June is Parks and Recreation Month, and this year’s announcement was made earlier in the month at the new pickleball courts adjacent to the Kinsmen Sportsplex.
Mayor Clive Tolley made the announcement alongside Curtis Dumont (recreation program supervisor), Donna MacQuarrie-Bye (GM of Wakamow Valley), Nicole Walchuk (recreation program supervisor), and Shelly Howe (recreation services supervisor).
This year, Moose Jaw residents are invited to get #NotoriouslyActive.
“June is Parks and Recreation Month, so we put together a Notoriously Active calendar of events. What it is, is ideas for locals to get active in the month of June. There are ideas for every day… and include a variety of affordable options as well,” says Nicole Walchuk, recreation program supervisor with the City of Moose Jaw.
“This is a good resource to use this June,” she says regarding the calendar. “When the kids say they are bored, this gives an idea of what you can do with them.”
As a fun and engaging part of this initiative, residents are invited to take a selfie while completing any of the activities on the calendar, and then post those pictures to social media throughout the month of June.
Of course, the event calendar is meant to be a guideline only and offers a few suggestions to get started. “Participants can take a photo during any recreational activity in June… anywhere in the city or in Wakamow,” Walchuk explains.
All participants are asked to include the #NotoriouslyActive hashtag with all photos, and the #ExploreWakamow hashtag with photos specific to the calendar contest portion of the initiative.
By using these hashtags, the Wakamow Valley Authority will pool all entries and draw for your photo to be entered in their upcoming calendar. Twelve winners will be chosen at random and receive a free calendar, and their photo will be featured on their winning month.
All photos specifically for the calendar contest must be taken in Wakamow Valley in Moose Jaw and include the hashtag #ExploreWakamow to qualify. Unlimited entries are permitted for the contest.
The Wakamow Valley Authority contest runs throughout the month of June and ends on midnight, June 30th.
To further assist with individual fitness goals, whether your focus is on weight loss, improving cardio, or simply getting outdoors more often, the ParticipACTION app is a worthwhile download and is also required for residents to participate in the Community Challenge initiative.
“Everyone is encouraged to join the app. It’s a very great resource and gives ways you can get active…,” Walchuk says. “And it is offered on a throughout-the-year basis.”
The Community Challenge initiative takes place across Canada every June, and this physical activity challenge aims to discover which of Canada’s communities are the most active. The results are gathered through use of the ParticipACTION app, and every contributing individual helps their local community improve its score.
The most active community at the end of the month will be granted the title of Canada’s Most Active Community and will be awarded a $100,000 cash prize. The 12 runner-up communities will each receive between $7500 and $15,000 to support local sport and physical fitness initiatives.
Among individual participants, 15 Walmart gift cards are available to be won, each worth $100. Additionally, two team prizes are available per team member in the selected group. Team prizes feature a $200 Decathlon gift card.
During the challenge, participants who have downloaded the app can track the progress of their local community.
Not only can you check your own progress and that of your community, but you can also find friends and neighbours who are on board with the challenge. There is a link to facilitate this search.
If you download the City of Moose Jaw app., you can book fitness events in town and view the calendar here too.
“The weather is warming up,” Walchuk reminds us. “There are lots of options: parks, spray parks, pickleball, the bike park, Wakamow, Crescent Park…”
To get the ideal break from the warm weather we’ve been having, Walchuk also notes that the outdoor pool opened on June 12th.
A schedule of June events is available with the city online and if you prefer to have a free printed guide, stop by either the Yara Centre or Kinsmen Sportsplex and inquire at the front desk.
To download the ParticipACTION app, visit: https://www.participaction.com/app/.
Don’t forget to include hashtags with your photo submissions!
