HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-007-10CI ~ n REPORT
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION
Date: May 17, 2010
Resolution#: Q P~~a~ ~0
By-law#: N/A
Report: CSD-007-10
File#:
JUNE IS RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respecttully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee
recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report CSD-007-10 be received for information.
Submitted by: Reviewed by: ~ ' `~""~" - `^-' v
o eph P. Caruana Franklin Wu,
irector, Community Chief Administrative Officer
Services
EM/SM/JPC/lw
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (505)623-0830
REPORT NO.: CSD-007-10
PAGE 2
1.0 BACKGROUND
1.1 "June is Recreation and Parks Month" was launched in 2005 as an initiative of
Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO), Ontario Recreation Facilities Association
(ORFA) and Ontario Parks Association (OPA). They were joined in 2009 by the
Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario.
1.2 The goal of Recreation and Parks Month is to increase public awareness of the
value and benefits of recreation for individuals, families, neighbourhoods and
communities. It is an opportunity to celebrate the success of recreation and
parks in contributing to the quality of life in our communities in Ontario.
2.0 THE BENEFITS OF PARKS AND RECREATION
2.1 Participation in physical activity and recreation is a key determinant of health
status. Participation in recreation is linked to the prevention and treatment of
many physical and mental illnesses. The physically fit person is less prone to
illness. Active individuals have fewer hospital stays, fewer physician visits and
use less medication.
2.2 Although the physical health benefits of recreation require some activity, not all
the mental health benefits do. Recreation can have positive impacts on mental
health, from reducing depression and relieving stress, to improving quality of life
in a variety of ways, to helping people to feel better about both their surroundings
and themselves.
2.3 Recreation is so important because active people lead healthier lives and have
stronger connections to their communities. Recreation engages people and
builds social cohesion, generating healthy, inclusive communities.
2.4 Varied recreational opportunities such as trails, outdoor spaces and parks make
physical activity interesting, enjoyable, and encourage life-long fitness habits.
2.5 Recreation goes hand in hand with environmental protection. Active people seek
opportunities to incorporate exercise and recreation in their daily lives, often
choosing to walk and cycle rather than drive. Parks and nature have enormous
untapped health potential as they provide an opportunity for people to re-
establish and maintain their health in a holistic manner.
3.0 COMMENTS
3.1 As a result of correspondence received on April 26, 2010 from Darlene Joslin,
Chair of June is Recreation and Parks Month, the Municipality of Clarington
proclaimed June as Recreation and Parks Month.
REPORT NO.: CSD-007-10
PAGE 3
3.2 During the month of June, the Community Services Department will be
celebrating Recreation and Parks Month, and promoting the theme of
"Live it everyday!" Regardless of how you define "recreation", it is important
to recognize the benefits recreation provides.
3.3 To encourage community participation, the Community Services Department is
offering a variety of free or low-cost activities throughout the month of June to
celebrate Recreation and Parks Month. A full listing is available at
www.clarington.net. These activities include:
• Yoga in the Park (Thursday, June 17, Rotary Park, Bowmanville)
• Free public swim -sponsored by Tim Horton's(Newcastle's Canada Past
and Present celebrations, Saturday, June 26, Newcastle & District
Recreation Complex)
• Free Fitness Fridays (Fridays in June, Courtice Fitness Facility)
• Squash Clinic (Saturday, June 26, Clarington Fitness Centre)
• Toonie Tuesdays (Aerobics and Fitness drop-ins in Courtice and
Newcastle)
• Dads swim Free on Fathers' Day (Sunday, June 20, Courtice,
Bowmanville and Newcastle)
• Colouring Contest
• Race Across Canada (Physical Activity tracking contest)
3.4 The events and activities will be promoted within the community in the following
methods:
• Summer Community Guide
• www.clarington.net
• www.recreationandoarksmonth.ca
• In-house signage (Recreation Facilities and Town Hall)
• LED signs at the various facilities