JUNE 2015 | VOLUME 6 | 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
Outdoor Adventure! Discover Recreation Outside!
Coming this fall , new office & Warehouse in Raymore Saskatchewan …. 1-306-519-7018 EPS TECHNOLOGY
Some of our 2015 Projects….. Bienfait, Raymore, Rocanville, Southey, Assiniboia, Mossomin,
Www.waterparks.ca
Residence Inn & Suites Waterpark, RCMP Depot Regina
JUNE 2015 | VOLUME 6 | NUMBER 2
SPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Mike Powell
Director for Villages Clive Craig
Director at Large Dawna Nielson
Director for Cities Jasmine Jackman
Director at Large Marvin Sanderson
Director at Large Coralie Bueckert
Director for Towns Guylaine Green
Director at Large Mimi Lodoen
Director for the North TJ Biemans
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President’s Report
SPRA STAFF MANAGEMENT Chief Executive Officer Norm Campbell Program Manager John Firnesz Field Services Manager Randy Durovick Communications, Information and Research Manager Luella Newman
Recreation Facilities Kelly Skotnitsky
FIELD CONSULTANTS/ ADMINISTRATION
Youth Engagement Tanya Murphy
Swift Current Jaclyn Davis/Christine Rousseaux Phone: (306) 778-1091
ADMINISTRATION Business Administrator Mandy Selinger Business Administrator Anita Ehman
Rosetown/North Battleford Kerry Bailey/Janae Dawson Phone: (306) 882-6601
Executive Assistant Lois McNaught
Prince Albert Rob Boulding/Shari Morash Phone: (306) 953-0052
Administrative Technician Ryan Monks
Weyburn Sean Hanlon Phone: (306) 848-0274
Administrative Assistant II Natalie McAmmond
Yorkton Darren Spelay/Tracy Malayney Phone: (306) 782-1072
Human Resources and Funding Lee Anne Balliett
Administrative Assistant I Kayla Schreiner Donna Matheson
Parks and Open Spaces Andrew Exelby
Humboldt Clint McConnell/ Lynne Morelli Phone: (306) 682-5265
Fitness/Administrative Assistant II Lynn Bradley
La Ronge Vacant Phone: (306) 425-1910
RECREATION CONSULTANTS Information and Research Services Chantel Doerksen Communications Lori Ross Christian Bates-Hardy
Physical Activity and Fitness Wendy McKellar Aboriginal Support Tim Haywahe Leadership and Evaluation Karen Thompson
Regina Office: Phone: (306) 780-9231 or 1-800-563-2555
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How are You Celebrating
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Keep Your Head in the Game
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Leave No Trace
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Lets Go Fly a Kite
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Saskatchewan Tourism - Awards of Excellence
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Off the Beaten Path
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Events 09 Recognizing Volunteers
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Experience Saskatchewan
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June is Recreation & Parks Month
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GPS and Pedometer Lending Kits
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Accessible Play
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Climbing to New Heights
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Outdoor Fun for Kids
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Commercial Ads
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DIRECTION is published four times a year (December, March, June and September). The publication is provided to members of the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. Direct all communications to: Editor, DIRECTION #100 - 1445 Park Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 4C5 You may also send letters or comments to Lori Ross, Communications Consultant, at 306.780.9370, by fax at 306.780.9257, or by email at lross@spra.sk.ca. Articles within this magazine are the opinions of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of SPRA. Articles in DIRECTION may be reprinted, provided that full credits are shown for the author and the magazine.
Supported by:
June 2015
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT Well…here we are again. Another edition of DIRECTION and another timely theme…Outdoor Adventure! I am going to be honest with you and tell you that I was late submitting this report. I am blaming it on the very nice weather we have been having and that I was enjoying the great outdoors. My eldest son and I went for a day hike to Wascana Trails…the location of the Canada Games mountain bike races. The trail was fantastic, the sun was shining, the birds were chirping and the creek was bubbling. Such a simple activity like walking made so much more enjoyable by the company and the environment. I like to think that I wasn’t really delinquent in my report writing but simply doing thorough research! Check out the information on Saskatchewan Trails in the coming pages.
In this edition, there is an article on outdoor fun for kids. In today’s age, technology gets a pretty bad rap for interfering with the activity levels of everyone…especially kids. The increase in screen time is taking away from the outdoor play time and other activities. While this is true, technology can also be embraced and can help to enhance recreation activities. It is communication tools that can help spread the word of new activities that you can find and enjoy. You can book a campsite, look up tips for a hike, check the weather, shop online for equipment - even phone your buddies to join you (or taunt them that they didn’t). Geocaching is an example of a popular activity that requires technology and encourages outdoor activities. I have apps on my phone that tell me how far and fast I walk/exercise, what stars are what…I even have a first aid app. We need to look at ways to embrace technology to enhance our recreation opportunities. On that note…check out this photo I took on the hike I mentioned above.
