Rec Report Newsletter: April/May 2025

Easter Egg Hunt at Royal Bay

Image

Join us on Saturday, April 19, 2025, for a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt at Meadow Park! 🐰

Bring your own baskets and get ready to search for chocolate eggs hidden throughout the park. The Easter Bunny will be there to join in the festivities and make the day extra special for the little ones. In addition to the egg hunt, there will be various children's activities to keep everyone entertained. Be sure to check out the West Shore Parks & Recreation Activity Station.

Watch social media for details
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Location: Meadow Park, Royal Bay

🌸Don't miss out on this delightful event! We look forward to seeing you there.

Youth Fitness Programs

Image

Exciting news for all youth aged 11-16! We've got brand new fitness programs that are designed to be fun and engaging, no matter what your interests are.

Athletic Training: Want to up your game in your favorite sport? Our athletic training sessions are perfect for boosting your performance and helping you excel. Fitness Fun: Not a sports fan? No problem! We've got plenty of activities that are all about staying fit while having a blast. Strength Training: Interested in hitting the weight room? Learn how to create a safe and effective strength routine with our expert guidance.

Come join us and discover the perfect program for you!

Youth Tri Cycle (11yrs+): Combine 20 mins of indoor cycling with 15 min athletic strength intervals and 10 mins of core. All levels welcome.

Regional Youth Weightroom Orientation (13-16yrs+): This orientation will provide an introduction on how to safely use a recreation centre weight room.  Content will include weight room guidelines and etiquette; cardio and weight training guidelines; orientation and instruction on how to use basic cardio and strength training equipment. Youth ages 13-15yrs must have completed the Regional Youth Orientation to use the weightroom.

Youth Strength & Conditioning (13yrs+): This program is designed for youth that have completed the Regional Youth Weightroom Orientation and interested in expanding their knowledge of strength training in the weightroom. Learn foundational bodyweight and weightlifting movements, with a focus on proper form, technique, safety, and spotting.

View more information and register! (Course information will be available April 4 at noon).

Baby & Me Fitness

Image

Calling all little ones and caregivers!

Baby & Me Fitness – Fridays 12:45-1:30pm. Registered or Hybrid Drop-in Options available.
Join this total body workout designed to enhance strength and endurance, all while keeping your little ones or big ones by your side! This class welcomes all fitness levels and provides special modifications for postpartum bodies, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably. Come break a sweat and bond with your little one in a fun, encouraging setting.

First Aid Training Opportunities

Image

Join us for first aid training in partnership with Metchosin Fire.
Metchosin Arts and Cultural/Training Centre, 4495 Happy Valley Rd

• Standard First Aid | Ages 12+
  May 29 & 30

Get certified with expert instruction in a convenient, accessible location!
Register now!

Pro-D Horseback Riding Camps

Image

Horseback riding lessons are a great way to develop confidence, balance and coordination. Learn to ride on safe, well trained school horses from qualified instructors. Suitable for beginner and intermediate riders.

The program at Cedar Vista Stables includes riding lessons, basic horsemanship and safety around horses focusing on having fun while acquiring an appreciation for these incredible animals. Riding is a great way to get fit in an enjoyable outdoor environment.

Pro-D April 11 | Ages 6-14
Pro-D May 12 | Ages 6-14

Why Fields Rest

Image

As spring arrives, many sports enthusiasts wonder why our natural grass fields close in April after being open for soccer and rugby season since August. While it may seem inconvenient, this annual closure is essential for maintaining safe, high-quality playing surfaces for the community.

In Victoria, soccer and rugby are played through the winter months when grass growth is minimal. This means that high-traffic areas—such as goal mouths, center fields, and scrums—experience significant wear without the chance to recover. Constant use, combined with rain, leads to compacted soil, thinning grass coverage, and muddy or bare patches. If left unaddressed, these conditions can worsen, creating unsafe and unplayable surfaces.

To restore and strengthen the fields for the next season, our parks crew undertakes a critical maintenance program every May, which includes:

· Aeration: Using specialized equipment, we perforate the soil to relieve compaction, allowing oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach grass roots. This promotes healthy root growth and overall turf vitality.

· Topdressing: A thin layer of sand or soil is spread over the field to improve surface consistency, drainage, and soil structure, which is especially important after a wet and compacted winter season.

· Overseeding: High-quality grass seed is applied to replenish worn areas and establish new growth before summer arrives. This ensures the field will be durable and lush for the next season.

· Fertilization & Irrigation: Essential nutrients are applied to encourage strong root development, and careful watering supports seed germination and early growth.

For these maintenance efforts to be effective, the fields must remain undisturbed while the new grass establishes. Foot traffic can disrupt seed germination, compact the soil again, and negate the benefits of aeration and topdressing. Allowing time for proper recovery ensures that the fields are resilient and ready for the next sports season.

We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work to provide safe, high-quality playing fields. Your cooperation helps ensure that these valuable recreational spaces remain in top condition for years to come!