City of Peterborough Hosting Free Family Skate Celebration On Sunday
/The City of Peterborough is hosting a free Family Skate Celebration at Quaker Foods City Square from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Peterborough Blogs
Ontario Government Offering Free Access to Provincial Parks For Healthy Parks Healthy People Day On Friday
/For Healthy Parks Healthy People Day on Friday, the Ontario Government is allowing free access to use provincial parks announced on Tuesday.
File photo.
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, David Piccini made the announcement on behalf of the provincial government.
“Ontario Parks is once again offering free day-use access to provincial parks to celebrate Healthy Parks Healthy People Day, said Piccini. “This annual celebration is part of a global movement to promote the incredible health benefits of getting outside in nature. Studies show spending time in nature can improve our mental, physical, and social well-being, including lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem and reduced anxiety.”
Ontario Parks is offering the following ways to engage with nature including the following upcoming events:
The 30x30 Challenge to encourage people to spend 30 minutes in nature for 30 days during the month of August
Take a Hike Day on Aug. 9, a brand-new event this year offering guided hikes at provincial parks around the province.
“As the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, I encourage all Ontarians to take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, immerse themselves in the splendour of nature and experience first-hand the restorative power of our provincial parks,” said Piccini.
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Photos: BBQ and Open House at Canterbury Gardens Retirement Residence
/Canterbury Gardens Retirement Residence (1414 Sherbrooke St., Peterborough) hosted a barbecue and Open House event on Saturday.
The afternoon consisted of live music, dancing and singing as attendees toured the residences at Canterbury. A barbecue lunch was served alongside some fresh salads and cold drinks.
Those interested in learning more about Canterbury Gardens can watch the video below:
Hamilton Park Splash Pad Open For the Season
/Kids near Jackson Park can cool off with a new splash pad at Hamilton Park announced by The City of Peterborough on Monday.
Peterborough now operates seven splash bads throughout the City. Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.
The now-open splash pad now features a new, small-scale splash pad with multiple sprays. Hamilton Park's other amenities include a playground, a basketball court and a disc golf course.
A community consultation took place in 2021 for City staff to receive input on the features of the splash pad.
“This splash pad is a beautiful addition to Hamilton Park,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell. “It provides a perfect place for young families to have fun and cool down in the summer. Being outdoors with friends and family is key to everyone’s well-being and a building block to a thriving community.”
Splash pads are typically open from June to September and operate from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, weather permitting.
Splash pads are located at the following:
King Edward Park, 455 George St. S.
Nicholls Oval, 725 Armour Rd.
Rogers Cove, 131 Maria St.
Kinsmen Park, 1 Kinsmen Way
Barnardo Park, Barnardo Avenue
Turner Park, 673 Chamberlain St.
Hamilton Park, 757 Bonaccord St.
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City of Peterborough Celebrating Recreation and Parks Month With Community Events and Activities Throughout June
/The City of Peterborough is recognizing Recreation and Parks month- a movement that promotes the benefits of recreation and parks for physical, social and environmental health- with local programs and events available throughout the month of June.
photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.
Access to parks and recreation helps foster personal health, wellbeing, strong communities and social inclusion.
Throughout the month of June, a wide variety of free activities, events and giveaways will be taking place across the community. There is something for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
The City says this project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.
"The City of Peterborough is well known for our incredible green spaces, the Otonabee River and Little Lake, parks and recreational/sports opportunities,” says Councillor Lesley Parnell, Chair of the City’s Arenas, Parks and Recreation Portfolio. “Please get out and enjoy the many free events and activities to expand your quality of life in our beautiful City.”
Highlight of events:
June 1: All abilities Try It Pickleball from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Wellness Centre gym B/C
June 5: It’s World Environment Day! Leave the car and walk, bike, or take the bus today
June 9: P.A. Day Fun Swim for all ages from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Wellness Centre
June 10: Dragon Boat Festival returns to Del Crary Park. This all-day family-friendly event supports Peterborough Regional Health Centre to invest in state-of-the-art technology to serve more cancer patients. Visit the Peterborough Dragon Boat website for more information.
