Rec Report - August/September, 2023
Newsletter Spotlight
- Fall Program Registration
- Neighborhood Nights
- Summer Saturdays at JDF Arena
- Preschool, Parks & Play
- Weightroom & Fitness Upgrades
- Fall into Fitness
- Junior Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Fire Facts
- 'Most Valuable You'
- Upcoming holiday hours
Fall Program Registration
Now's the time to book your favourite fall activities! Our September-December Activity Guide will be viewable online Friday, August 4 at noon - check it out here!
| General program registration: | Thursday, August 10, 6:00AM |
| Swim lesson schedule viewable online: | Friday, August 18, 12:00PM |
| Preschool swim lesson registration: | Monday, August 28, 6:00AM |
| School age, adult & private swim lesson registration: | Tuesday, August 29, 6:00AM |
Make sure you've set up your online account and tested your login before registration day! View our support page for details. Need help on reg day? DM us on Facebook!
Neighborhood Nights
We're thrilled with the turnouts so far this summer and there is more fun to be had! Come together in your community park for fun games, activities and crafts. Bring a picnic dinner, get outside, be active, and reconnect with your family and neighbours.
Pre-registration not required.
Tuesdays, until August 29
6:00-8:00PM
Royal Bay Meadow Park
Program may be canceled due to weather.
Summer Saturdays at JDF Arena
Stay chill on Saturdays - the day is dedicated to drop-in skating and hockey, so come on down and really cool off.
Family Stick & Puck is a family-friendly session for skaters aged 6+ to practice their hockey skills. No experience necessary. Staff will be on the ice to provide pointers. Children must have full gear to use hard pucks. No skate assists available. Helmets required for all regardless of age. Skate rentals and helmet rentals are available. Pucks will be provided.
Saturdays, until Sept. 2*:
| Everyone Welcome | 10:00-10:50AM |
| Everyone Welcome | 11:00-11:50AM |
| Family Stick & Puck (6+) | 12:00-12:50PM |
| Family Stick & Puck (6+) | 1:00-1:50PM |
|
Adult 19+ Duffer Hockey |
2:30-3:50PM
|
*Schedule is subject to change. Please visit our drop-in schedule page for up-to-date information and program details.
Preschool, Parks & Play
Can you imagine what wonders await your young ones in the great outdoors? With 109 acres of parks and paths, bugs and bees, fun and friends, WSPR is the perfect place for little learners to explore their natural environment while building skills that will last a lifetime.
Register now to start in September!
Nature Preschool (3-5 years):
Utilizing the beautiful and varied 109 acres at WSPR, this is an all-outdoor, all-weather early childhood education program. Child-led daily adventures in nature, artistic expression and imaginative play will help children explore and deepen their understanding of the natural world and their place within it.
| Mon/Tue/Wed/Thurs or Friday (daily reg) | 9:00AM-12:00PM |
Inside Out Preschool (3-5 years):
Monthly play and nature-based themes make this a learning environment full of fun. A balance of activities for the little learners include literacy, numbers, and arts and crafts, physical literacy combined with lots of outdoor nature time exploring the vast JDF site.
| Monday, Wednesday & Friday | 9:00AM-1:00PM |
| Tuesday & Thursday | 9:00AM-1:00PM |
Discovery Preschool (3-5 years):
In this shorter introductory program, children build friendships and develop independence through active play and hands-on learning with colours, numbers, science, nature, arts & crafts, physical literacy and more.
| Monday, Wednesday & Friday | 9:00AM-12:00PM |
| Tuesday & Thursday | 9:00AM-12:00PM |
Bright Beginnings (2-3 years) registration opens August 10 at 6:00AM.
Weightroom & Fitness Upgrades
Come inside to cool off at the coolest gym in town and enjoy the new cardio equipment and weightroom redesign at West Shore Parks and Recreation! New cardio equipment includes Matrix treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, rowing machines, step mills, Nusteps and Keiser M3i indoor cycling bikes. Equipment has been deep cleaned and reconfigured to provide more open floor space and improved accessibility. Come in and check it out!
