City of Peterborough Celebrating Recreation and Parks Month With Community Events and Activities Throughout June

The City of Peterborough is recognizing Recreation and Parks month- a movement that promotes the benefits of recreation and parks for physical, social and environmental health- with local programs and events available throughout the month of June. 

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

Access to parks and recreation helps foster personal health, wellbeing, strong communities and social inclusion.

Throughout the month of June, a wide variety of free activities, events and giveaways will be taking place across the community. There is something for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

The City says this project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.

"The City of Peterborough is well known for our incredible green spaces, the Otonabee River and Little Lake, parks and recreational/sports opportunities,” says Councillor Lesley Parnell, Chair of the City’s Arenas, Parks and Recreation Portfolio. “Please get out and enjoy the many free events and activities to expand your quality of life in our beautiful City.”

Highlight of events:

• June 1: All abilities Try It Pickleball from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Wellness Centre gym B/C

• June 5: It’s World Environment Day! Leave the car and walk, bike, or take the bus today

• June 9: P.A. Day Fun Swim for all ages from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Wellness Centre

• June 10: Dragon Boat Festival returns to Del Crary Park. This all-day family-friendly event supports Peterborough Regional Health Centre to invest in state-of-the-art technology to serve more cancer patients. Visit the Peterborough Dragon Boat website for more information.

• June 12: Wellness Centre Client Appreciation Day

• June 17: Power Yoga in the Park for all ages at Rogers Cove from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• June 18: Happy Father’s Day! Celebrate with a Fun Swim for all ages at the Wellness Centre from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• June 20: Downtown Youth Space will host a Mini Olympics event in Confederation Square from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for all ages.

• June 23: Zumba Dance Party happening downtown at the Quaker Foods City Square from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bring your dance moves and energy for a fun-filled evening that is open for all ages.

• June 29: Let’s Bike Event in Partnership with Green Up will take place at Quaker Foods City Square from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• July 1: Canada Day celebrations start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, with pre-parade activities in Confederation Square, followed by the Canada Day Parade presented by Cogeco, beginning at noon. Join us along George Street from City Hall to Morrow Park.

Ongoing programs and facilities:

• Visit Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market in Quaker Foods City Square from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday.

• Check out the Riverview Park and Zoo to visit the animals and have fun on the largest playground in the City.

• Skate your way into summer by visiting the local Skateboard Park at 560 McDonnel St.

• Did you know? In partnership with local school boards, Fleming College and Trent University, there are over 80 fields and courts available to the community. Visit your closest park and try out a new sport!

• Splash pads are open for the season with hours of operation from 9 a.m.to 8 p.m. daily. Visit the website for locations.

• Public beaches at Beavermead Park, 2011 Ashburnham Dr., and Rogers Cove, 131 Maria St., will open for the season on July 1, 2023. Beaches are staffed with trained lifeguards from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

• Community wading pools will open July 1 for the season, operating from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. To learn more about outdoor beaches and wading pools, visit the City’s website.

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Registration For Spring/Summer Recreation Programs Open On March 22

City of Peterborough spring and summer recreation program registration that includes aquatics, fitness, leisure and instructional sport programs for children, youth and adults opens on March 22 at 7 a.m.

Lillian P. (left) and Ellie T. (right) showing off their butterfly wings at the Children’s Garden at GreenUP Ecology Park in August last year. photo by David Tuan Bui.

“We’re excited to offer a full array of recreational programming and summer camps this summer,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell, Chair of both the arenas, parks and recreation portfolio and the youth portfolio. “We have something for everyone, regardless of age or ability. Never before has it been so incredibly important to put down those electronic devices and get out to play, socialize and be active. Come out to have fun, get active, meet people and be engaged.”

The Peterborough Fun Guide provides information on all City-run recreational and leisure programs, children's day camps, parks and trails. Printed guides are available at various City facilities including Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, City Hall, Peterborough Public Library, Peterborough Museum and Archives and arenas.

Registration is ongoing for summer day camps and instructional sports camps, with specialized camp programs including arts, sports, inspiring play, leadership and science and technology.

Summer leadership programs are available to youth at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre and Peterborough Museum and Archives.

Recreational and instructional programming is available for dance, fitness, judo, jiu-jitsu, tennis, pickleball, ball hockey, volleyball, badminton and more. The City offers free “try It” programs for pickleball, ultimate frisbee, cricket and horseshoes for anyone seeking a new activity.

For July and August, a Junior Parks Play Program is being offered as a free drop-in program for ages 4 to 8 years old, at various municipal parks. Recreation camp staff lead children in games, crafts and theme days in the parks on weekdays during the summer. The program requires that adult caregivers stay in the park with their children during the programs.

Members of Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre have advance registration beginning March 21. Registration is available online or by telephone 705-742-0050.

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Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club Paddles On From Government Grant

After the last day of a canoe program, the Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club (PCKC) received a $15,500 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) on Friday.

The PCKC was established in July 2017. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Club members and city officials gathered at Johnson Park to watch young paddlers in fun races at Little Lake just off Beavermead Park. The final day was a showcase of the skills learned by the young paddlers as well as a recognition ceremony for the grant funding.

The club has seen a huge growth in numbers this year since 2020 where COVID-19 made it difficult for them to run its events.

“The year before, we've had 50 paddlers,” said Jim Stewart, PCKC commodore.” This year, we've had 150 plus padders plus another 30 in masters, paracanoeing and in learn-to-paddle programs.”

Most PCKC boats are racing boats that are expensive and unstable which are not rented out to the public. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The grant was used to help with staffing costs, buying new fencing, a rescue boat motor, installing new storage capabilities and a sanitizing station.

MPP Dave Smith presented the check at the presentation ceremony on OTF’s behalf. He said the PCKC fit the bill perfectly for the grant.

“It was about doing something for volunteers with a not-for-profit organization that provided an opportunity for youth,” he said. “It really was perfectly designed what Trillium was designed for.”

The OTF has nearly invested $112 million into 1,384 community projects and partnerships. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Both Smith and Stewart agree that these programs that promote physical activity are beneficial for kids on several different levels.

“It's good for their physical health but the key is that it's good for their mental health,” said Smith. “They learn an activity they can do their entire life and they have fun doing it which is one of the best things that come out of it.”

“People are very pleased to be in the open air in the water,” reflected Stewart. “A sport that provides them with new friends, a learning experience and a chance to gain self-respect for being on the water.”

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All Outdoor Recreational Amenities Closed Immediately In Peterborough

The City of Peterborough has announced that all shared outdoor recreational amenities—such as sports fields, community gardens and picnic areas—are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, by order of the Province of Ontario under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

The Province issued the order for all shared or communal outdoor recreational amenities—both on public and private property—including but not limited to playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, beaches, skateboard parks, picnic areas, community gardens, park shelters, and other outdoor recreational amenities.

“We are at a critical point in the fight to slow COVID-19 and as a community we all have to do our part to keep each other safe by physical distancing,” says Mayor Diane Therrien. “The message is clear—just stay home.”

The City of Peterborough thanks all residents for their efforts to flatten the curve, to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Please share this post to spread the word about these new measures…

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