donation in kind to match the lot value. I decided I would donate my staff’s labour to the project and talked to many of my sub trades and they immediately said they would do the same. I was overwhelmed by the support and brought the idea forward to our council and RM council with 100 percent support! There was no negatives that we could come up with. We had a meeting with Affinity Credit Union who agreed to lend us $150,000 for project materials. The labour was donated by volunteers, companies and individuals. We held a public
Renee Reimer Horner Mayor of Aberdeen
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Flying Dust First Nation is a unique community surrounding the City of Meadow Lake. The community has a membership of 1,200 people who are proud of their history, their culture and their community values. We boast a very highly skilled and educated membership which recognizes its challenges and its strengths. Flying Dust had an immediate challenge to address the needs of its growing youth population. The positive relationship with Meadow Lake and surrounding Rural Municipalities is a huge asset to resolving local social issues in a proactive way. Flying Dust, Meadow Lake and surrounding communities are working together to engage their young people in healthy, active lifestyles. Flying Dust First Nation Leadership had received overwhelming support from Band membership and the surrounding communities, including the City of Meadow Lake and the Rural Municipality of Meadow Lake, to construct a new $4.6 million Sports Arena Complex in 2000. The new facility serves to accommodate the huge demand for Flying Dust and its community partners for much needed new ice time - given the very limited ice time available at the only existing arena in the area. The venue also provides opportunities for sports training and physical fitness, as well as the potential to host major entertainment events. The new sports complex will have the capacity to meet hockey and figure skating requirements as a fitness centre and mezzanine for sports training and therapy. In addition, the Complex includes an Elders’ activity centre along with daily fitness and boxing programs. Numerous hockey programs and hockey schools are held and we are in operation from August
to May every year. The facility currently has 4 Full Time staff that are certified with the Arena Operators Level One certification. Vision To provide a modern state of the art facility that will enable youth and community members alike with opportunities in sporting excellence; thereby promoting healthy lifestyles and healthy communities. Values The promotion of traditional values of respect, trust, honesty, integrity, fair play and work ethic. The Sports Complex complements the existing facilities available on the Flying Dust First Nation and the City of Meadow Lake. Together the community partners can boast facilities that will include two ice arenas, swimming pool, two athletics venues, football fields, baseball and softball diamonds with lights, several gymnasiums, golf course and a provincial park 30 kilometres away for water sports training. Together the communities will establish a great legacy as the center of northern Saskatchewan Sports Excellence. Clay DeBray Facility Manager, Pineridge Ford Place 16
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