June is just around the corner, and with that comes the national initiative, June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM).
In conjunction with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA), the City of Yorkton has been promoting JRPM for many years, explained Julia Schofer, Recreation Services Manager with the City at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.
“COVID-19 has put society in a state that we could have never predicted,” she told Council. “It has left many in a vulnerable state. If this pandemic has shown us one thing, it is a reminder to not take anything for granted. Activities and opportunities are reduced, the rules we are to follow are firm, and social interaction has never been so desirable.
“COVID-19 has affected us all, in some way.
“This is the time, and now more than ever, to celebrate the return of summer and to promote safe outdoor physical activities, outdoor recreation facilities and park spaces. JRPM is not only to showcase what park and recreational opportunities are available, but to highlight an important message that parks, recreation and leisure activities can improve our mental health and, overall, our general wellbeing.
“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. Elected officials, recreation and parks professionals, and community members can all promote the vital contributions of recreation and park services to our people, community, environment, and for the economic well-being of our province.”
Some of the benefits as outlined by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association include:
·Generating economic activity through social growth and community pride.
·Promote personal development and social activity throughout the community.
·Grow strong families and healthy communities.
·Reduce the cost of health care by promoting healthy, active lifestyles.
·Improve the quality of life for residents through recreation and parks events and services.
·Support ecological environments by promoting the importance of parks and greenspaces.
·Connect people to nature and the outdoors.
·Attract tourists and new residents to the community.
·Enhance a sense of community by bringing people together, safely.
While following guidelines provided to us in the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, along with guidance from our local Public Health Officials, The Community Development, Parks & Recreation department has several activities and projects planned for this year:
·Program planning for the S-CAPE (Summer Program filled with Culture, Arts and Physically active Experiences) takes place in June, and the S-CAPE program runs through July and August. Registration is open and can be done online. Those wanting more information or want to register can visit www.yorkton.ca.
·Pending restrictions, outdoor movies in our parks or outdoor facility spaces.
·Offering pickleball and disc golf equipment to borrow from Guest Services at the Gallagher Centre.
·Construction of a new Outdoor Basketball Court.
·Continuing the paving of our pathway network, which includes a stretch of paving at Logan Green.
·Backstop and lighting improvements at Lion’s Ball Park