We are so very lucky here in Saskatchewan, to be blessed with an abundance of outdoor opportunities right in our backyard. In this edition check out the Sask Tourism awards of excellence related to outdoor adventure for some great examples. People come from all over to enjoy outdoor activities and our Saskatchewan residents get to enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities at our convenience. We may not have any mountains but that does not deter our resolve. Check out the rock climbing program in the North. We already know Saskatchewan has more then a few bodies of water to enjoy. There are so many activities to enjoy in, on and “above” the water. Yes…above the water…if you are looking for something new and exciting check out the article on Kiteboarding. While you are enjoying the water please keep safety in mind. June is the time our province and others across Canada celebrate Recreation with June is Recreation & Parks Month. June has been proclaimed in this way for years reminding us about the importance of recreation to our community’s and everyone’s wellbeing. We have put together some JRPM ideas for you to enjoy and borrow for your community. Not that we need an excuse, but JRPM is indeed an excuse to try something new or simply to shake off the winter weather and get up and get moving.
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Now I need to wrap things up because the outdoors is calling…and my laptop battery is getting low! Enjoy the great outdoors… there is really no excuse not to.
Mike Powell SPRA President
JUNE IS RECREATION & PARKS MONTH
HOW ARE YOU CELEBRATING? The June is Recreation and Parks (JRPM) Month Celebration Initiative Grant is just one way that SPRA can inspire the liveliness of our communities! There is no wrong way to rally a community, have some fun and share a celebration. From community picnics and carnivals to sports tournaments and fireworks shows, Saskatchewan communities never fall short of providing inspiring and creative ways to promote local pride and participation. For years, JRPM and the Celebration Initiative Grant have supported the wide variety of events held by communities. Every year there is an abundance of communities and organizations that join us in our pursuit to promote the lovely parks and trails in our province and of course the importance of recreation! Being in Saskatchewan, we have communities of all different shapes and sizes. Some of our JRPM Events have had participant numbers ranging from 45 to 500+! No matter the turn out, our Saskatchewan communities provide exciting and lasting experiences for all of their citizens. The JRPM Celebration Initiative Grant is a way to allow us to have events that help to bring the community together. Are you interested in becoming a part of this program but are unsure of how you can participate? Here is a list of possible activities or events that have been done by other communities: ■ Soccer Tournaments ■ Community BBQ ■ Town-Wide Walk/Run/Ride Race ■ Picnic in the Park ■ Free admission at the Swimming Pool ■ Fireworks Shows ■ Volleyball Tournaments ■ Live Entertainment ■ Kite Flying Carnival Rides ■ Climbing Walls
■ Community Bike Rides ■ Bouncy Castles ■ Quad Rides ■ Parades ■ Yoga in the Park ■ Golf Tournaments ■ Late Night Swim Times ■ Prizes, Raffles and Door Prizes ■ Snorkeling at the Swimming Pool
■ Petting Zoos ■ Community Dance and Midnight Lunch ■ Face Painting ■ Slo-pitch Tournament ■ Adventure Walks on Local Trails ■ Scavenger Hunts ■ Community Planting of Trees and Flowers
As you can see, there are endless opportunities for your community or organization to get involved! Top off the event by putting your own local twist on the JRPM Program by giving your event a unique name or partner the event with other local organizations or campaigns. SPRA acknowledges and encourages the importance of allowing communities to get together and create lasting memories for people of all ages. Every year, communities express their gratitude for our assistance and comment on the positive experiences that arise from these events for their community members. With so much success, SPRA is pleased to continue to support these events and provide assistance to our Saskatchewan communities to continue these celebrations. With the 2015 JRPM Program starting up, SPRA is very excited to see what the communities have in store for this year!
Samantha Illerbrun SPRA Summer Program Development Assistant June 2015
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KEEP YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME As people gear up for another summer of ATV riding, John Meed of the Saskatchewan All-Terrain Vehicle Association (SATVA) has some advice – wear your helmet!
“Getting out on your ATV and enjoying the nice weather is a great recreational activity, but there are also hazards that accompany this pastime. Wearing a helmet is the first step in making ATV safety a priority for riders,” says Meed. “It’s such a simple thing to do yet many riders still refuse to wear a helmet, placing them at greater risk for serious injury and even death.” Last year five people were killed and another 172 were injured in ATV accidents in Saskatchewan. ATVs are especially dangerous when used by children and young teens because they lack the knowledge, physical size, strength, cognitive and motor skills to operate them safely. Recent research indicates that wearing a helmet while riding an ATV reduces an individual’s risk of death by 42 per cent and of suffering a head injury by 64 per cent. Head and spinal cord injuries are among the most common injuries incurred by ATV users.
