DIRECTION - February 2010

FEBRUARY 2010 | VOLUME 1 | NUMBER 1

S A S K AT C H E W A N P A R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A S S O C I AT I O N

Being an Active Role Model Healthy Lifestyles and Great Life Choices

FEBRUARY 2010

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CEO’S REPORT: FEBRUARY 2010 | VOLUME 1 | NUMBER 1

SPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BEING AN ACTIVE ROLE MODEL

President Darrell Lessmeister

Director for Villages Rob Boulding

Director at Large Mimi Lodoen

Practitioners and volunteers who work in the parks and recreation

we can position ourselves as positive role models for those that

Director for Cities Jasmine Jackman

Director at Large Corrine Galarneau

Director at Large Mike Powell

field are intuitively aware of the benefits of being active.

would emulate us.

This knowledge guides us as we develop policies, programs

Director for Towns Mike Schwean

Director at Large Clint McConnell

Director for the North Sandy Rediron

and initiatives that help improve the quality of life in our province.

Do we as individuals, or the organizations we represent, consistently exhibit behaviour that supports our beliefs? Are we

SPRA STAFF TABLE OF CONTENTS CEO’s Report

01

A New Direction for SPRA

02

Fitness Leadership Q & A - A District Perspective

03

SPRA Fitness Leader Profile

04

Municipal Ice Rink Program

06

Building Communities, One Crop at a Time

07

Push2Play

08

A Great Day Had By All

10

Accessible Playspaces - Fun For All!

11

Monkey See – Monkey Do

12

A Community Connected - Chinook Parkway

13

Girls on the Move in Fort Qu’Appelle

14

Lottery Lingo

15

Funding Opportunities

16

Events

17

DIRECTION is published four times a year (September, December, March and June). The publication is provided to members of the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. Direct all communcations to: Editor, DIRECTION #100 - 1445 Park Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 4C5 You may also send letters or comments to Lori Ross, Communications Consultant at 306.780.9370, by fax at 306.780.9257, or by email at lross@spra.sk.ca.

Articles within this newsmagazine are the opinions of the authour(s) and do no necessarily reflect the policies or opinions

good role models for those we serve?

Chief Executive Officer Norm Campbell

Parks and Open Spaces John Firnesz

Program Manager Garry Michael

Physical Activity and Fitness Joni Hagen

Executive Assistant Lois McNaught

People generally self identify others who they want as role models, and the rationale they use to choose one individual over

Administrative Technician Ryan Monks

another varies and is contingent on each person’s individual

Aboriginal Support Tim Haywahe

Administrative Assistant II Donna Matheson

about everywhere. A person is chosen as a role model by

Information and Research Services Luella Newman

Leadership and Evaluation Nancy Porter

Administrative Assistant I Paula Lichtenwald

Assistant Information Services Chantel Doerksen

Recreation Facilities Kelly Skotnitsky

Half-Time Administrative Assistant I Crystal Smith

Corporate Services Manager Randy Durovick

Communications Consultant Lori Ross RECREATION CONSULTANTS: Grants and Funding Lee Anne Balliett

Physical Activity/ Youth Leadership Karen Thompson ADMINISTRATION: Business Administrator Bonnie Thiessen

needs, wants and view of the world. Role models come in all shapes and sizes, from all walks of life, and can be found just another, and that choice is contingent on a number of attributes and characteristics of both the chooser and the chosen.

There are a number of definitions outlining what a role model is, and although the actual wording may be slightly different from one to the next, common themes emerge, including: there must be an individual that serves as an example and there must be someone else that aspires to be like that person and are willing to copy and/or emulate them. It is not necessary for the behaviour being

Phone: (306) 780-9231 or 1-800-563-2555 Fax: (306) 780-9257 www.spra.sk.ca

in motion STAFF

emulated to be positive, it is only necessary for someone else to aspire to copy that behaviour.

Project Manager Marnie Sinclair Project Facilitator Corinna Dahl-Ritco Project Facilitator Sara Toth

Communications Consultant Kim Herperger Project Administrator Nicole Yacishyn

School/Youth Consultant Lyle Brenna

and active lifestyle means that we are taking steps to ensure that every day we eat healthy and are active enough for health benefits.

We have a responsibility to ensure that our commitment to healthy living is more than just something we commit to during our working hours. We need to commit to it in our personal time as well. Not knowing when someone will determine whether or not they want to emulate us dictates that if we aspire to be a role model, we must try and live an appropriate lifestyle all day, every day.

Individuals however, do not have a monopoly on being role models. Organizations, businesses and other communities of common interest can have a strong influence on other association’s corporate values and how they choose to operate.

Policies and initiatives that support healthy active living need to be shared throughout the province, so that we can collectively learn from each other and benefit from those ideas that have proven successful. By taking the time to share individual and organization

a role model to ensure that the behaviour we display reflects the

ideas, we can move forward in meeting the challenges the

changes and differences we want to make in the world. We are

inactivity epidemic is presenting.

Executive Assistant Carol Priebe

strive to project a positive image in those areas that are important

Administrative Assistant Gail Todd

example to others in all aspects of their lives. This makes it

Phone: (306) 780-9248 or 1-866-888-3648 Fax: (306) 780-9466 www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca

necessarily synonymous with a svelte and trim body. A healthy

successes, and by actively advocating and searching out new

unaware of when our behaviour will impact others and if we aspire

Assistant Consultant Kendra Schmidt

every day to work out. A healthy and active lifestyle is not

It is therefore incumbent upon those who would like to be seen as

to have a positive impact on them, then we must consciously Manager Cathie Kryzanowski

This doesn’t mean that we need to look like we go to the gym

to us. There are few among us that can claim they set a positive imperative for us to identify those areas in which we want to effect change and to act in a manner that positively reflects our beliefs.

