Play in the Park, which is offered at five different parks throughout the Saanich Peninsula, gives youth and their families an enjoyable way to get healthy and stay active.
Put on by Panorama Recreation, the event runs this year from July 2 up to Aug. 28 and is held every weekday evening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is free for families and their kids to attend.
Community Recreation Coordinator for Youth Programs at the Panorama Recreation Centre, Jen Poitras said the event really eliminates any financial barriers to physical activity.
“It’s also a great way to build relationships in the community,” she added.
The event is for kids of all ages and staff are on the grounds to facilitate the various stations to add the ‘fun’ component to physical activity.
Some of the outdoor activities include a 50-ft inflatable obstacle course, frisbees, hula hoops and soccer ball stations that families and kids can participate in together, encouraging active play.
“I think there are lots of studies and information out there saying that importance of active outdoor play for youth and their families and families getting out there with there kids together can strengthen family bonds, and it’s imperative for kids to be out there doing these active activities,” said Poitras.
The park’s include Pioneer Park, Rathdown Park, Wain Road Park, Greenglade Community Centre, Rodolph Park and Centennial Park. A list of the days events can be found at www.crd.bc.ca.