“Helmets are the single most effective means of preventing head injuries that result in death or permanent disability,” explains Meed, SATVA’s general manager. “The helmet you put on your head may be the only thing responsible for saving your life when your own judgment, skill and luck have failed to keep you safe. That is why choosing the right helmet is so important.” There are numerous other reasons to wear a helmet. They can help you hear other sounds better since they reduce ambient wind noise. A full-face helmet can keep you from being distracted, especially if you are stuck by insects or other objects in the face. Helmets can reduce fatigue from the wind, which in turn, keeps you more alert. As well, if you wear a brightly-colored helmet, it is easier for other offroaders to see and avoid you. 04
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Despite these benefits, some riders still feel that they don’t need helmets - helmets will negatively impact their experience, or wearing one simply isn’t cool. Meed says the truth is that today’s helmets are very comfortable and lightweight, and provide the rider with plenty of protection from the elements. And, of course, a helmet can save your life. There are three basic types of ATV helmets – full face, open face and off-road. Full-face helmets completely cover your face and feature moldings that extend to the chin and mouth for extra protection. Off-road helmets also completely cover the face, but provide more ventilation to the mouth and face. Open face helmets only cover the head and chin, leaving the rest of the face exposed. These helmets are usually used by those who use their quads for work such as ranching and oil field maintenance, or outdoor recreation activities such as hunting and fishing. Meed suggests that when you buy a helmet make sure that it has the proper fit. It should be securely fastened and snug but not so tight that the helmet can’t move. You should not be able to insert a finger between your forehead and the helmet lining. The padding of a full-face helmet should press lightly against your cheeks, but still be loose enough to enable you to insert a finger or two. “While wearing your helmet, try to rotate it without turning your head. If the helmet turns enough to interfere with your vision, then it is too loose and you should try the next size down. If that one is too tight, you might want to consider a different brand,” says Meed. Another tip is to try jumping up and down and leaning from side to side to see how easily the helmet moves. The weight of a helmet is another consideration. Try wearing the helmet for 10-15 minutes and see if it places too much
weight on your head. If it seems too heavy, then choose another since the wrong helmet may prevent you from seeing clearly in all directions. There are other features you should consider as well. See if the air vents can be opened or closed for hot or cold weather. You may also want a visor that is adjustable to your style. If you have an older helmet, double check how long the manufacturer recommends when it should be replaced. Most helmets deteriorate with age and usually have to be replaced after five years. This is because glues, resins and other materials in the helmet eventually break down and affect the interior liner. Hair oils and cosmetics can also impact helmet durability as well as normal wear and tear. “A helmet is only good for one impact,” says Meed. “If you dent or crack your helmet, you must get a replacement helmet right away. Helmets are made in such a fashion that a blow will impact their integrity, even if it is not apparent while viewing. ” After you’ve purchased your helmet, it is important to properly maintain it. Many helmets feature removable liners that can be thrown into the washing machine (to be on the safe side, let it air dry rather than using the dryer). If the liner isn’t removable, clean it with soap and water. Meed says that ATV use continues to increase in Saskatchewan, which makes it even more important for people to wear their helmets. There are about 8,000 quad style and side-byside ATVs sold each year in the province. “Accidents are never planned. Wearing a helmet is one of the best ways to protect yourself in the event of an accident so you don’t become an ATV statistic. ” SATVA was formed in 2006 to unite ATV clubs and users into a single voice to promote the safe and responsible use of ATVs in Saskatchewan. For more information, contact John Meed at 1-855-297-2882 (office) or by email at info@satva.ca. Campaign proudly supported by:
LEAVE NO
TRACE
SaskOutdoors (Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association) encourages people who participate in outdoor recreation to practice and teach environmental responsibility. One of our goals is to encourage outdoor recreation, exploration of Saskatchewan, development of outdoor and environmental skills and practices and the development of a sense of place. One of the programs that SaskOutdoors offers is the Leave No Trace. Leave No Trace is about respecting and caring for wildlands, doing your part to protect our limited resources and future recreation opportunities. Many of us have taken a pine cone or rock, veered off the trail to dodge mud puddles, gotten too close to wildlife or tossed an apple core into the woods. While these actions may seem harmless at the time, until we learn to reduce our impact, the quality of our outdoor experiences and the recreational resources we enjoy are at critical risk. Also at risk is our continued access to wildlands as land management agencies sometimes take restrictive action to protect the resources they manage. Unless, of course, education catches up with behaviour, and we all learn to leave the outdoors as unchanged as possible by our presence. Leave No Trace believes that while these impacts are widespread and the causes are complex, the solution is simple: Change behaviour through education, research and partnerships one person at a time. Leave No Trace is not a set of rules or regulations. Nor is it simply about remembering exactly what minimum impact skill you can practice in every outdoor situation – how far you should camp from water sources, where to pitch your tent, how to build a minimum impact fire or if you should build one in the first place. Rather, it is first and foremost an attitude and an ethic. There are 7 principles of Leave No Trace: ■ Plan Ahead and Prepare ■ Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces ■ Dispose of Waste Properly ■ Leave What You Find ■ Minimize Campfire Impacts ■ Respect Wildlife ■ Be Considerate of Other Visitors For more information on the Leave No Trace training and resources, contact Leah Japp at (306)731-3411 or info@saskoutdoors.org.