Saskatchewan is in the midst of an inactivity epidemic that is taking hold of our population and affecting our health, mental state of mind and self esteem. By ensuring that, as leaders in our field, we choose healthy and active living lifestyle alternatives,

SPRA continues to collect, catalogue and share information forwarded to us by organizations regarding their programs and initiatives. Take the time to access this information at http://www.spra.sk.ca/successstories. If you are doing something, either as an individual or as an organization, that promotes a healthier active province, become a positive role model and share it with us so that we can share it with others. You never know when you will be chosen.

Norm Campbell SPRA CEO

of SPRA. Articles in DIRECTION may be reprinted, provided that full credits shown for the author and the newsmagazine.

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Cover photo credit: Tourism Saskatchewan / Greg Huszar Photography FEBRUARY 2010

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A NEW DIRECTION FOR SPRA The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) is bringing its new brand and corporate image to life with the premier edition of DIRECTION. DIRECTION will replace RECREATION WORKS as SPRA’s organizational newsmagazine.

DIRECTION’S layout and design is based on the key traits of the new SPRA brand: professional, knowledgeable, innovative, approachable and of course vibrant!

FITNESS LEADERSHIP Q & A – A DISTRICT PERSPECTIVE The Southeast Connection Sport, Culture and Recreation District responds to questions on fitness leadership and its role in their District.

Q: One of the roles of the Districts is to develop capacity in communities to increase physical activity. Why does your organization feel that supporting fitness leadership training will help achieve this?

A: The Southeast Connection Sport, Culture and Recreation District supports creating new Fitness Leaders in rural communities to increase the capacity to offer fitness programs

As you can see, SPRA’s new organizational magazine has

The new logo uses the shape of the province to form a structure

been enhanced with colour and a new layout. This change

for a stylized human figure. The energy portrayed here in the

was implemented to increase reader appeal and to move

human form, the forward motion and the clear recreational feel

the magazine into the present! DIRECTION also features more

is evident. The east-west lines could be interpreted as important

issues-based cover stories and feature articles on topics

provincial pathways: major highways, the Saskatchewan River,

important to the parks and recreation sector! In the future,

or the Trans Canada Trail. The circle could be seen as the sun,

DIRECTION newsmagazine will be distributed quarterly in

a sports ball, or as the head of the stylized person. The various

March, June, September and December. In an effort to return

swatches of colour can be interpreted as the sky, land and

to our normal distribution schedule, the next issue of

water of the Saskatchewan landscape.

DIRECTION will be June 2010.

In addition to DIRECTION newsmagazine and the new logo,

locally. A trained Certified Fitness Leader can help motivate a community. All it takes is one person to shows another they care about helping them reach their goals and prove they are passionate about what they believe in to get others moving!

The Southeast Connection District recognizes the costs and continuous dedication a Certified Fitness Leader must make to keep their certification. These people are key leaders, movers and shakers in our communities. The District will support those leaders who help make our Southeast Connection vision

the District plans on applying for the SPRA Member’s Initiative

a reality, that our “communities are vibrant and engaged in

Grant to continue offering more CEC’s in rural communities

active, creative and healthy lifestyles.”

and possibly another training module, Older Adult.

With the launch of DIRECTION comes for the first time,

SPRA is working with Brown Communications in the redesign

the new SPRA logo. Three logo options were presented to

of its primary organizational marketing pieces to reflect its

How has your organization supported fitness leadership

Q: How many Certified Fitness Leaders are

the SPRA membership at the Roundtable during the 2009

new brand. These marketing pieces serve multiple uses and

training? Do you partner with others (i.e. municipalities)

in your District?

SPRA Conference. Membership input was taken back to

include the:

in offering courses?

• Membership Brochure

A: Southeast Connection Sport, Culture and Recreation

Connection District. This District has the third highest number

• SPRA Folder

District has made fitness leadership training a priority since

of Fitness Leaders in the Province after Regina and Saskatoon.

• Program and Services Brochure

the amalgamation of the regions and zone in 1999. Each fiscal

• Posters

year, a portion of the Saskatchewan Lottery Trust Fund financial

Q: What is happening in communities as a result of

• Display

assistance was set aside to help offset costs associated with

having trained leaders?

the Board for a final decision. The logo which graces the cover of DIRECTION has been adopted by the Association.

SPRA would like to thank its members for their input and patience throughout the process of revamping its corporate image and brand as we take SPRA in a new and improved DIRECTION! Lori Ross SPRA Consultant – Communciations

training new leaders. In 2008-2009 the District dropped the annual funding allocation money to focus their efforts on the Recreation Investment Partnership Program. The application focused on offering free training courses in areas requested.

We held two theory courses and one group fitness course.

We also were able to utilize our locally trained facilitators.

The District also offered local Continuing Education Courses (CEC’s) to our currently trained Fitness Leaders such as Mind, Body, Soul and Strength Training. This upcoming fiscal year,

02 FEBRUARY 2010

A: There are 31 Certified Fitness Leaders in the Southeast

A: By offering fitness classes in rural communities, Fitness Leaders are motivating individuals and communities to keep active no matter what their age or their physical activity level.

Individuals, especially the 45+ age group of females, are beginning to take their personal wellness seriously. There has been an increase in south east rural fitness centres and more people are signing up for classes as people hear about the benefits others are receiving. There are still not enough Fitness Leaders in our communities to keep up the demand.

