Rec Report Newsletter: December 2024-January 2025

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WSPR banner - a young person wearing headphones in the pool with their assistant.

Rec Report Newsletter - December 2024/January 2025

Newsletter Spotlight


Winter Registration Now Open

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January to April 2025 Activity Guide graphic with image of girl in an accessible lift being assisted by her support worker.

General registration for January-April 2025 programs is now open! Check out the amazing courses and programs offered in the new year. Visit explore.wspr.ca to find your place, here, at West Shore Parks & Recreation.

Registration for preschool swim lessons: December 16th at 6AM.
School age, private and adult swim lessons: December 17th at 6AM.

 


Santa Swim

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Image of Santa sitting with his feet in the swimming pool. Santa Swim Saturday, December 21, 1:30-3:30PM

Santa will make a special appearance on the pool deck during this festive family swim. Enjoy a splashin’ good time in the pool and get creative with holiday crafts to celebrate the season. It’s an afternoon of fun you won’t want to miss!

Saturday, December 21, 2024
JDF Recreation Centre
Swim: 1:30-4PM
Crafts: 1:30-4:30PM

Limited capacity due to lifeguard/patron ratio requirements.


AutismBC Sponsored Sensory-Friendly Skate

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Image of winter decorations at JDF Arena

Join us for a fun and inclusive sensory-friendly ice-skating event on Christmas eve, designed to create a relaxed and welcoming environment for all! Bring your family, lace up, and glide with us in a space that celebrates and supports the sensory needs of our community!  

Tuesday, December 24, 2024
10:30 – 11:30AM
JDF Arena
Free admission! Sponsored by AutismBC.

Capacity: max. 100 people on ice during session.


Winter Wonderland & Holiday Skating

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Image of 4 red chairs and white Christmas tree at JDF Arena

Visit the JDF Arena for a visit with Santa and skating, and find your favorite nook to get your photo taken this year! ❄️ If you haven't been yet, it's not too late! There are public skating sessions left on December 17 and 18 from 6:00-7:00PM.

Holiday public skating is offered from December 23 - January 5. View the drop-in arena schedule and make sure to take in a holiday skate this season!

 


Winter Break Camps

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Image of chestnut horse wearing jingle bells on its ear.

A few spots are still available in the WSPR Winter Break Camps! Spur on your kid's interest in horses, or fire up their engineering imaginations.

Winter Break Horseback Riding Camp (6-13 Years): Daily registration available on Friday, December 27, 2024; Monday, December 30, 2024; Thursday, January 2, 2025 | $125 per day

Jr. Minecraft - Outer Space (6-8 years): Thursday, January 2, 2025 | $70

Minecraft & LEGO Crazy Contraptions (8-12 years): Friday, January 3, 2025 | $70


Weightroom Programs to start the New Year!

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Image of 3 toddlers in the fitness studio as part of Baby and Me fitness class.

Start the new year off with your health and fitness in mind. New weightroom-based programs such as Weightroom for Beginners, Small Group Personal Training and Orientations are available to suit all levels and abilities. 

Baby & Me Fitness: Join this total body workout designed to enhance strength and endurance, all while keeping baby 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.

New day and time: Fridays, 12:45pm with Karla Kurevija. Register for the monthly series or drop in for $15. Starts January 10.

New! Dance: The quick beats and variety of dance styles will ofter a full body cardio workout to merge fitness with fun. Get ready to sweat to the sounds of Brazilian rhythms. This class will include 60 minutes of a cardio workout with mixed music and dance styles: Samba, Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia and much more!

Tuesdays, 5-6pm with Mariana Mazullo. Register for the series or drop in for $15. Starts January 7.


Aquafit for the Ages

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Image of youth in the leisure pool being filmed by a TV reporter with fitness instructor looking on.

Here’s the feel-good news story of the season - - Aquafit for the Ages. The aquatics and fitness departments were honored and proud to witness the filming of this CHEK News feature on Royal Bay Secondary School students participating in the 10:15AM Shallow Aquafit class, led by instructor Glenda Rosberg. Both the pool and participants were delighted to show their support.

Chek out the segment which aired on Chek News on November 12, 2024. We dare you not to smile 😊


Accessibility Improvements at WSPR

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Image of white pickup truck parked at new curb stops at JDF Recreation Centre. Caption reads "Improving accessibility at West Shore Parks & Recreation"

Over the past two weeks, the Parks Department at West Shore Parks and Recreation has installed curb stops in key areas around our parks to enhance accessibility for everyone!

Here’s why this matters:

  • Clear sidewalks for mobility devices: Curb stops prevent large vehicles, like trucks, from overhanging sidewalks, ensuring clear and unobstructed paths for wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility aids.
  • Safer pathways: By maintaining open walkways, we’re creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all visitors.
  • Commitment to accessibility: This small but significant change is part of our ongoing efforts to make West Shore Parks welcoming and accessible for everyone.

Thank you for supporting our mission to create inclusive spaces!


NEW! Fitness Programming at Old Metchosin School

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Man exercising with elastic tubing

We’re excited to explore the possibility of bringing select West Shore Parks & Recreation programs to the newly renovated Old Metchosin School and gymnasium located at 4475 Happy Valley Rd, and we’d love to hear from you!

Please take a moment to complete the survey and share which fitness programs you’d like to see offered. As a thank you, you’ll be entered into a draw to win a three-month membership to West Shore Parks & Recreation. Deadline for submissions is December 12th, 2024.

Thank you for your valuable input!


First Aid Training Now Available in the West Shore 

West Shore Parks & Recreation (WSPR) is excited to partner with the Metchosin Fire Department to offer Red Cross first aid courses in Winter/Spring 2025. Now, you can receive this essential training at the Old Metchosin School (4495 Happy Valley Road at the Old Metchosin School) just 15-20 minutes from the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre—no longer do you have to drive downtown to gain these lifesaving skills!

Why Take First Aid Training with WSPR?

1. Convenient Location
Access high-quality first aid training at the Metchosin Training Centre, located at [insert address here]. With classes just minutes away, it’s easier than ever to fit this important course into your schedule.

2. Expert Instruction
Learn from experienced firefighters who bring real-world knowledge to the classroom. Their expertise ensures you’ll gain the confidence and skills needed to respond in an emergency.

3. High-Quality, Certified Training
Our courses follow Red Cross standards, so you can be assured that you are receiving the most up-to-date, nationally recognized first aid and CPR training.

4. Flexible Scheduling
We’re offering twelve sessions throughout Winter/Spring 2025, making it easy for you to find a time that fits your busy schedule.

5. Broaden Your Skills for Work or Life
First aid certification isn’t just valuable in emergencies—it’s a sought-after qualification for workplaces, and it can also be the first step toward more advanced safety training or even a new career path.

6. Serve Your Community
Not only will you be gaining lifesaving skills for yourself and your family, but you’ll also be contributing to the safety and wellbeing of the entire community.

For more program information and to register, visit WSPR First Aid Program Information.

We look forward to helping you gain the skills to stay safe and prepared—right here in the West Shore. Join us for a session today!


Upcoming Holiday Hours

HOLIDAY DATE HOURS
Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24 6AM-3PM
Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25 CLOSED
Boxing Day Thursday, December 26 CLOSED
New Year’s Eve Tuesday, December 31 6AM-3PM
New Year’s Day Wednesday, January 1 (2025) CLOSED

Details on our website

© Copyright 2024 | West Shore Parks & Recreation. All Rights Reserved.
West Shore Parks & Recreation | 1767 Island Highway, Victoria, BC, Canada, V9B 1J1
Tel: 250-478-8384 | questions@wspr.ca