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SPOTLIGHT ON
LETS GO FLY A KITE What do you get when you cross wakeboarding with a kite? A thrilling and adventurous joy ride!
Saskatchewan has no shortage of opportunities to enjoy many of the summer sports, including biking, skateboarding, wakeboarding, slacklining and more recently, stand up paddleboarding. Traditionally, the options in summer have been far more limited for individuals seeking that same adrenaline rush that comes with strapping on a board and whizzing around at high speeds. Well, as Bob Dylan once said, “the answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind.” “How many people live in the province and own skis or snowboards, but only get to the local hill a few times per month or take a trip to the mountains once or twice a year?” asks Aaron Hackel, owner of Explore Sports and the Offshore Beach Shop (Regina Beach), a kiteboarding/Stand Up Paddleboarding sales and rental operation. “Kiteboarding, or kitesurfing, is the perfect activity to get any rider out five to six times per week. The only down time kiters have is when there is no wind.” Fortunately, as Hackel points out, Saskatchewan has no shortage of blustery days. So, when the wind blows, all one has to do is grab their kite gear and venture out to any open water or field and let the fun begin. Kiteboarding is exactly as the name sounds. One straps on a kiteboard that resembles a wakeboard, hooks up to and sends a giant kite into the air and is then propelled by the wind, reaching high speeds and getting plenty of hang time.
“I’ve tried a lot of sports, but no rush compares to kiting,” Hackel said. “With kiting you get to launch yourself into the air whenever you want and we can travel three times faster than the wind.” Kiteboarding can be done on virtually any surface, including water, land, snow and mountainous terrain. Regardless of the season or locale, Hackel strongly urges individuals to take a three-hour lesson with him or with any other certified kiteboarding instructor before giving the sport a go. 06
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He adds that even though kiteboarding utilizes one’s existing gear necessary for the sport – such as snowboards, wakeboards, goggles, helmets and PFDs – it’s important to be careful when purchasing other necessary equipment, notably kites. “We fly special kites that are conducive to our wind conditions,” Hackel said. “Before purchasing equipment, talk to your local kiteschool or kiter for advice. Beware of ‘deals’ on the Internet. You get what you pay for in kiteboarding and you do not want to have a line break or a canopy rip when you’re 30 feet in the air.” Other required equipment includes a harness, kite pump, safety leash, bar and lines. A good used set can cost between $1,500 to $2,000. Hackel says the sport is gaining more popularity in the province, especially after the first North American Red Bull Kite Farm event held in Saskatchewan in February 2015. It as an exciting and challenging way to stay active throughout any season. He recommends kiteboarding to anyone over 100lbs. “Anyone can take up the sport, but we’re finding it’s a mature crowd of past skateboarders, snowboarders, skiers or wakeboarders who now have families,” Hackel explained. “Regardless of who takes up kiteboarding, Hackel says an exhilarating time is guaranteed. There is a well-known quote in kiteboarding “If you don’t learn how to kite today, you’ll still suck this time next year”. “We ride all year round in Saskatchewan from the farmers’ fields in the winter on the snow, and then ride the sloughs in the spring before the ice breaks on the lakes,” Hackel said. “To the farmers or landowners who allow us to kite in your fields, we can’t thank you enough.” For more information call (306)586-KITE (5483) or visit www.exploresports.ca
Blair Braitenbach
SASKATCHEWAN TOURISM
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Representatives of Saskatchewan’s tourism sector gathered in Saskatoon on April 16, 2015 to celebrate the accomplishments of industry peers at the 26th annual Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence gala. These awards bring profile to the businesses, attractions, events and people who go above and beyond to provide visitors with great service and experiences. Tourism Saskatchewan administers the Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence program and hosts the annual gala. The call for nominations is issued in the fall and nominations close at the end of January. This year, more than 80 nominations were received in the 12 award categories. The Award Selection Committee is an external panel that has the tough job of choosing the finalists and winners in all categories but one – the Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which is selected by the chair of Tourism Saskatchewan’s Board of Directors. Anyone who has served on the Award Selection Committee will admit that it is an interesting challenge, one that encourages greater appreciation of the innovative work and leadership that drive Saskatchewan’s tourism sector.
