The Winter Active Living Guide from City of Powell River’s parks, recreation and culture department is now available, and programs will open for registration on Monday, December 13, at 8 am.
Residents will be able to sign up for returning favourites like Aqua Yoga, Creative Dance, Drums Alive and Restorative Hatha, as well as many new programs.
“We’re excited to see some of our programming return to pre-COVID levels,” says Neil Pukesh, manager of recreation. “Working with the new guidelines, we have greater certainty of what programs we can offer in the upcoming months.”
For example, Alex Craig, sport and recreation program coordinator, is looking forward to the new Learn to Skate Better program.
“This class is a progression from our popular Rec Skate program, aimed at casual skaters who want to improve their skating,” says Alex. “And for the outdoor enthusiasts, Fishing 101, Oyster Picking and Clam Digging, and the Hearts in Motion walking program return this year.”
Christine Creer, health and fitness program coordinator, is excited about new and returning programs for health-conscious residents.
“In January, we’re offering a new Empowerment Self-Defence course,” she says. “We’ll have two sessions, one specifically designed for women and the other for young women.”
Returning for the winter session is Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME), a group exercise program for people living with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, MS, or a stroke.
“We’re offering more health and fitness programs, like pre- and post-natal fitness, too,” says Christine.
Swim lessons continue to be popular in the winter months, and Tami Wood, aquatics supervisor, encourages adults who are nervous around the water to try Adult Basic Swim lessons.
“These classes offer adults the chance to increase their comfort in the water by practicing basics like floats, glides, breath control and kicking,” explains Tami. “It is offered in two stages: in stage one you learn to float, and in stage two you learn to swim lengths.”
Winter Wonderland returns
The recreation complex will also host a variety of family activities throughout the holiday season, in addition to special holiday aquatics and fitness schedules. Most notably, Winter Wonderland returns this year, with the rink transformed into an enchanted Christmas forest with real trees and festive lights. Santa will visit Winter Wonderland on December 11 from 10 am to 12 noon.
Breakfast with Santa will take place on December 18, with two seatings at 9 am and 10:30 am to accommodate as many families as possible.
“We’ll have a pancake breakfast, face painting, bouncy castles, and a photo booth with Santa,” says Shawna Rahier, parks, recreation and culture marketing and communications coordinator. The event is hosted in partnership with the Rotary Club of Powell River; attendees must preregister by calling 604.485.2891.
Finally, due to its overwhelming success last year, the second annual Light Up PR contest will showcase community spirit through the holiday season. To be included, residents can email a photograph and the address of their holiday-themed decorated home to [email protected].
“We create a community light tour map that will be posted on our website, and everyone who enters has a chance to win a three-month family pass to the complex,” says Shawna. “There will be additional voting for other prizes on our Facebook page.”
The Winter Active Living Guide can be viewed at powellriverprc.ca/recreation-programs/active-living-guide. For more information or to register for programs, go to powellriverprc.ca or call 604.485.2891. Residents are encouraged to follow the complex on Facebook (facebook.com/PowellRiverParksRecCulture) or Instagram (@powellriverparksrecculture) for the most up to date information.