FEBRUARY 2010

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I am accountable to my participants and I am committed to

In addition to teaching my various classes each week, I also

them with dedication, enthusiasm, preparedness, variety, safety,

schedule the time to attend other instructors’ classes. My healthy

modifications, challenges, education, amazing music and fun.

lifestyle includes regularly attending a Spin class, and two Yoga

I share with my participants new techniques from trainings,

classes. This past year, I also attended classes in Drums Alive,

and I post articles on health issues, and the benefits of being

Hip-Hop, Belly Dance and Zumba to have FUN and to expand

in motion. My participants have written me thank you cards

my comfort zone.

and some have stated that this is the first time that they have ever enjoyed fitness.

yin practices of Yoga and T’ai Chi Chih, and Meditation. I plan

As a SPRA Certified Group Fitness Instructor I have many

and prepare for the day, the month, and year ahead, and then,

opportunities to walk my talk on a daily, weekly, monthly and

try to live in a very mindful way – One day at a time. I do believe

Q: Do you feel that Fitness Leaders have a role to play

motivate others. It has been proven. Therefore, Fitness Leaders

yearly basis and contribute positively to my community. I have

that a healthy lifestyle is a balance of the yang and the yin, the

outside of leading fitness classes?

need to become involved in their community by helping out

been a member at large on the Moose Jaw in motion committee.

activity and the rest, the doing and the being. Please know that

on school councils, volunteering with their local gym or their

I have presented at Provincial conferences for TOPS, the Arthritis

while I am aware of keeping balance in my life, it does not always

Sport, Culture and Recreation District, or by sitting on your local

Society, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Registered Psychiatric

happen. Balance is a constantly changing noun and verb, as life is

recreation board. There are always opportunities for sharing

Nurses, the Mental Health & Older Adult Conference, and the

constantly changing. We must go with the flow.

of information, partnership and creating new projects

Prairie South School Division Teachers Conference.

A: I feel that all Fitness Leaders, whether we want to be or not, are placed in a position of power. Therefore, we must take advantage of being an advocate for physical activity. We need to show others by “walking the talk” by personally displaying a healthy lifestyle. Joan McCuster said at the 2009 SPRA Conference and AGM that “inspiration can be borrowed” and I feel as a Fitness Leader my inspiration can be shared. If I display a positive commitment to a healthy lifestyle it will

by volunteering locally or regionally. If you do not show up to help make a change, your community will not grow.

• Love what you do, and you will never work another

Angela Englot

day in your life.

Executive Director

summers to the surrounding areas through the Wellness Wagon

• Be aware of all of the areas of your life – physical, social,

to teach classes in several small communities. In addition to my

mental, emotional and spiritual.

regularly scheduled classes, I have also given many classes free

• Be a good role model by taking care of yourself.

of charge. I have taught classes at the Moose Jaw Multicultural

• Set healthy boundaries. From time to time, re-evaluate and

Council for the newly arrived Immigrant Women, to the young

see if you are living an authentic life. Choose who and what

Katimavik participants who come to work in Moose Jaw, to

is important to you. Use your talents! Live your best life.

the YMCA summer daycampers and at one of the Elementary

• Sometimes we need to say “Yes”, and sometimes we need

Schools. When the Caron Community was declared in motion,

to say “No.”

I volunteered to lead the participants of all ages in music

• We DO make a difference in people’s lives.

and movement.

• Who we are and how we contribute is far reaching and

I am passionate about what

I am vigilant to maintain my numerous certifications and I consider

I do as a Certified Fitness

myself to be a student for life.

a person. I had always enjoyed being a fitness participant and at the age of 41, started my training to teach Fitness. I am certified through the very first Canadian Aquafitness Leaders Alliance course held in Toronto, in 1993. During the past 16 years, I have become SPRA certified in land Group Fitness and Older Adult and have also become trained in PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise), T’ai Chi Chih, and Yoga. I continue to teach in most of these specialties.

FEBRUARY 2010

Here are some treasured teachings I have learned over the years:

Recreation and Parks Association, I have travelled during the

RITA BETH

Leader and who I am as

I have given presentations to the local Arthritis Support Group and to a support group for the Bereaved. Through the South Central

SPRA Fitness Leader Profile

04

I strive to balance my active yang Fitness activities with my mellow

As a SPRA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, I teach classes for over 40. Why am I qualified for these classes? Well, I am over 40.

Well, okay, I am over 50. I love my participants. I know their names and something about each of their lives. Many of my participants have been attending my classes for years. My participants come to my classes not just to get fit – they also enjoy the socialization, music, fun, and the many stress release benefits. They feel better after class. Many of my participants are dealing with something –

In the past several years I have twice been interviewed by our

more valuable than we will ever know.

local cable TV for the Wellness Matters segments. One show

T. Rita Beth was awarded the SPRA Fitness Leadership

highlighted the importance of deep breathing and relaxation

Award in 2005 to recognize her contributions in motivating

for stress relief and in the other segment, I explained and

and encouraging others to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

demonstrated the benefits of T’ai Chi Chih.