opportunities and partnerships to bring exposure to Saskatchewan’s north. The company invested resources into Fish Camp: Past the Pavement, a reality television series that explores outfitting in northern Saskatchewan through the eyes of film crews embedded in ADI’s operations. Season one’s 13 episodes aired on Wild TV and the Sportsman Channel. Cypress Hills Destination Area, Maple Creek Recipient of the Gil Carduner Marketing Award, sponsored by Phoenix Group The Cypress Hills Destination Area, Inc. (CHDA) is the official tourism and destination marketing organization for the Cypress Hills and surrounding area. Its campaign goals for 2014 included increasing visitation during non-peak periods and encouraging travellers to explore less-familiar areas. An aggressive effort to expand engagement on social media yielded dramatic growth of 1134 per cent in Facebook fans and 282 per cent in Twitter followers. Strong attendance at events and a 43.8 per cent increase in visitation to Grasslands National Park further underscore the campaign’s success.
At the recent gala in Saskatoon, 34 finalists and award recipients were in the spotlight. Outdoor adventure was certainly well-represented that evening and top honours went to the following: Natalie Matheson, Waskesiu Marina Adventure Centre, Waskesiu Lake - Recipient of the Tourism Employee of the Year Award, sponsored by Insightrix As Waskesiu Marina Adventure Centre’s Lead Guide, Natalie Matheson is responsible for the delivery of personal, corporate and school group water-based guided tours. She has extensive knowledge of Prince Albert National Park and is always willing to share her knowledge to enhance the visitor experience. An inspiring team player, Matheson instills confidence in new staff and helps employees expand their skills. Adventure Destinations International, Saskatoon Recipient of the Fred Heal Tourism Ambassador Award, sponsored by Wanuskewin Heritage Park Adventure Destinations International (ADI) owns a collection of fishing lodges in northern Saskatchewan. ADI embraces
Photographer: Eric Lindberg - Hiking in Grasslands National Park, located in the Cypress Hills Destination Area
These award winners, along with many of the finalists honoured that evening, speak to the diverse range of outdoor experiences that Saskatchewan offers. All of the award finalists and recipients deserve applause for their exceptional work and accomplishments.
Susan Parkin Tourism Saskatchewan Photo provided by Tourism Saskatchewan June 2015
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OFF THE BEATEN PATH...
DALMENY LIKES TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT!
LIFE BEGINS ON YOUR SASKATCHEWAN TRAILS The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and the trails are beautiful and inviting - it must be summertime in Saskatchewan! Whether you enjoy walking, running, hiking, biking or participating in motor sports, there’s a trail with your name on it.
“I can’t think of any better way to spend the summer months than hitting the trails,” said Saskatchewan Trails Association (STA) President Jo Ann Carignan-Vallee. “If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to enjoy the warm weather, by yourself or with friends and family, trails are a great option. Trails also showcase the province’s wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.”
The Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, for example, provides a variety of hiking opportunities. The Centre Block of the park offers self-guided nature trails with interpretive signage. Ranging from one to two kilometres, visitors can take in a variety of ecosystems and scenic vistas within the park: lodgepole pine forest, fescue grasslands and secret streams. If you want to witness breathtaking views of sand dunes, teepee rings and the famous Sunken Hill – a plateau hill that sank suddenly years ago – you can visit the Beechy Sandcastles and Sunken Hill Trail. It’s a driving trail that can also be travelled by foot and bicycle. 08
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“The opportunities are limitless and that’s what I think makes exploring the province’s trails so exciting,” said CarignanVallee. Saskatchewan Trails Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the province’s trails. Held June 6 in conjunction with International Trails Day, the STA encourages everyone to get out and enjoy the province’s walking, hiking, cycling, hand cycling, roller blading, horseback riding and ATV trails. Every year, as part of the day, communities host events to encourage people to get out on the trails. This year is no different. For example, people can experience the newly expanded Meewasin Trail. By this date, the $8 million campaign to extend the Meewasin Trail to Wanuskewin Heritage Park in the northwest and Chief Whitecap Park in the southeast will be officially opened. The public is also invited to attend the grand opening of Chief Whitecap Waterway. The waterway was created to provide canoe enthusiasts with a beautiful water trail to enjoy as part of the Trans Canada Trail project.
