by Jo Barnes –
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing” ~ George Bernard Shaw.
As a kid you’re encouraged to play and to build connections with other people. These days connecting means through social media, and playing means exercising our thumbs playing “Angry Birds” rather than using our whole bodies.
“Play in the Park,” a free program by Panorama Recreation, kicks off in July and provides the opportunity for families to come together, be active and build a sense of neighbourhood at the same time.
“The purpose of the Play in the Park program is to increase physical activity, social connectedness and intergenerational bonds,” says Claire Erdem, Community Recreation Coordinator.
The program runs in the evenings Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 4 to September 2. All the action kicks off at the Launch Party on July 4 at Pioneer Park, a beautiful public park at the intersection of West Saanich Road and Clarke Road. There are various park venues for each date. For details, refer to the 2016 Panorama Recreation Summer Brochure.
Says Claire: “Each park location is selected within specific neighbourhoods on the Peninsula to increase the potential for families to use active modes of transportation.”
The venues are all community park areas that offer beautiful green space and recreational facilities. They are also neighbourhood places that families can walk or bike to on a summer evening, another bonus towards health benefits for everyone.
You might wonder what Panorama is offering for you to “play?” Staff will host a variety of family interactive games, face painting and inflatable fun on a giant 50-foot obstacle course. There are no admission fees of any kind; just bring yourselves and join your neighbours for a fun family evening of play in the lovely summer air.
Play in the Park is all about community, and there’s no better way to exemplify that than Panorama’s partnership with the local Pauquachin Nation. Like last summer, there will be two young people from the Pauquachin community who will serve as assistant program leaders.
“This partnership has many benefits for both communities. Not only does it provide opportunities to incorporate cultural activities into the program, it also provides employment opportunities to young people of the Pauquachin Nation outside of their community,” says Claire.
A program like this is not possible without generous sponsors who help to make it happen. Panorama Recreation is grateful for the support from the Capital Regional District and CRD Traffic Safety Commission as well as groups such as the Victoria Foundation, Sidney by the Sea Rotary, Investors Group, Van Isle Marina Bottle Depot and Peninsula Co-op.
So hop on your bike or skateboard or stroll over to Pioneer Park July 4th! You’re never too old or too young to play!
