If you’ve been thinking about trying out a new recreational opportunity or checking out some local parks facilities, why not do it this month?
New Westminster city council has proclaimed June as Recreation and Parks Month. The city is encouraging residents to check out some of its parks and recreation offerings this month.
“The City of New Westminster is promoting June as Recreation and Parks Month by offering low- and no-cost try-it programs for the community to experience the benefits of recreation and parks,” said Jay Young, the city’s manager of recreation services.
The try-it program calendar, which is found on the parks and recreation department’s website and in a brochure available at local rec facilities, includes upcoming events such as: the Queensborough Children’s Festival on Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Queensborough Community Centre; entertainment at the Queen’s Park bandshell on Sunday afternoons; a Summer Solstice youth swim for students in grade 6 to 12 on Friday, June 21; and a one-day try-it junior lifeguard course on Saturday, June 22. The city invites people to visit places including local parks and spray parks, the Queen’s Park petting farm, and the outdoor fitness circuits in Queen’s Park and Old Schoolhouse Park in Queensborough.
Young said June as Recreation and Parks Month is a movement initiated by the Canada Parks and Recreation Association and supported by the provincial and territorial associations, such as the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association.
“The purpose is to promote the benefits of recreation and parks for physical, social and environmental health in communities across Canada, to promote local programs, events, parks and facilities available for all citizens to enjoy,” he said. “Access to recreation and parks is a fundamental human need that helps foster personal health, strong communities and social inclusion.”
Young said Recreation and Parks Month celebrates New Westminster’s spectacular recreation and parks services, and raises awareness about the roles they play in individual, community and environmental wellbeing.
“This month, please come out and try something new to celebrate the importance of recreation and parks,” he said.
For more information, go to www.newwestcity.ca/rec.