June 12: Wellness Centre Client Appreciation Day
June 17: Power Yoga in the Park for all ages at Rogers Cove from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
June 18: Happy Father’s Day! Celebrate with a Fun Swim for all ages at the Wellness Centre from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
June 20: Downtown Youth Space will host a Mini Olympics event in Confederation Square from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for all ages.
June 23: Zumba Dance Party happening downtown at the Quaker Foods City Square from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bring your dance moves and energy for a fun-filled evening that is open for all ages.
June 29: Let’s Bike Event in Partnership with Green Up will take place at Quaker Foods City Square from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
July 1: Canada Day celebrations start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, with pre-parade activities in Confederation Square, followed by the Canada Day Parade presented by Cogeco, beginning at noon. Join us along George Street from City Hall to Morrow Park.
Ongoing programs and facilities:
Visit Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market in Quaker Foods City Square from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday.
Check out the Riverview Park and Zoo to visit the animals and have fun on the largest playground in the City.
Skate your way into summer by visiting the local Skateboard Park at 560 McDonnel St.
Did you know? In partnership with local school boards, Fleming College and Trent University, there are over 80 fields and courts available to the community. Visit your closest park and try out a new sport!
Splash pads are open for the season with hours of operation from 9 a.m.to 8 p.m. daily. Visit the website for locations.
Public beaches at Beavermead Park, 2011 Ashburnham Dr., and Rogers Cove, 131 Maria St., will open for the season on July 1, 2023. Beaches are staffed with trained lifeguards from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
Community wading pools will open July 1 for the season, operating from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. To learn more about outdoor beaches and wading pools, visit the City’s website.
City Splash Pads Open For the Season Beginning Saturday
/Splash pads are opening for the season beginning on Saturday and will run until Sept. 5, announced by the City of Peterborough on Thursday.
File Photo.
The pads are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
City splash pads are at the following locations:
King Edward Park, 455 George St. S.
Rogers Cove, 131 Maria St.
Kinsmen Park, 1 Kinsmen Way (Sherbrooke Street and Clonsilla Avenue)
Barnardo Park, Barnardo Avenue north of Sunset Boulevard
The Nicholls Oval Park splash pad is undergoing repairs and the splash pad at Turner Park at 673 Chamberlain St. will be opened later by ABC Recreation.
“Splash pads are a sure sign that summer is on its way,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell. “The City’s Public Works team worked quickly to complete annual commissioning so that our splash pads are available for families for the Victoria Day weekend.”
Any City wading pools will open at a later date when lifeguard supervision is provided. Beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead Park will not have supervision until July 1 when the City’s lifeguard program begins.
New small water spray features will be operational later this season at Quaker Foods City Square and Hamilton Park according to the City’s press release.
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New Adaptive Children's Swim Program Launched By YMCA
/After receiving a grant from the Peterborough Foundation, the YMCA of Central East Ontario has launched an adaptive swim pilot program for children, especially with disabilities announced on Thursday.
File photo.
The program welcomes children of all abilities, including those with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities, as well as those with autism, ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions according to a press release.
“Swimming is an essential life skill, and we have seen there is a need for affordable, adaptive lessons,” said Shannon Hunter, YMCA regional supervisor of aquatics and camp. “Parents are fearful that their children will get left behind without the skills they need to stay safe this summer.”
The program is designed with guidance from Heads Up for Inclusion and Five Counties Children’s Centre. It was developed after all three organizations received multiple requests from parents for a water safety program.
“We recognize that every child is unique and we are committed to providing individualized instruction that caters to each child's specific needs and goals,” said Hunter. “With the help of Five Counties Children’s Centre, our team of experienced and certified swim instructors has received training in adaptive teaching techniques to ensure that every child feels comfortable and supported.”
Registration for the pilot program is full but you can be put on a waitlist or get more information placed on a waitlist by contacting Shannon Hunter at shannon.hunter@ceo.ymca.ca.
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Registration For Spring/Summer Recreation Programs Open On March 22
/City of Peterborough spring and summer recreation program registration that includes aquatics, fitness, leisure and instructional sport programs for children, youth and adults opens on March 22 at 7 a.m.