She regularly attends our Provincial SaskFit Conference,

Locally, I have organized the World T’ai Chi and Qi-Gong Day which brings together the various T’ai Chi groups to demonstrate

and the Can-Fit-Pro Conference in Toronto. Rita can be reached at fitnessinmotion@shaw.ca

for the public and to raise awareness of the benefits of T’ai Chi

Rita was raised in a military family, moving frequently,

and Qi-Gong.

attending more than ten different schools. She has also

a child with special needs, an ill and aging parent, a spouse with

Currently, I am organizing a Retreat for Fitness Leaders for April

cancer, or their own health and emotional issues. My participants

of 2010. My presentation of T’ai Chi Chih was so well received at

come to me for motivation, encouragement, cheerleading,

the SPRA SaskFit Conference, that the participants wanted more.

coaching, education, stress relief, and a safe place to be.

Many had never been on a retreat, so I will be offering T’ai Chi Chih, and Stress Reduction Techniques, at the retreat weekend.

Personally, each year I go on at least one retreat.

moved more than a dozen times with her military husband, having lived in five provinces in Canada, and three other countries. Since 2000, Rita has lived in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Rita is the mother of one son and grandmother to two grandchildren. One of her mottos is: “I’m not here for a long time – I’m here for a good time.”

FEBRUARY 2010

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Municipal Ice Rink Program

MIRP is a total package. The ongoing energy efficiency

By knowing the number of rinks that want to participate,

improvement solution will remain in place for the long term.

SaskPower Eneraction may be able to secure better funding

It’s to ensure participants experience real energy savings,

from provincial and federal government departments

that the improvements are cost-effective and that each facility

and programs.

is designed to be as energy efficient as possible.

This is accomplished within a municipal rink’s existing budgets,

Together we can make your rink more energy efficient, cheaper to operate and sustainable for the future.

all the while ensuring the service a rink provides its community

Energy efficiency: reducing energy costs for Saskatchewan rinks

SaskPower Eneraction will also provide real-time data and detailed reports telling operators how well they are doing in comparison to past performance and similar facilities.

Over the next five years, rinks in the province will have the opportunity to participate in SaskPower Eneraction’s Municipal

How does MIRP help make facility improvements?

Ice Rink Program (MIRP).

With MIRP, SaskPower Eneraction will do facility assessments

efficiency improvement solution in place and be retrofitted with

to identify which upgrades and improvements are needed.

cost-effective and energy-efficient equipment.

This includes a baseline study that compares the energy usage

province tailoring solutions to other rinks’ needs.

Rinks with artificial ice will be selected based on expressed interest at www.saskpower.com/rinks.

Money is tight at most rinks. How will they afford the program?

How can my municipality’s rink participate If interested in the MIRP, please contact the program manager and express your interest by visiting the customer inquiry form

By mid-2010, it’s expected 12 rinks will have an ongoing energy

Once those rinks are complete, MIRP will move across the

is of top quality and increasingly affordable.

at www.saskpower.com/rinks. Click “Contact our Rink Program Manager” or email directly at ktischler@saskpower.com.

of a rink in past periods and to other similar rinks.

The study will show SaskPower Eneraction the efficiency of a certain rink’s operations and equipment, as well as what energy savings opportunities can apply.

Based on this study, MIRP will provide recommendations of cost-effective improvements, taking into account all applicable

BUILDING COMMUNITIES, ONE CROP AT A TIME

grants or subsidies and calculating the value of the expected energy savings.

Recreation and sport infrastructure have become pillars

harvest going to the Paddockwood Arena Association. These

of Saskatchewan communities. Whether you use the community

funds help cover increasing operating costs, as well as repairs

MIRP helps implement the improvements.

parks or coach the local hockey team, the quality of life in our

and maintenance of the facility. The success of this past year’s

communities relies on this infrastructure and its volunteers.

harvest raised over $9,000 more than required to operate the

in place will help secure financing and help clearly measure

MIRP will provide project management, grant/funding

We can quantitatively measure the number of hours logged

facility. While there is proof in the numbers, their undeniable

achieved savings.

application assistance, financing/loan application assistance,

or dollars donated by our volunteers, but how do we measure

commitment and contribution is incalculable.

commissioning and verification, education and training, as well

the contagious community spirit that defines this province?

Making these energy efficient improvements to your rink’s

Based on this information, each rink and its municipality decide

operations and equipment can save a facility between 40

which improvements to make. Once that decision is made,

and 60 per cent in both electricity and natural gas costs.

Putting an ongoing energy efficiency improvement solution

These savings will in turn be used to pay for the improvements.

as ongoing reporting.

Rinks can make cost-effective improvements today that would

Community spirit is mobilized by volunteers but the real action

to plant a crop and harvest it as a fundraiser for Melville’s new

pay for themselves tomorrow. Once the improvements are

begins with you and your ideas! Let’s face it, serving on multiple

Communiplex was welcomed by the community. However, his

paid off, the energy savings go straight to the facility’s

committees or fundraising may not be everyone’s strength but

sudden passing left his dream in limbo. Deeply affected by his

bottom line.

everything starts with an idea; a contribution; a vision and maybe

death, friends and family came together to follow through with

MIRP will continue to provide energy usage monitoring and Replacing old, inefficient equipment is not the whole picture

a tractor. For local farmers, their responsibilities go beyond your

his vision, raising over $10,000 for the project. Todd’s generosity

work closely with facility staff to ensure rink operation continues

when trying to lower energy bills. It’s why the ongoing energy

average nine to five job and with mother nature as your boss,

infected the community and left a legacy that will impact

to be as efficient as possible.

their jobs and outcomes are unpredictable. Lack of time makes

generations to come.

After the retrofit

efficiency improvement solution will provide facility operators

06

Local Melville farmer, Todd Miller planted a similar seed. His idea

with training on how to run the rink as efficiently as possible.

As new technologies become available, MIRP will investigate

There will be regional education and training workshops for

them, assess their benefit and contact those rinks in which it

all rink operators.

would be cost-effective to implement.

