YORKTON - Parks and Recreation Month has merit to a community such as Yorkton.
That was the message Yorkton Council heard in a presentation by Julia Schofer, Recreation Coordinator with the city.
In conjunction with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA), the City of Yorkton has been promoting ‘June is Recreation and Parks Month’ for many years.
“June is Recreation and Parks Month is a great way for the residents of Yorkton to learn about what opportunities are available to them,” she told the regular meeting of Council Monday. “Some activities include the growing Pickleball programming in the community and a range of yoga programs along with other programs being offered by local community groups that our Recreation and Community Services Department supports. Park spaces, pathways and outdoor recreation facilities can be accessed at almost any time and seeing residents utilizing them, and in some cases through all four seasons, shows that residents have been eager to get out, get active and connect with their community.
“June is Recreation and Parks Month not only showcases what park and recreational opportunities are available, but highlights an important message that parks, recreation and leisure activities can improve our mental health and, overall, our general wellbeing.”
Being part of the program has a positive impact, said Schofer.
“By promoting June is Recreation and Parks Month, Yorkton will help acknowledge the impact that employees and volunteers have on the many recreation and parks opportunities that we all use and enjoy,” she said.
The Recreation and Community Services department has several activities and projects planned, or are currently underway, for this year:
*On June 1st, the Grand Opening of the Logan Green Pathway was held. Funding for the project was provided through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. We welcomed provincial government leaders and staff from the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association as the event was used as a provincial launch for JRPM.
* Park Parties are back this summer and we will be doing them differently this year. With a Park Party held in June and July and will be held at the following locations:
* Tuesday, June 20th at Knights of Columbus Park from 5-7pm
*Tuesday, July 18th at Heritage Heights Park from 5-7pm
*Planning for S-CAPE (Summer Program filled with Culture, Arts and Physically active Experiences) takes place in June, with the program running through July and August.
*We will be offering three different yoga classes, which are Chair Yoga at the Yorkton Public library, Gentle Yoga and Multi-Level Yoga at Shaw Park on Fourth Avenue North.