“Saskatchewan Trails Day is a great opportunity to kick off the summer trail season in the province,” Carignan-Vallee said. “I encourage everyone to take part in the festivities.” Pat Rediger Saskatchewan Trails Association
EVENTS June is Recreation & Parks Month
SPRA Conference
Celebrate June is Recreation & Park Month and the return of summer programming by gathering residents together, getting children involved in fun outdoor physical activities and recognizing employees and volunteers who contribute to the recreation and parks opportunities we all use. Find out how you can get involved! Visit, www.spra.sk.ca/jrpm.
“Having Fun is Still Serious Business!” The 2015 SPRA Conference will bring together Recreation Practitioners, Parks and Facility Operators and Volunteers from across the Province for the opportunity to network and learn the latest information and trends in the parks and recreation field. Visit, www.spra.sk.ca/conference.
June 1 - 30, 2015 (Saskatchewan Communities)
October 22 - 24, 2015 (Yorkton, SK)
SaskFit
November 6 - 8, 2015 (Regina, SK) Join fellow fitness enthusiasts at Saskatchewan’s premier fitness and health conference for an outstanding weekend of workshops, lectures and special events to inspire, educate and motivate! Visit, www.spra.sk.ca/saskfit. For information on upcoming events, visit www.spra.sk.ca/events.
RECOGNIZING VOLUNTEERS! Dorothy Rhead, a longtime trail volunteer, is the winner of the inaugural Saskatchewan Trails Association (STA) Volunteer Award. Rhead’s volunteer experience spans back to 1993. That year, the Canadian Volkssport Federation asked her to form a walking club in Regina. She agreed and created the Wascana Wanderers Volksmarch Club, the first club of its kind to be formed in Saskatchewan. In 1997, she was invited to the inaugural Regina meeting about the Trans Canada Trail (TCT). As a member of the TCT Council in Saskatchewan she helped plan trail routes, fundraise, write newsletters, attend trail openings and sell merchandise. In 2004, Dorothy worked with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association to form the Saskatchewan Trails Association (STA). She has held many positions for STA including Treasurer and membership chair. She also served on the Trail Building Grant Adjudication Committee. Dorothy went on to become a member of the National Trails Coalition Regional Advisory Board to assist with trail grant adjudication for the province of Saskatchewan. She remained on the board until her retirement in 2013.
Dorothy has managed to also volunteer for other organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Ducks Unlimited while maintaining a commitment to Saskatchewan’s trails. In February of 2013, Rhead received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her commitment and involvement in the Air Force Association of Canada, Habitat for Humanity, the Canadian Club, the STA and the Wascana Wanderers Club. Dorothy has also hiked many parts of the TCT across Canada and continues to be an active walker.
Congratulations to Dorothy Rhead for receiving the first STA Volunteer Award. We appreciate how dedicated you have been in furthering the trail movement in Saskatchewan! Rhead received her award at the AGM on April 18. Pat Rediger Saskatchewan Trails Association
June 2015
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EXPERIENCE SASKATCHEWAN There are many unique ways to experience Saskatchewan and its landscapes from a variety of perspectives. A somewhat new and upcoming activity, that more and more individuals are beginning to participate in, is known as geocaching.
First and foremost, geocaching is an outdoor activity that involves using a navigational device to hide and find containers of clues or “caches” at locations all over the world. Many players consider the sport to be a worldwide game of Hide and Go Seek! Although it may sound easy, some geocaches can be placed in some of the most unpredictable and diverse environments. In fact, in 2002 there was a geocache on an island in northern Saskatchewan that remained unfound for 12 years! This is what makes the challenge of geocaching so exciting for players. Beyond the technical definition of the sport, geocaching is an adventurous way to authentically explore the world around you and appreciate your environment in all of its forms.
HOW TO PLAY Once you’ve set up your navigational device (i.e. GPS, smart phone, etc.), players use the device to track the coordinates from their current location to the location of a hidden cache. Once there, you must search for the cache container. If the cache is found, the players then sign the logbook in the container and return the cache to its original location. In some cases, caches have small trinkets that players can trade out with their own item. Many players also share their stories and pictures online. All of this allows players to share a piece of themselves with the geocaching world and to reintroduce themselves to the environments around them.