Fall into Fitness
Keep your fitness fun this fall with a few upbeat programs!
Jumping Fitness – a new low-impact cardio fitness class performed on patented trampolines to upbeat music for anyone wanting a fun HIIT workout!
POUND Fitness– a full-body workout that combines cardio conditioning and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements using Ripstix ®, lightly weighted drumsticks. A perfect atmosphere for letting loose, getting energized, toning up and rockin’ out! Registered or drop-in option available.
POUND Unplugged – a 30-minute class that balances focused, high-intensity exercises with restorative movements, rhythmic breathing, and meditation. Quick, efficient, and challenging, POUND Unplugged connects mind, body, and sound to create an immersive, sensory experience unlike anything you have experienced in a group fitness class. Registered or drop-in option available.
Outdoor Bootcamp with Eugene – Need we say more? Take your workout outside with this new drop-in class, Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm. Registration not required.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga – Summer is the perfect time to slow down with Vinyasa Flow Yoga. Activate foundational muscles using body weight, then relax into more restorative postures. This class is just right for all levels and abilities.
Junior Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Little Ninjas is such a hit this summer, so if you have older kids ready for a personal challenge and development, Junior Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is where it's at! For fun, for strength, for growth, Junior BJJ is the perfect place for 9-14 year-olds to develop core skills without even knowing it. No gi (uniform) required.
Junior BJJ (ages 9-14)
August 1-29
Tuesdays, 4:15-5:15PM
September/October & November/December sessions too!
Fire Facts
Did you know that fire burns faster and increases speed when moving uphill? The heat from a fire radiates to the surrounding areas, in essence pre-heating flammable material. Flames can also reach more material in front of the fire, causing the fire to spread more quickly (gov.bc.ca).
With the hot and dry season continuing, help keep parks and communities safe by staying fire smart when you're out and about (and even in your own backyard!). Have a glance at our new fire rating signs on the Garry Oak Walking Trail for fire rating status and information.
'Most Valuable You'
Please join us in saying a big THANK YOU & CONGRATULATIONS to the latest recipients of the MVU award:
Marilyn U., for her dedication to the kids, positive attitude and always going the extra mile for her program, working on projects at home for the kids to create fun and imaginative stations for them with a different theme every month. Marilyn, thank you for your dedication and care!
Esther D., for her long-time dedication to the pottery studio and for helping transform it into a successful and positive environment. Esther, thank you for your vision!
Eric C., for his significant growth over the last few months, for being attentive and supportive of changes in the department and championing them to the crew. He has supported the team and his supervisor by recognizing and taking on things that need attention. Eric, thank you for your initiative!
Trevor F., for his service to the program team, building relationships and supporting WSPR's values. Trevor, we thank you and wish you the best in your new venture!
& a really amazing recreation leader, for providing amazing support and guidance to the whole team and creating an amazing work culture. You are amazingly appreciated!
The ‘Most Valuable You’ Recognition Program recognizes the outstanding efforts of the staff, to celebrate those who step in when needed, demonstrate a willingness to make this place better, grow into the challenges that arise, and embody the values of the organization.
Thank you all - you really do help make WSPR the perfect place to play... and work!
Feel like you're a good fit for this awesome team? Join us! View all job opportunities and apply today! Afterschool Care positions will be opening soon, so keep an eye out for the postings!
Upcoming Holiday Hours
| HOLIDAY | DATE | HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia Day | August 7 | CLOSED |
| Labour Day | September 4 | CLOSED |
| National Day for Truth & Reconciliation | September 30 | 7AM-3PM |
| National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Monday after) | October 2 | 6AM-10PM |
© Copyright 2023 | West Shore Parks & Recreation. All Rights Reserved.
West Shore Parks & Recreation | 1767 Island Highway, Victoria, BC, Canada, V9B 1J1
Tel: 250-478-8384 | questions@westshorerecreation.ca