FEBRUARY 2010

them unlikely volunteers, yet they have found a unique way to make a difference in their community.

Want to know more about these and other recreation news stories happening around the province? Visit the Media Monitor

Paddockwood farmers have been donating their time and

at www.spra.sk.ca/media - it is your source for recreation

equipment to farm 90 acres of land, with proceeds from the

information!

FEBRUARY 2010

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PUSH2PLAY The goal of this long-term campaign is to inspire Saskatchewan parents and children to lead healthier lifestyles through active play – at least 60 minutes of active play every day.

Unstructured play is an easy and fun way to increase the physical

To that end, Saskatchewan Blue Cross collaborated with

activity level of children – hop on a bike, grab a ball, be creative.

a childhood consultant to design a Push2Play Playbook,

And for there to be a significant positive change in the time kids

a collection of fun physical activities for kids of all ages.

are actively playing, parents, grandparents and other adults

The games do not require special equipment, relying only on

must also become involved. There is no better way to influence

the very basics to ensure a great time, and the Playbook includes

children than to lead by example, to join in the play and to push

adaptations for children with physical challenges. It is a wonderful

our children to play.

resource that will get children actively playing outdoors, or even

Research has shown that children with lower physical activity levels are demonstrating chronic disease risks previously

To obtain a copy of the Playbook or for more information on

seen only in adults. This is cause for concern, as only 15%

the proactive Push2Play initiative, please explore the website

of Saskatchewan children and youth meet the physical activity

at www.push2play.ca; visit Saskatchewan Blue Cross offices

guideline for good health set out in Canada’s Physical Activity

in Saskatoon or Regina, or contact 1-800-USEBLUE® or

Guide (as reported in the 2009 Active Healthy Kids Canada

push2play@sk.bluecross.ca.

Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth).

Saskatchewan Blue Cross is not the only organization working to reverse this trend. A recent Saskatchewan Parks and

On September 2nd, 2009 Saskatchewan Blue Cross® proudly launched its ™ Push2Play For An Hour A Day initiative for the people of Saskatchewan.

indoors if it is too cold to face the elements!

Recreation Association Inc. news release reported:

Saskatchewan Blue Cross is a Saskatchewan owned not-for-profit company created in 1946 by Saskatchewan people. We have been taking care of Saskatchewan families for over 60 years and are proud to be an active part of the

On August 14, 2009, federal, provincial and territorial

communities in which we live, work and play. We hope that

Ministers responsible for Sport, Physical Activity, and

you will share in the excitement of this initiative and incorporate

Recreation, at their annual meeting, agreed to take

play into your life.

specific key measures to increase physical activity levels for children and youth.

The hope is that collective efforts at all levels – community,

We’re simply encouraging parents and children to get physically active each day through play – just head outdoors, play hard… and have fun!

provincial and national – will lead to a general change in behavior and we will see improved physical activity levels for children

G.N. (Arnie) Arnott

in our province. Working together, we can change the future

FCA President and CEO

for our children.

08 FEBRUARY 2010

FEBRUARY 2010

09

A GREAT DAY HAD BY ALL!

ACCESSIBLE PLAYSPACES

FUN FOR ALL! Accessible Swing: the accessible surfacing allows for easy access to the swing and transfer.

The New Brunswick Canada Games Girls Softball Team had one mindset as they travelled to Truro, Nova Scotia for two exhibition games, play strong and put up a good fight.

The New Brunswick Canada Games Girls Softball Team had

an event. Every player on the team is able to do something they

When it comes to the development of children’s playspaces we

a handful of playspaces with any measure of accessibility. Now,

one mindset as they travelled to Truro, Nova Scotia for two

love when they hit the field because of the time parents and

are hearing more often how the owner/operator is planning for

with the 2009 construction season just completed, Edmonton

exhibition games, play strong and put up a good fight. They did

coaches have put in over the years and the girls feel that it’s only

accessibility. Words like ‘truly’, ‘fully’, and even ‘universally’ are

boasts having over 50 sites that meet the new standard!

just so, splitting the games with one win and one loss. The team

appropriate for them to provide the same opportunity to others.

used to describe just how accessible a new playspace will be.

played very well suffering only two difficult innings, accounting for the loss. Although their performance on the field was what was on the girls’ minds last weekend, their focus changed to a different kind of performance for the following Saturday.

Members of the team headed to Fredericton to assist in teaching a group of persons with a disability something about the game of softball as part of an all day recreation event (Recreation Your Way), organized by the Inclusive Committee of Recreation New Brunswick. The girls put on their jerseys and tied their cleats like any other day but it was much more than any other day. Members of the team proceeded to catch and field balls hit off of the tee, introducing the basics of the sport. It was not only softball skills that were learned that day, the girls learned the satisfaction of putting smiles on someone else’s face and

The Inclusive Recreation Committee of Recreation New Brunswick is a provincial network of recreation practitioners, people with disabilities, and disability organizations. Our mandate is to promote and facilitate inclusive recreation opportunities for people with disabilities throughout New Brunswick.