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GEOCACHING IN SASKATCHEWAN Saskatchewan is lucky enough to have a variety of geocaching sites and locations for all adventure seekers to enjoy. The Town of Rosthern recently hosted a geocaching mega event in 2014 known as Living Skies 2014 that brought in upwards of 1500 people! There are several locations and organizations that have local caching trails and who create their own caches all over Saskatchewan. One of the many great locations to visit includes the Prairie Storms Adventure Trail which covers 1308 kilometres of southern Saskatchewan and features 68 different caches for players to find. Also, Cypress Hills Provincial Park has formatted a full Saskatchewan Skies Geo Tour that covers the entire Cypress Hills Destination Area. Other communities, such as Batoche, have just recently published new caches for people to find in the surrounding area. In addition, The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation has created a number of unique caches that are hidden all over the province.
There are endless opportunities to experience our province, so get up and try something new and get ready to experience Saskatchewan like never before! Samantha Illerbrun SPRA Summer Program Development Assistant
June is Recreation & Parks Month June is time to: Celebrate the return of summer Gather residents together Get children involved in fun outdoor activities Recognize employees who contribute to recreation and parks Support June is Recreation & Parks Month by: ■ Host a community picnic so that friendships can be
made and civic pride can be increased. ■ Make a June is Recreation & Parks Month Proclamation ■ Acknowledge the important role that professionals and volunteers play within recreation and parks ■ Promote the value of recreation and parks in Saskatchewan ■ Encourage participation in recreation and park activities.
Promoted by: Sponsored by:
For more information on the June is Recreation & Parks Month, visit www.spra.sk.ca/jrpm.
GPS AND PEDOMETER LENDING KITS Borrow a set of handheld global positioning satellite (GPS) units and give your community, school or workplace a chance to try this fun physical activity. The kit includes GPS units, along with tips, ideas and references to get you started with your next geocaching adventure.
Pedometers are a great way to promote challenges or programs and track individual success. The kit includes pedometers to lend to students, employees or community members, along with walking tips, program ideas and an easy five-week pedometer program.
For more information visit, www.spra.sk.ca/lendingkits. June 2015
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ACCESSIBLE PLAY Imagine, for a moment, you have a child or grandchild. And that child wants to play in the park down the street. So, you help your child get dressed, hold that child’s hand as you cross the street to the park and go towards the play ground. When you get to the playground, you discover that your child cannot play with the other children because…your child uses a walker and cannot get up the stairs easily. Or your grandchild is in a wheelchair and all the activity happens up higher on the play structure. What can you do to have your child included in this rite of passage that every other child experiences? What can you do so your grandchild is included? Weinmaster Park is in the northeast area of Yorkton. It has a splash pad, outdoor rink, toboggan hill, play structure and pathway system running from its south to north end. It is a very popular City Park. And, there is a new play structure in Yorkton where everyone can join in the fun. It is the newest addition to our four-season outdoor park. The accessible play structure was unveiled last year and is the destination for many families in the City and the surrounding area. Installed over several seasons, this play structure became a reality via a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach. As with many projects in the parks and recreation field, municipal staff were in the process of discussing and developing a plan for an accessible play structure, at the same time community members were starting to discuss the possibilities. Both parties came together during a community open house jointly hosted by the City of Yorkton and Sunrise Health Region. It was at this meeting that more ideas were discussed and a committee of interested parents, health care professionals and municipal staff was established. The volunteers knew it would be an uphill battle to raise funds for an accessible play structure. Therefore, the group needed to generate an awareness of the need for and benefits of an inclusive playground, featuring an accessible play structure. One of the parents volunteered to create a PowerPoint presentation of his family enjoying an inclusive playground in Saskatoon versus a local one in Yorkton. Without music or voices, using only images, he created a powerful electronic presentation of his family playing together in Saskatoon, and then his daughter obviously left by the sidelines in Yorkton. At first, some volunteers, including the parent that developed the presentation, thought it might be too amateurish as it was done in only one “take” and 12
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this was the first time this parent had ever used PowerPoint. However, the committee felt that it told their stories extremely well. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. The committee arranged to attend a Council Meeting to introduce themselves, their children and their project. At that time, Council had already allocated dollars towards the replacement of the old play structure in Weinmaster Park. During the presentation, the committee showed their PowerPoint presentation for the first time and acknowledged the financial support of Council. They wanted Council to truly understand the project, which Council had already supported. As a result of the educational presentation to City Council, other municipal staff championed the project internally and to other community groups. The Committee, by focusing on the benefits of the project and increasing awareness, created more support for a new accessible play structure than by just asking for money. Committee members approached many different groups and many community organizations came forward to donate towards the project. There was an up swelling of community support. The chairperson drafted a grant application to Community Initiatives Fund, which was favorably received. Local small businesses contacted members to provide financial support. The local credit union hosted a pancake breakfast, with proceeds going towards the project. Kinettes offered one-time funding and Kinsmen negotiated a financial commitment over several years. A promoter of a new annual event, Joey Kids Expo, chose the accessible play structure to receive the proceeds of their event. The play structure cost almost $300,000 and was designed and installed by Park N Play Design Company. Committee members were involved in the selection process and were thrilled with the final design. Now, grandparents can join in the activities, all children can play with their friends and everyone can enjoy all the amenities at Weinmaster Park.
