Recreation is essential to the development of our children and youth:

• We learn motor skills (physical) through play and sports
• We learn social skills through play and sports
• We learn creativity through play and arts activity
• We develop intellectual capacities and concepts through play - and many other life skills

The recreation department realizes the importance of providing leisure opportunities for children at an early age. Some of the benefits our programs can offer include developing motor skills, music appreciation, cooking and encouraging their imagination.

Recreation, sports, and arts build social skills and stimulate participation in community life.

From active sport classes to music, science and drama, we offer a wide range of programs for your children. Participants gain skills, whether it be learning how to horseback ride, play a part in a play, draw their favourite cartoon, learn about science or even how to 'shoot some hoops!'

Recreation, sports, and arts / culture build self-esteem and positive self-image - foundations for personal quality of life.

Recreational programs provide an avenue for positive growth and development. They not only enhance skill development, but encourage growth as a whole person. Some of the programs offered through our recreation department include various sports, leadership workshops, self defense, drama, drawing and cooking classes.

Recreation, sports, and arts reduce self-destructive behaviour and negative social activity in youth.

Participation in recreational activities is vital for teens as it allows for escape from the everyday pressures from school, from home and from their peers. Recreation programs offer an opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and develop an interest in something positive. Golf classes, leadership programs, basketball and badminton drop-ins, and teen dances are some examples of programs for our teen population. The recreation department also offers numerous volunteer opportunities for people of all ages. More information can be found in the seasonal guide.

Recreation and parks build strong families and healthy communities.

Fitness and recreation are well know to be linked as fitness and well-being reduce both the incidence and severity of illness and disability. Did you also know that recreation, sports and fitness improve work performance - increased productivity, decreased absenteeism, decreased staff turnover, and reduced on-the-job accidents". These are just two of the many benefits participation in recreational programs provide. Aside from the many benefits, we also offer programs because they are simply 'fun'. These programs take the form of well-being workshops, dance lessons, Internet seminars, sport programs and arts and crafts.

Note: Italicized quotes are taken from the Benefits Catalogue, a publication produced by the Canadian Parks / Recreation Association, 1997. Printed by Bonanza Printing and Copying Centre Inc.

The Catalogue summarizes why recreation, sports, fitness, arts, culture and parks are essential to personal, social, economic, and environmental well-being. For a copy of the catalogue, contact the Canadian Parks / Recreation Association by e-mail at cpra@cpra.ca or visit their website at http://www.cpra.ca/

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