The Inclusive Recreation Committee’s major event “Recreation Your Way,” is a full day designed to showcase the sport, recreation and active living opportunities for people with disabilities in their community. This event welcomes everyone who wants to learn more, make connections with community leaders and supports, actively participate and be inspired to continue leading active, healthy lives.

giving someone a reason to be excited about the game. It was

You’ve seen these activities on TV, in your school and in your

an eye opening experience, one that only expanded the girls’

community…

appreciation for the sport. There were many smiles and laughs as the NB softball players encouraged and congratulated the participants after every solid hit. Barry Freeze concluded the softball session with motivational and inspirational words. Team NB greatly appreciates the opportunity to participate in such

While this is a positive trend and follows efforts taken in most other areas of public facility provision, it is important that we are clear about what is meant by accessibility descriptors used for the play area. This in turn helps everyone involved in a project to be using a common language – for the ultimate benefit of the users.

For Kira who regularly visits Edmonton, having accessible playgrounds is a welcome relief from the not-so-fun therapy sessions related to her condition of Spina Bifida. Her mother concurs. Watching the 5-year-old try swinging, bumming through a maze, going down a slide and being thrilled at succeeding each time, she remarks, “You don’t have any idea what this means. When you keep adding pieces like this to Kira’s life, then

When we speak about accessibility from a housing perspective

I gain every confidence that she’ll be a healthy, active,

for example, we are generally using the term as meaning the

contributing member of society.”

dwelling meets prescribed requirements, often spelled out in national, provincial and local legislation, codes and by-laws.

Following the lead of the US through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Canada now has a national guideline for what constitutes accessibility for the playspace.

To support municipalities and other owner/operators of play areas in applying Annex H, a national coalition of advocate organizations has assembled a series of supportive tools and resources. These include a FAQ sheet, guidebook, and a policy development template and can be downloaded free of charge

In 2007, the Canadian Standards Association released this

through the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability

national guideline in its updated CAN/CSA-Z614-07 Children’s

at www.ala.ca.

Now it’s YOUR turn to try them out!

Playspaces and Equipment Standard. Called Annex H: Children’s playspaces and equipment that are accessible to persons with

Kim Sanderson, Chair

Justine Jarvis

disabilities, this informative addition to the CSA standard is

International Play Association Canada

written in normative or mandatory language for those who wish to adopt it as policy and is closely aligned with the ADA standard.

The City of Edmonton was the first City in Canada to adopt Annex H as policy for all new playspace developments. Prior to this, despite a number of promotional efforts, the City had only

10

FEBRUARY 2010

FEBRUARY 2010

11

Monkey See, Monkey do

A COMMUNITY CONNECTED

SWIFT CURRENT’S CHINOOK PARKWAY

Like it or not, parents are role models and active parents are more likely to have active kids.

That’s one of the reasons Saskatchewan in motion is

“It doesn’t take super powers to make physical activity the easy

recruiting 2,010 families in 2010 to make an online pledge

choice,” says Kryzanowski. “We’re asking people to make small

at www.jumpin.ca.

changes that will have a big impact and we’re giving them the

“Only 15% of Saskatchewan kids meet national guidelines

tools they need to get started.”

for physical activity,” says Cathie Kryzanowski, Manager

All pledges will be tracked and displayed online. Later this

of Saskatchewan in motion. “We’re not OK with that and

year, the site will be expanded to allow schools, communities,

we’re challenging families to do just one thing to change

organizations and individuals to make similar pledges.

the situation.”

“In 2010, we’re focusing our efforts on ensuring Saskatchewan

What does a hard surface, 18 km, walking path that meanders alongside a creek through several city parks, mean to a community? It means a family bike ride to Grandma’s house on the other side of the City.

It’s a safer corridor for wildlife travelling along the creek through the City.

It is neighbors running together to raise money and awareness for an important cause. It’s preschoolers discovering nature, friends re-connecting, families remembering loved ones passed. It’s something different to everyone but it is something important!

Children and youth need 60-90 minutes of physical activity

kids get 60-90 minutes of physical activity every day. We’ve

every day. Saskatchewan in motion believes families, schools

made good progress in Saskatchewan, but we’re not there yet.

and communities share responsibility for making sure that

We’re asking everyone to jump in and do their part to make it

The City of Swift Current is a community of about 16,500 people.

happens. That means 30 minutes at school, 30 minutes in

happen,” says Kryzanowski.

Ask anyone about how they enjoy the Chinook Parkway and

community programs and 30 minutes at home with family and friends.

Jumpin.ca launches February 15, 2010. The site asks Saskatchewan families to do just one simple thing to make sure the kids they care about can move every day. Families can create their own pledges or choose from options like: • volunteering so kids can be active • reducing screen time • speaking out for an active school

Here’s how the Saskatchewan physical activity movement can help in motion recruit 2,010 families in 2010:

they will have an answer for you. From preparing for a marathon, to bird watching, the parkway provides many diverse and varied recreational and park opportunities which enhance the quality of

• Get talking. Talk about how to make physical activity part of every child’s life at school, at home and in the community.

• Encourage families to take the pledge. Set up a pledge station at an event; put it in your newsletter; hold an in motion pledge drive in your office; your school or

life for citizens and visitors in our community.

To ensure that everyone has equal opportunity to enjoy the parkway, the City of Swift Current has faithfully stuck to their commitment of connecting communities. Therefore, as the City continues to grow, so will the Chinook Parkway. New

your neighborhood.

partnerships and a new and revised plan, the City is currently

• Promote the important role families play in modeling

even more neighborhoods North to South along what is

active behaviours.

commonly known as Speedy Creek. The future of the path

working on a new 25-30 year strategic Master Plan to connect

will continue into the Saskatchewan Valley, Trail, and Highland sub divisions.

The City of Swift Current is reflecting on 26 years of the Chinook

We see rollerblading to school, art students inspired,

Parkway, which was formally established in 1983. We see more

geocaches discovered, community gardens sowed…

than 18 km of paved trail, 3000 trees planted, 12 rest stops

a community connected!

which include 6 sun/rain shelters, washrooms, benches,

waste receptacles, and interpretive brochures and signs!

