With the release of its fall Active Living Guide, City of Powell River’s parks, recreation and culture department is showcasing more than 30 new programs in addition to popular activities returning to the lineup.
“We’ve added more high-energy programs this year,” says Neil Pukesh, manager of recreation. “We have the full schedule listed in the guide.”
Found inside this issue of Peak Weekender, the guide features a new, easy-to-read layout with sections and categories grouped by age as well as activity.
“If you’re interested in children’s programs, they are all listed on one page,” explains Pukesh. “If you’re more specific to finding fitness programs, you can turn to that section.”
Coinciding with the Friday, August 12, release of the new guide, registration for all programs is now open, from children and youth-focused to seniors’ activities.
“We have a good mix happening in aquatics, health and fitness, community recreation, ice sports and gymnasium sports; a wide variety of programs are being offered,” says Pukesh.
Details about new and returning drop-in programs, including Drums Alive and Tabata, are also provided inside the guide.
New options for youngsters include a junior-NBA program, which teaches basketball basics to children age five to seven at Oceanview Education Centre, and more emphasis on development skills for hockey players, with programs at Powell River Recreation Complex.
“We’ve introduced a new goalie camp and a puck-skills session with Factory Hockey,” says Pukesh. “We are really excited about these programs.”
Pickleball continues to grow as a sport at Oceanview, which provides players the ability to continue enjoying the sport when weather is less favourable. A table-tennis program is scheduled for the same location.
“Those are big programs for the seniors,” says Corey Martin, aquatic program coordinator. “They are going gangbusters right now; they fill up pretty quick.”
At the complex pool, a kayak drop-in program highlights new items on the aquatics schedule. The exciting, adults-only activity requires participants to bring their own kayak and paddle to each session.
Standard aquatic programs are back, including preschool and Red Cross learn-to-swim programs, as well as Aquasize classes for seniors.
“We also have lifesaving programs for older kids interested in lifeguarding careers,” says Martin. “A swimming background is required.”
Most participants begin the programs around the age of 12.
Additional senior-specific, fitness-related rehabilitation and prevention programs include active age, water wellness, choose to move and hearts in motion walking club; all are designed for 60-plus age categories.
A recent upgrade to the complex’s commercial kitchen allows community recreation program coordinator Shawna Rahier to expand on and introduce more food and cooking programs to the community. Upgrades include a new commercial fridge and a 10-burner gas range.
“The popular cheese-making and mushroom-picking courses are coming back, as well as kids’ cooking and baking classes,” says Rahier. “For preschoolers, our busy ‘Art We Messy’ program is returning for fall as well.”
Located on the upper level beside the Arbutus Room, the kitchen is also available for banquet rentals.
Upcoming special events include a fitness week from September 6 to 9, when all drop-in land-based fitness classes can be attended free of charge, allowing participants age 16 and over opportunities to try new activities and decide which to pursue further.
Also, on the ice, a laser-light skate takes place Friday, October 14, and reservations for Winter Wonderland, open from December 9 to 26, are now being accepted.
“People can call now and book a day and time for their party or event,” says Pukesh.
Copies of the fall Active Living Guide are available at the complex, Powell River Public Library and at city hall.
For more information or to register for programs online, by phone or in person, go to powellriver.ca, call 604.485.2891, or drop by the reception desk at the complex.
