Recreation Program Development and Coordination

The development and coordination of community recreation programs continues to be the prime focus of the Recreation Division in this quarter

Aquatic Programs

The aquatic programs offered by the City at the Kinsmen Sportsplex range from general public swimming to specialized advanced aquatic classes.  Over 21,669 patrons visited the Kinsmen Sportsplex to participate in the various public swim programs including noon hour swims and adult swims. Swim times are scheduled throughout the day to ensure that there is a variety of programs accessible to everyone. The public can access the pool beginning at 6:00 am weekday mornings through to 10:00 pm for recreational, lap and adult swim times.  Weekend swimming is available from 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm.

The learn-to-swim program attracted more than 649 enrollees. Classes were offered in all ten Swim Kids levels and seven Preschool levels, as well as advanced classes in lifeguarding, lifesaving, first aid and water safety instructor courses.   In addition, instruction was provided to local and rural high schools and elementary students. Also, private organizations and users rented the pool to conduct their own programs. 

Community Recreation Programs

Community Association programs continue to provide quality, low cost recreation for community participants in the neighbourhood. Over 893 participants were registered in the 72 programs offered.  The Recreation Division worked closely with the Community Associations to develop programs to maintain fitness, support the “In Motion” projects, and spark creative outlets within sport or leisure participation.  Programs offered include, but are not limited to the following:  fitness classes, indoor soccer, Art for kids, blastball, babysitting courses, golf, kinder gym, Knit and crochet classes and a host of other diverse activities for young children, youth, adults and seniors.  Minor Basketball was another successful program offered by the Community Associations with 208 youth participating in the regular season.

Outdoor Rinks

Supervised outdoor rink programs were offered at ten locations covering all of the Community Association districts this winter.  In total, the Department maintained sixteen outdoor rink surfaces including the Kiwanis River Park Speed Skating Oval.  Attendance figures show that skating is a popular activity within the Moose Jaw Community Associations with over 2,600 people participating in the supervised outdoor rink program.

Indoor Arenas

A major portion of the Department’s responsibilities includes coordinating the use of various City owned and operated facilities.  During the first quarter, the focus was on revising schedules of the four indoor ice surfaces and developing a summer ice schedule to meet the needs of the various community organizations. 

Over 40,736 people used the indoor ice arenas this quarter. This figure represents on ice participants only and does not include the fans and spectators that came out to watch and provide their support. The value of participating in the City’s community facilities cannot be over emphasized.  Community development, increased levels of fitness, stress reduction and safety awareness are a   few of the benefits that facilities and programs of this nature provide to individuals in our community.

The Parks and Recreation Department continues to work with all the organizations to book their ongoing ice time, coordinate special events and develop policies that are receptive to the needs of the users.