Shawna Smuk Special Programs Coordinator City of Swift Current

12 FEBRUARY 2010

FEBRUARY 2010

13

Girls on the Move in Fort Qu’Appelle On the Move is a national initiative designed to increase opportunities for inactive girls and young women (ages 9-18) to participate and lead in sport and physical activity, led by CAAWS, the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity. On the Move is a program concept that advocates for female-only, participant-driven, community-specific programs.

and are making healthier choices. Girls commented “This is fun because boys don’t share,” “I never get a turn when boys are around,” “You can’t do this in front of boys,” or “I wouldn’t try this in front of my boyfriend.”

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES FROM THE PROGRAM

Another component of GOTM program was three sessions

Community School, wanted to start a program for girls in grade

from ‘Theater for Living’, facilitated by Karen Schmidt from

6-8. She went to the classrooms and spoke about the program,

File Hills Qu’Appelle Health. Through interactive games, the

and talked to girls individually about why they should participate

girls were taught about personal issues, self esteem and peer

in the program. Supported by a grant through CAAWS’

pressure. The most moving session was when the girls created

Aboriginal Girls On the Move project in January 2009, Girls

a live picture (Image work). Two girls started and one by one

On the Move was launched in Fort Qu’Appelle and included

another joined the picture. There were a few girls who observed

activities and presenters to provide participants with a variety of

what was being created. It ended up showing what the girls

• Girls were more willing to participate in new activities and

opportunities. This grant will continue into the 2011 school year.

are dealing with in the community: Drugs, drinking, sadness,

practice skills for organized sports in fun ways

wanted to do and what they were curious about and wanted to try as an all girls group. Each program includes a physical activity and an activity based on healthy choices with each session running from two to four hours a week.

Based on the participant interests, presenters were brought

bullying and fighting. The girls were asked “What do you see?

What do you feel? How can we make it different?” The girls in the live picture held their pose while the others looking at it talked about what they saw. The girls in the picture slowly moved their poses to ‘high fives’, hugs, smiles, linking arms and laughter. This was a turning point for the girls and the cohesiveness of the program.

activities including: • Cyber bullying

the November 20th draw to win $250,000!

The Regina, Saskatchewan couple returned to the store the following day and asked the clerk to check the ticket.

“The lottery machine said Woo-Hoo, and we both looked won $25, but then I looked again and saw all of the zeroes behind it!”

• Girls got to know girls that they had not spent time with

“The money will help us to travel more in the future, and see places we’ve never seen before,” smiled Gloria.

Ticket was purchased at Sherwood Co-op Quance Market Place, 2925 Quance Street E, Regina, Saskatchewan

• Girls were more willing to attempt and try again without boys around • Girls found ways to take part in physical activities in a non threatening environment There are many other wonderful stories of the girls and

is in Fort Qu’Appelle!

visit www.caaws.ca/onthemove.

• Hip hop

Girls were guarded with the first few activities, however, as the

• Self esteem

program continued, the girls relaxed and became very involved

• Exercise/weight training

in the activities. Dynamics between the girls changed as a result

Kate Roberts

• Yoga

of the program – at the beginning some girls were scared of

After School Programmer

• Belly dancing

others who used the power of fear to intimidate them. Through

Fort Qu’Appelle Elementary Community school

• Rock wall climbing

presentations and time spent together, the walls of cliques

• Swimming

came down. Girls shared more with their peers and looked

• Horseback riding

to each other for support. Girls that attended on a regular

• Theater for living

basis were a very cohesive group; they always made sure the

There are presently 33 girls participating in GOTM.

girls that missed were kept in the loop. With the girls choosing

FEBRUARY 2010

to see that they had exactly matched the EXTRA number from

and activities

For additional information about CAAWS’ On the Move initiative,

• Healthy cooking

Gloria and Larry Beglau couldn’t have been more surprised

at the monitor,” remembered Larry. “Initially I thought we had

Qu’Appelle. This is a snap shot of how successful the program

SUCCESSES OF GIRLS ON THE MOVE

$250,000 EXTRA Winner in Regina!

• Girls felt empowerment through positive female role models

their change in attitude and participation with GOTM in Fort

in or the girls went to learn about a number of topics and

LOTTERY LINGO

empowered and respected. Girls became more physically active

Kate Roberts, a youth worker at Fort Qu’Appelle Elementary

During the first session, the group talked about what they

14

the topics of what they wanted to learn and try, the girls felt

“SHOCKED” Winner in Esterhazy!

Jodi Denbrok was shocked to realize she had revealed a $10,000 win on her favorite SCRATCH ’N WIN ticket – SET FOR LIFE! Jodi said she scratched the ticket at her kitchen table and realized it was a winner. “It was hard to believe! We looked at the ticket several times, and my husband said, ‘Don’t touch it, and don’t wreck it!’” she laughed. “So we put the ticket in the safe until we could go to the Prize Office to claim our prize.”

The Esterhazy, Saskatchewan resident said she plans to use her winnings to buy two new all-terrain vehicles, do some renovations and put what’s left away for a rainy day.

Ticket was purchased at Tri-Star Foods Ltd, Highway 22, Esterhazy, Saskatchewan

FEBRUARY 2010

15

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES SPRA Member’s Initiative Grant Application Deadline: March 1, 2010 The SPRA Member’s Initiative Grant provides SPRA Active Members with assistance in developing recreation within the member’s community by increasing the skill level of the community’s volunteers.