Lillian P. (left) and Ellie T. (right) showing off their butterfly wings at the Children’s Garden at GreenUP Ecology Park in August last year. photo by David Tuan Bui.
“We’re excited to offer a full array of recreational programming and summer camps this summer,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell, Chair of both the arenas, parks and recreation portfolio and the youth portfolio. “We have something for everyone, regardless of age or ability. Never before has it been so incredibly important to put down those electronic devices and get out to play, socialize and be active. Come out to have fun, get active, meet people and be engaged.”
The Peterborough Fun Guide provides information on all City-run recreational and leisure programs, children's day camps, parks and trails. Printed guides are available at various City facilities including Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, City Hall, Peterborough Public Library, Peterborough Museum and Archives and arenas.
Registration is ongoing for summer day camps and instructional sports camps, with specialized camp programs including arts, sports, inspiring play, leadership and science and technology.
Summer leadership programs are available to youth at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre and Peterborough Museum and Archives.
Recreational and instructional programming is available for dance, fitness, judo, jiu-jitsu, tennis, pickleball, ball hockey, volleyball, badminton and more. The City offers free “try It” programs for pickleball, ultimate frisbee, cricket and horseshoes for anyone seeking a new activity.
For July and August, a Junior Parks Play Program is being offered as a free drop-in program for ages 4 to 8 years old, at various municipal parks. Recreation camp staff lead children in games, crafts and theme days in the parks on weekdays during the summer. The program requires that adult caregivers stay in the park with their children during the programs.
Members of Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre have advance registration beginning March 21. Registration is available online or by telephone 705-742-0050.
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City of Peterborough To Host the Inclusive Sport and Recreation Expo March 4
/The City of Peterborough will be hosting the second Inclusive Sport and Recreation Expo in partnership with the Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) on March 4 at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.)
file photo.
From noon to 3 p.m., the Inclusive Sport and Recreation Expo will bring together community sport and recreation organizations to highlight and promote inclusiveness and encourage participation for people of all abilities. Local groups will showcase their inclusive programs to potential participants.
This free event is set to provide children and families an opportunity to learn more about the resources available and inclusivity in sport and recreation through demonstrations, peer engagement and information sessions.
The Council for Persons with Disabilities works to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by promoting equality, opportunity and inclusion in the Peterborough area. CPD strives to increase community capacity and create positive change while advocating on behalf of persons with disabilities for improved services that will allow persons with disabilities to live a full, productive life.
Those with any questions about attending the Inclusive Sport & Recreation as an attendee or as a vendor can email rec@peterborough.ca.
Outdoor Skating - What's Open or Closed for Feb. 15
/With temperatures reaching a high of 14 C according to Environment Canada for Wednesday, outdoor skating facilities such as Quaker Foods City Square and the canal are closed announced by The City of Peterborough on Wednesday.
Photo by David Tuan bui.
The City notes that mild temperatures and sunny conditions can cause short-term temporary closures to the rink.
Located on Charlotte Street, Quaker Foods City Square operates from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. weather permitting for free casual skating. It is closed for Wednesday.
The canal is also closed due to the warmer temperatures. The City advises residents to check the safety flag to see if skating is safe and open. A safety flag identifies if ice conditions are safe:
A green flag indicates skating is permitted.
A red flag indicates skating is not permitted.
The neighbourhood rink program has run in City parks since 1965 with help from volunteers who prepare, flood and maintain ice for skating. Rinks are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. as weather and ice conditions permit. The following are neighbourhood rinks however the conditions are unknown by the City at this time:
Dixon – 120 Benson Ave.
Earlwood - 52 Earlwood Dr.
Farmcrest – Ashburnham Drive across from Ecology Park
Golfview Heights - 921 Whitefield Dr.
Hastings – 690 Hastings Ave.
King Edward – 455 George St. S
Kiwanis – 234 Middlefield Rd.
Manor Heights - 700 Victory Cr.
Nicholls Place - 725 Armour Rd.
Roper - 1610 Firwood Cr.
University Heights - 1385 Hetherington Dr.
Wedgewood - 1535 Fairmount Blvd.
