Yorkton Council proclaimed January as Active Living Month at its regular meeting in December.
鈥淭he City of Yorkton鈥檚 2020 Strategic Plan identifies building a healthy community, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and personal wellness as some of the community鈥檚 goals. One of the ways Community Development, Parks and Recreation department works to achieve these goals is to provide low-cost or no-cost social, recreational, and educational opportunities for all community members to enjoy,鈥 explained Taylor Morrison, Recreation Services Manager with the City at the meeting.
鈥淧romoting the benefits of being physically active is one thing, but actually getting people to be physically active is another. What better time of year to support and encourage people to become more physically active than in January, when most people are discussing their New Year鈥檚 resolutions which likely include being healthier.鈥
The promotions involved with designating January as Active Living Month in the City of Yorkton will help create awareness of the benefits of, and provide opportunities for, people to become more physically active, said Morrison.
Morrison said the City hopes the promotion will;
鈥 Increase physical activity levels of our citizens.
鈥 Educate citizens and businesses about the importance of being physically active and making positive healthy lifestyle choices.
鈥 Increase use of our facilities
鈥 Encourage families to be physically active together.
鈥 Expose citizens to different ways to become physically active.
The following schedule of activities and opportunities are being promoted as part of Active Living Month:
鈥 Free walking at the Gloria Hayden Community Centre and Gallagher Centre for the month of January.
鈥 Sports demonstrations and clinics for squash, racquetball, and pickleball
鈥 2-for-1 admission for squash and racquetball rentals at the Gloria Hayden
鈥 $2.00 Drop In Sports including tennis, soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, and pickleball at both the Gallagher Centre and the Gloria Hayden
鈥 5.00 Drop In Curling Friday nights, hosted by the Yorkton Curling Club.
鈥 Free public skating at the Kinsmen Arena and the Farrell Agencies on Sunday evenings.
鈥 Free preschool and senior skating at Kinsmen Arena on Wednesdays, from 1:00-2:00pm.
鈥 $2.50 youth and $5.00 adult admissions to the Gallagher Centre Water Park for the whole month
And while the weather may be chilly, there is a lot to do outside as well, continued Morrison.
鈥 Toboggan Hills at Knights of Columbus Park, Rodney Ridge, Weinmaster Park and the Deer Park Golf Course
*Outdoor Rinks at Knights of Columbus, Weinmaster Park and Heritage Heights Parks, with a special note to the newly renovated outdoor rink at Silver Heights Park, which now includes lighting for evening activities. Lights at the outdoor rinks are on until 10:30pm nightly
鈥 Cross country ski trails at the Deer Park Golf Course which are kept groomed by the Yorkton Cross Country Ski Club. The Cross Country Ski Club is also now offering junior programming, and has a聽 rental shop for those who do not have their own equipment.
聽The City also clears over eight kilometers of pathways throughout the City.