A community’s recreation programs can only be as strong as its leaders!

SPRA Métis Recreation Development Grant Application Deadline: April 1, 2010 The SPRA Métis Recreation Development Grant Program provides SPRA Active Members with assistance to develop recreation programs in the member’s community. This grant will focus on the development of recreation opportunities for Métis people in Saskatchewan. Recreation can play a key role in the lives of every Saskatchewan resident and should be available to all residents.

16 FEBRUARY 2010

SPRA First Nation Member’s Recreation Grant Application Deadline: April 1, 2010 The SPRA First Nation Member’s Recreation Grant provides assistance to First Nation members to develop recreation opportunities in the First Nation Communities within Saskatchewan.

This grant will focus solely on the development of recreation opportunities for the First Nation people of Saskatchewan.

Sogo Active Youth Group Grants Application Deadline: March 31, 2010 Sogo Active is a youth engagement movement for physical activity and has been designed to promote physical activity among Canadians ages 13 to 19.

Youth register for the program on www.sogoactive.com to connect with individuals and organizations across Canada that can assist them in getting active! Local organizations and schools can support youth groups by joining as Community Hosts. Community Hosts provide support to the youth by offering access to active living facilities, equipment, programming, etc.

Through the Community Host support and partnership, youth groups can apply for a $500.00 Youth Group Grant to support youth led physical activity initiatives. To qualify for funding, groups have to indicate that they are planning to facilitate physical activity opportunities for the group and their peers for a minimum of ten (10) weeks.

the level of physical activity of Saskatchewan people.

The guidelines are designed to encourage regional and provincial collaborative strategies involving physical activity partners across the human services and sport, culture and recreation networks.

CIF Physical Activity Grant Program

For additional information on these and more funding opportunities, visit www.spra.sk.ca/funding or contact SPRA at 1-800-563-2555.

Application Deadline: February 1, 2010 The CIF Physical Activity Grant Program supports strategic projects and initiatives that will advance the physical activity movement in Saskatchewan and increase

EVENTS FEBRUARY 15, 2010 Heritage Day – Celebrating the Heritage of Sport and Recreation For Heritage Day 2010, Canada’s Olympic year, the Heritage Canada Foundation (HCF) will be celebrating the Heritage of Sport and Recreation. Start planning your Heritage Day event today! For additional information, visit www. heritagecanada.org.

MARCH 8 - 11, 2010 SARM Annual Convention Regina, SK The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities Annual Convention provides members with the opportunity to gather as a whole to debate resolutions, discuss current issues and hear from political leaders and other presenters.

In conjunction with the Convention, SARM also hosts a two and a half day tradeshow consisting of over 100 exhibitors. For additional information contact SARM at 757-3577.

APRIL 6 – 9, 2010

Photo Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan / Keith Starks

Parks and Recreation Educational Forum and National Exchange Niagara Falls, ON

The Forum and National Exchange will include more than 45 sessions and 4 keynote addresses, a Trade Show, Gala Awards Dinner and National Showcase.

Those working or volunteering at management or service delivery levels in sectors such as parks, recreation, leisure, health promotion, community development, sports, culture, education and/or customer service will find this unique opportunity one not to be missed! For additional information, contact Parks and Recreation Ontario (416) 426-7065 or visit www. prontario.org.

APRIL 11 – 15, 2010 SPRA Spring Education and Training Symposium Humboldt, SK The SPRA Spring Education and Training Symposium will provide recreation directors, facility managers, park operators and volunteers with practical and applicable knowledge. The Symposium offers specific education sessions to the parks and facilities sectors.

For additional information, contact Kelly Skotnitsky, SPRA Consultant, by phone at (306) 780-9324 or visit www.spra.sk.ca/ springsymposium.

MAY 5 – 7, 2010

JUNE 4, 2010

SPEA/SHEA Conference Saskatoon, SK

SPRA Scott Irving Memorial Golf Tournament Madge Lake Golf Resort at Duck Mountain Provincial Park

The Annual SPEA/SHEA Conference provides an opportunity for professionals to assemble for the purpose of professional development, friendship, and the chance to discuss and collaborate on health and physical education issues from across the Province. For additional information, contact SPEA at (306) 656-4423.

JUNE 1 – 30, 2010 June is Recreation & Parks Month Locations across Saskatchewan Each year recreation service providers and park authorities throughout the country utilize June to celebrate the return of summer programming, to gather their communities together, recognize volunteers, get residents involved in fun outdoor physical activities and gain support for the parks and recreation sectors.

For additional information, visit www.spra.sk.ca/ juneisrecreationandparks.

The SPRA Scott Irving Memorial Golf Tournament will be a Texas Scramble with teams of 4. The Tournament will include supper and a variety of great prizes!

For additional information, contact Kelly Skotnitsky, SPRA Consultant, by phone at (306) 780-9324 or visit www.spra.sk.ca/golf.

OCTOBER 14 - 16, 2010 SPRA Conference and Annual General Meeting Regina, SK The 2010 Conference and AGM will bring together recreation practitioners, parks and facility operators and volunteers from across the Province for the opportunity to network and learn the latest information and trends in the parks and recreation field.

For additional information, contact Karen Thompson, SPRA Assistant Consultant at (306) 780-9389 or visit www.spra.sk.ca/conference.

FEBRUARY 2010

17

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Publication Mail Agreement #41967532 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: SPRA • 100 – 1445 Park Street • Regina, SK • S4N 4C5 email: office@spra.sk.ca