Spring (It’s coming! We promise!) is the perfect time to try something new, and for ideas you need look no further than the Town of Huntsville’s Spring & Summer 2019 Leisure Activity Guide.
Within its pages you’ll find everything from ukulele classes to cake making and a ‘parkrun’ to pickleball.
“The focus of our programs is fitness, fun and being social,” says Simone Babineau, the Town’s Manager of Recreation and Leisure Services. “There are lots of free or low-cost options, and many things that families can do together.”
So what’s new this year?
Thanks to the success of the beginner and advanced ukulele classes, there’s now a monthly ukulele jam and sing-a-long. Beginners are welcome and you don’t have to have taken the class to participate, though it’s recommended that you become familiar with a few chords (like C, C7, F, G, G7, D, D7, B flat, A, Am, A7, Em, and E7) to get the most out of the experience. Or you can just come and sing along. It happens on the third Thursday of every month from 7-9 pm at the Active Living Centre (fire side), and moves to the River Mill Park bandshell for July and August. The cost to participate (with or without a uke) is just $1. “We want people to come out, and have a little fun,” says Babineau. Children who play are welcome to join in with a parent, but be aware that some songs may have adult themes.
Ukulele – the little instrument with the big following!
For those looking for a fun new fitness challenge, parkrun is coming to Huntsville. It’s an international movement that aims to get people moving, whether you’re taking your first running steps or count a 5k run as a warm-up. “It’s for everyone,” stresses Babineau. You can walk, run or do a combination of the two, with a friend or make some new ones on the trail. Once you register online, you’ll get a barcode in the mail that you can swipe at the start and end of the Saturday morning run (9 a.m. every week) along Hunters Bay Trail. It’s free and you can track your progress over time. Sign up at parkrun.com.
Outdoor yoga comes to Hutcheson Beach this summer, beginning in June. With the ever-friendly Monica Larade, use nature as your guide to find some balance on Saturday mornings. Pre-registration is required, but drop-ins will be welcome if class minimums are met. Suitable for everyone, including beginners!
Or try NIA, a holistic practice which combines dance, martial arts, and healing arts, for fitness that’s good for mind, body and soul. It’s adaptable for every age, level of mobility, and level of fitness. Want to try the NIA Dance & Therapeutic Movement Class? In March, the Monday evening and Thursday afternoon sessions are FREE to give this a try! Please still register at the customer service desk.
After all that exercise, a sweet treat might be in order. Whimsical Bakery to the rescue! Christine Kropp offers three culinary classes this spring on how to create and serve afternoon tea, how to bake spring cupcakes, and cake decorating 101. Or maybe appetizers are more your thing. Make some Italian nibblies with Linda Nardilli Morrin as your guide. Yum!
Don’t worry—your favourite activities are still available, too
While the snow lasts, head out for a snowshoe hike and yoga every Friday at lunch. That’s right… yoga on snowshoes! It’s easier than it sounds. Or head inside and walk the track at the Don Lough Arena—it’s free and open whenever there isn’t a ticketed event—and borrow some urban poles to use.
Any time of year, you can give disc golf a try at McCulley-Robertson Recreation Park. All you need is a frisbee or two. The course is free to use and it’s a ton of family-friendly fun.
The ever-popular pickleball will be back as soon as the ice is out on the Jack Bionda Arena pad. If you haven’t caught on to this craze yet, pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton and tennis. And it’s a whole lot of fun. Drop in and try it out!
Pickleball is a popular activity at the Canada Summit Centre
DrumFIT returns this spring, too. It’s an energizing and fun workout that doesn’t feel like a workout at all.
You can also drop in for games cards, cribbage, euchre, table tennis and dominoes. On the third Monday of every month (September to June) you can be an armchair adventurer for the Travel Talk, and the Diners Club weekly luncheon and social happens every Wednesday until June. Or drop in for the art group—bring whatever you’re working on and see what other have on the go.
Learn how to write, or keep writing, a novel.
Or get some great advice from some engaging speakers. Elizabeth O’Connor from RBC runs an informative workshop on the Responsibility of Being an Executor, or join Jackie Riley to learn Daily Practices for Making 9-5 Work for Your Health.
And don’t forget about the learn-to-swim and aquatic programs for all ages. Registration for aquatic programs opens March 19. (And heads-up: summer camp registration opens May 1.)
Swimming is a great activity for all ages
“We are proud to be able to offer such a wide variety of activities to our residents,” says Babineau. They are available to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. Residents with low household income can participate in the Affordable Recreation Program. Visit the customer service desk at the Canada Summit Centre for details.
Pick up your copy of the Spring & Summer Leisure Activity Guide at Town of Huntsville facilities or these locations: Algonquin Outfitters, The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce, Metro, FreshCo, Foodland in Novar, Freshmart in Port Sydney, The Legion, Chartwell Retirement Residences and Community Living, or view it online at huntsville.ca.
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