Lisa Washington City of Yorkton
‘TAKE A SHOT’ PHOTO CONTEST Show Use What Recreation Means to You!
CLIMBING TO NEW HEIGHTS Out of a deep personal passion for the outdoors and a love for rock climbing came the inspiration to create a rock climbing program that would challenge youth and kids to push through fear, break down barriers and achieve something new and unexpected.
I first started rock climbing with my twin brother right after high school and I share that same passion for climbing rocks with my wife. Having climbed in some of the most amazing places around the world and wanting others to share in the thrill of what rock climbing offers, I knew this sport would be one of the first programs I focused on developing. Prior to becoming the Community and School Recreation Coordinator for Pelican Narrows, my wife and I took kids and youth, many of which started out as our neighbor kids, out to climb some local rocks using our own personal gear. After seeing how many enjoyed the sport and being given an official position within the schools, I was able to use program funding to expand this program into something that a wider range of children and youth could enjoy - anywhere from ages four years old to adults. There is nothing like watching a kid frozen in fear push through to accomplish a 50 foot repel by making it to the bottom of the rock formation. At the top they tell you “I can’t. I can’t. No, I’m too scared” and yet somehow they always do. The reward is seeing the pride and smile on their faces for what they have achieved and hearing them boast to their friends about how awesome it was. It’s a unique sport, not one you hear happening or being provided in Northern communities. It comes with challenges but so does any sport. My desire is to provide my community with sports that are “outside of the box” in order to give the kids and youth opportunity for participating in something non-ordinary. Many assume rock climbing is a dangerous sport and why would you ever want to offer it to children and youth?! Did you know outdoor companies like MEC & Northface make rock climbing harnesses for toddlers? Yes, that’s right, for your 2 and 3 year olds! What my program offers is not free climbing or lead
climbing but top roping. And top roping is exceptionally safe as long you know how to handle and use the equipment properly. Get trained! Rock climbing ropes are designed to hold the weight of a pick-up truck therefore, when combined with all the other safety gear and back-ups, it is close to impossible for an accident to occur. Parents simply want to have confidence in your ability to take care of their kids. If they are confident that you can do a job well done, they accept it and are happy to have their child or youth participate with the sport. My vision is to be able to identify those youth who have natural talent and have the potential to take it to the competitive level, as well as, eventually expanding it into a winter sport by being able to offer ice climbing. The best success you can have with programs is to be passionate about it yourself. If you enjoy doing it, the community will too. Your excitement and enthusiasm for the sport will get them excited and committed to it.
I challenge those who are in the sports and recreation community to try something new even if it looks different or hasn’t been introduced to your area. Who knows, you may have a world-class rock climber in your midst. Joel Erb Community & School Recreation Coordinator
June 2015
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OUTDOOR FUN FOR KIDS Great ideas to try when they say, “I’m Bored”! Splish Splash
What better way to cool off during the summer months than with water activities! Take the kids out to the local pool or splash park. Or how about a road trip to the beach for some water skiing, fishing or paddleboarding. If, you don’t want to venture too far from home, fill up some water balloons and have a water balloon toss or a full out water balloon fight!
Scavenger Hunt
Who doesn’t love a scavenger hunt? Get your kids outdoors this summer to hunt for items in nature. Have them collect specimens like rocks, leaves and flowers; take pictures of animals or birds; and complete fun activities. Don’t forget to set a time limit!
Picnicking
Having a picnic during the summer months is a great way to get the family together for some delicious food and to play fun games. Remember to bring balls, kites, frisbees and your baseball gloves!
Experience Nature
Get outside and search for all things creepy and crawly. Dig for worms, watch for ants, spiders and ladybugs or scout for lizards and frogs. Don’t forget to bring your magnifying glass. You could even take photos of your finds and document them in your official “creepy crawlers book”.
Chalk it Up
Get Your Hands Dirty
Share your love of gardening while teaching them responsibility and patience. Keep it simple - choose plants that are easy to grow and give kids tasks appropriate to their age and skill level. Even tasks like watering and weeding can be fun - especially with kid-sized tools!
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Let them brighten up your sidewalks and showcase their artistic abilities with sidewalk chalk. Or how about a game of hopscotch? Let their creativity run wild!
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