One thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us is our deep need for connection and activities that improve mental health. We are a social species, and isolation is hard on everyone. Being able to engage with others is essential to our well-being, as much as our physical activity is. All the better when those two things converge.
“I truly believe that recreation is an essential service,” says Trish Conley-Knight, the Town of Huntsville’s Manager of Recreation, Culture, and Heritage. “Through pandemic lockdowns, we really learned how isolation had, and continues to have, such a negative impact on people’s lives.”
It made the municipality’s recreation options particularly valuable when restrictions were lifted enough to allow the indoor track to open or other programs to proceed. “We saw how important that free use of the track was for people to come out and actually see another person, even though you had to stay six feet away—that human interaction was so key for people’s mental health as well as their physical health,” notes Conley-Knight.
And now, as we emerge from this pandemic, the Town’s recreation programs are returning to full capacity with some fun, new ways to connect and get active.
Fun for all ages
Within the Town’s recreation options, there’s truly something for everyone.
“We offer programs for all ages. And although the pool and arenas offer many opportunities for sport, we also have a variety of activities that encompass mind-body connections, leisure pursuits, and creative endeavours,” says Conley-Knight.
For example, the Town staff are working with the Huntsvlle Art Society to develop some art and creative programs. And the trend toward outdoor programming, made even more important by the pandemic, will continue.
“As protocols start to ease, we’ve always got safety for the public and our staff top of mind, and part of that is the trend of also taking recreation outdoors,” says Conley-Knight.
Your one-stop sports and recreation spot for youth
If there’s an activity your child is interested in, chances are you’ll find it at the Town of Huntsville.
March break is almost here, and kids up to the age of 12 can make new friends and try new things at the Summit Centre day camp, including crafts, cooperative games, and outdoor activities. Or take advantage of the expanded drop-in schedule during March break and take your kids for a mid-day indoor skate or swim.
The fun continues beyond March break with a variety of youth activities. “We have tons of youth sport programs this spring,” says Conley-Knight. “Everything from learn-to-run, to basketball and indoor pickleball, to ultimate frisbee and flag football.” New this year is Friday Night Sports, where you can introduce your child to a range of sports and activities, without the competition. Or check out the arts and crafts options for some “look what I made” pride.
Not just for kids
Kids aren’t the only ones with fun new activities to try. Along with the Town’s popular suite of aquafitness and leisure classes, like line dancing and ukulele lessons, there are new fitness and yoga classes, too.
For the musically inclined, the weekly drop-in jam session was recently moved to Partners Hall, and will occasionally take to the Algonquin Theatre stage. “That atmosphere has really enhanced that program,” says Conley-Knight.
If you have a green thumb, or want to grow one, check out the virtual gardening series and learn how to grow, maintain, and harvest your own food.
Healthy, active aging
Activities for older adults have never been more important, and Town staff continue to offer a bevy of options for adults 55-plus.
Among the biggest changes in 2022 is the integration of Club 55 and Town of Huntsville older adult programming. Club 55 will be moving its digs to the Active Living Centre later this year, a transition that will allow the Town to offer even more programming to its older residents.
“We want to make this a positive process,” says Conley-Knight. “Our goal is to really try to blend the Club 55 membership with the older adults coming into the Active Living Centre. That’s really exciting for everyone involved because it means more opportunities in terms of recreation programming for everyone. It’s more social for everyone, and they have more choices. Maybe they want to explore new volunteer opportunities, or participate in our line dance programs if they haven’t done that before. Or maybe there’s a new art program that they want to try.”
Affordable, accessible, and engaging
“We’re affordable and we’re accessible,” says Conley-Knight of the many low-cost programs available. “And we really understand the importance of social engagement. That’s something that is more top of mind now. We’re in the process of purchasing some furniture for the Active Living Centre so that people can just sit and be socially engaged. That’s really key as we move away from COVID.”
And you can’t beat free—the indoor walking track remains accessible to all at no charge, year-round.
For more information, and to register for programs, visit huntsville.ca.
“Arts, culture, heritage, recreation—that whole package—gets people connected with what it is they love to do, what they’re passionate about, and that’s what I believe is key to quality of life,” says Conley-Knight.
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