City of Powell River’s parks, recreation and culture department has released its digital Winter Active Living guide, with programs open for registration starting on Monday, December 5.
The guide features returning favourites such as aquafit, creative dance, drums alive and restorative hatha yoga, along with a roster of new programs.
Health and fitness program coordinator Christine Creer says she is excited about the new and returning programs.
“This winter, you’ll see a revamped drop-in fitness schedule with more yoga, pilates and stretch classes now included when you purchase a membership,” adds Creer. “We also have several certified personal trainers with years of experience helping people achieve their health and fitness goals.”
Seniors Together will now be held on the second Tuesday of the month: January 10, February 14 and March 14.
Sport and recreation program coordinator Alex Craig is looking forward to the programs being offered, including Rec Skate, Learn to Skate Better, and the popular Island Getaway.
“We head up to Mt. Washington for snow tubing, then to Comox for swimming and the wave pool,” says Craig. “Then finish off with a Subway dinner before heading back on the ferry.”
Home Alone and babysitter’s training programs are also back on the schedule, along with other favourites such as Nature Craft, Musical Munchkins and Mini Slimers.
Aquatics
Swim lessons continue to be highly sought after, explains Tami Wood, aquatic program supervisor.
“Adults have several options to improve swimming skills, based on where they are starting from,” she adds.
Ages 16 and up can learn the basics, such as floating and kicking for propulsion, in stage one swim lessons for adults, beginning January 15.
Stage two swim lessons begin February 26 for adults who can swim on their front and back but would like to learn better techniques for swimming lengths of the pool or distances beyond 25 metres.
“We are also bringing back swim technique clinics intended to offer tips to those who are comfortable swimming several hundred metres but would like to improve their efficiency or speed,” says Wood.
For master swimmers, practice boards will be posted with workouts ranging from 1,600 to 2,500 metres, and a coach will be on hand Friday mornings from 6:30 to 7:30 am.
Wood says the new Swim for Life program is proving a bit challenging for children as they are now required to master all strokes and skills by the time they reach level six. From there, learners will build on their endurance, speed and lifesaving skills.
“Breaststroke and egg beater kick take time to master, so do not be discouraged if more practice is required before a child can move to the next level,” adds Wood.
Winter Wonderland
Family activities can be enjoyed in addition to special holiday aquatics and fitness schedules, such as the opening night of Winter Wonderland on December 3 and a month of wonderland skates.
Stop by and visit Santa at Winter Wonderland on December 11 from 10 am to 12 pm, or join Mr. Claus for breakfast on December 17 at a registered event in partnership with the Rotary Club of Powell River.
The third annual Light-up Powell River is also returning.
“If you are decorating your home for the holidays, it’s easy to enter this contest,” says Shawna Rahier, parks, recreation and culture marketing and communications coordinator. “All you have to do is submit a picture and address of your home to [email protected]. We take all the submissions and create a tour map you can enjoy with your family.”
All submissions will be entered to win a three-month family pass at the complex, plus there will be additional voting on the parks, recreation and culture Facebook page.
For schedules, more information or to register for programs, by phone or in person, go to powellriverprc.ca or call 604.485.2891.
