a) Recreation Recap/Overview

2020 Review and 2021 Outlook

2020 Review:

The Parks and Recreation department’s operating budget was impacted by COVID-19. With Provincial Regulations ordering the closure of recreation facilities at times throughout the year, and limited indoor and outdoor capacities, facility usage and program participations were reduced. Efforts were made where possible to decrease operating expenditures and monthly budget updates were provided to the Finance Department.

The portion of OMPF funding distributed to the Parks and Recreation Department has been allocated to reserves to aid in any shortfalls of the department if required. The first round of emergency funding through the Safe Restart Agreement with the federal government will also help with some of the operating pressures the Municipality of North Perth experienced related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Framework for Reopening Recreation Facilities is attached to the last page of this overview. Details within the framework are subject to change based on updated provincial restrictions.

Canadian Parks and Recreation Association highlights that past crises have proven that parks and recreation are one of the first and most crucial services to return to communities. Parks and recreation play a critical role in the mental and physical health recovery of citizens and play an equally important role in community economic revival. Access to recreation facilities and programs is a fundamental service for Canadians that will usher in a return of normalcy after COVID-19, especially for children and seniors.

Facilities:

Indoor and outdoor facilities were ordered closed mid-March to mid-June and again at the end of December; when permitted to reopen under Phase 2 (Stage 2 on June 12; Stage 3 on July 17 for Huron Perth Region), it was under restrictions and with limited capacities.

Usage reduced by:

Arenas 32.6% - restricted numbers and format of skating programs Halls 69.9% - restricted numbers affected meetings, weddings, events and galas Ball Diamonds 86.9% - restricted numbers and format of play Pavilions 90.4% - restricted numbers and protocols

Though not booked with our department, ball diamonds, parks, sports fields and playgrounds were observed to be used by families over the Summer and Fall.

With the increased use of our parks, trails and open greenspaces during the pandemic, the department’s focus was on trails and parks maintenance, garbage clean up and playground inspections. The department also provided assistance with the opening of the community garden. Though maintenance of these open spaces is required, their nature provides minimal opportunity to generate revenue from them.

The department continued to provide enhanced cleaning and disinfecting services to non-recreation facilities such as the Administration office and OPP station.

The North Perth Trail System was a popular amenity in summer 2020 with high usage. This included the development and expansion of the Monkton section of the G2G trail with support of a RED grant received by the G2G committee. Our department received several compliments on the conditions of our trails. On occasion, up to 100 people were seen using our trails in a day.

Department expenditures were reduced by 25%. This was done by: reduced operating costs from earlier shut down and later start-up of arenas/refrigeration plants; purchased less materials/supplies; staff redeployed to other departments such as landfill, economic development, communications and marketing; no seasonal staff/limited part time staff. Some fixed costs remained including utilities, depreciation, insurance, building/equipment repair and maintenance.

The Parks & Recreation Department assisted with updating the Municipality’s COVID-19 support resource web pages for the community (business, mental health, community resources).

Programs:

At the beginning of the pandemic, traditional in-person format for programs were modified to virtual format. However, with the simultaneous shift to remote learning from schools, public feedback and discussions at the CRAG Community Services Sub-group, the need to return to in-person programs as soon as possible was identified.

Staff were trained and protocols were developed to offer modified outdoor programs following COVID-19 restrictions including maintaining physical distancing, mask protocols, cleaning/disinfecting and limited capacity. This led to the development of programs such as Park & Play and Skills & Drills. Safety programs such as Home Alone, Babysitting and First Aid were also offered. Program staff also provided support for virtual community events such as the Teddy Bear Play Day and Atwood Lions’ Canada Day.

Analysis of provincial guidelines and risk management affected provisions of summer day camps and aquatic programs. When Lifesaving Society guidelines were updated mid-July, under the guidance of Huron Perth Public Health, the splash pad opened with staff supervision and implementation of COVID-19 protocols.

2021 Outlook:

North Perth Parks & Recreation Vision Statement is “working together to enrich the quality of life of all residents through vibrant parks, recreation and culture opportunities.”

As part of the corporate strategic implementation plan, the Park and Recreation Department Business Plan outlines the projects and priorities for 2021.

Parks and Recreation Focus:

Creating quality programs and safe facilities while following provincial regulations and guidelines. Return to operations in adjusted manner while providing recreational services to community Maintaining safe conditions for staff and public Adjustments to expenditures where possible

Park and Facilities Management and Operations Delivery of Quality Programming Horticultural and Beautification of Parks and Greenspaces Trails Maintenance and Development Promote Recreation Programs, facilities and services Reforestation and Maintenance Facility Operations for Emergency Purposes Parks and Recreation Development Municipal Facility Maintenance

The Parks and Recreation department will continue to support the CRAG Community Services Subgroup. Discussions within this group will assist the department with developing programs to meet the current needs of the community. This includes trial of the Lonely No More pilot program.

Program changes under pandemic conditions requires more staff supervision of programs ensuring COVID-19 protocols followed and safety of programs. This includes programs that normally are not staffed (parent & tot skate, adult & senior skating, indoor track, outdoor rink).

Estimated budget assumes some variance of facility operations for 2021 as revenues and expenditures will be dependent on permitted re-opening timelines and restrictions in effect at that time.

The Parks and Recreation Department will continue brainstorming creative ways to promote facilities and offer programs/services to the community.

Respectfully Submitted,

Amy Gangl Interim Manager of Recreation