Holiday activity options with Parks, Recreation and Culture

Modified to comply with latest Provincial Health Orders

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed December 23, 2021 2:15 PM

Summary

Please note this online version has been updated.

There are still plenty of options for holiday activities with Parks, Recreation and Culture that adhere to the latest Provincial Health restrictions announced on December 21.

A holiday swimming schedule is in effect until January 1 for Beban Park Pool and Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. The weight room at both facilities is closed and all aquafit classes have been cancelled in order to be compliant with current health orders. (Please note that pool capacity is now limited to 50 percent and, all pool participants 12 years and older are required to show proof of vaccination.)

Frank Crane Arena is hosting its annual Winter Wonderland where it will be transformed into a Snow Globe. These annual skating sessions takes place on December 24 and again on December 26-30 with a variety of community business and organization sponsoring these skating sessions. This means that admission is only $1 or free and includes charge for helmet or skate rentals. (All participants 12 years and older must provide proof of vaccination in order to attend, and arena limited to 50 percent capacity.)

The Frosty Bucket Search continues. Clues are posted on the City of Nanaimo Facebook page and on the website. Clues will help searchers locate a park. Once there, a sticker will need to be located that can be scanned (QR Code). Each clue scanned reveals a word. Discover the twelve words from the twelve clues, unscramble the phrase and enter for a chance to win a Parks, Recreation and Culture gift pack.

On January 1, the scheduled "Activate" New Year's Day event has been cancelled this year. Despite this change, there are still plenty of public drop-in session options to bring in the new year. (Proof of vaccination for participants 12 years and older is required and adults 22 years and older will also be required to show government issued photo ID in order to participate in swimming and skating New Year's Day sessions. Pool and arena capacity limited to 50 percent).

• Everyone Welcome Swim, 12-1:30 pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre
• Everyone Welcome Swim, 2:30-4 pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre
• Everyone Welcome Skate, 12:30-2 pm at Frank Crane Arena
• Everyone Welcome Skate, 2:15-3:45 pm at Frank Crane Arena
• Stick 'n Puck, 12:15-1:15 pm at Cliff McNabb Arena
• Stick 'n' Puck, 1:30-2:30 pm at Cliff McNabb Arena
• Stick 'n' Puck, 2:45-3:45 pm at Cliff McNabb Arena

The community is invited to participate in outdoor and socially distanced activities to kickstart their "Active New Year" by submitting five photos doing five different activities individually or as a family. Email photos to parksandrecreation@nanaimo.ca or send through to Instagram (@CityofNanaimo) by using the hashtag #Take5Nanaimo. Entries will be put into a draw for three amazing prizes aimed to keep citizens active throughout the year. Entries will be received until January 18.

The latest Provincial Health Orders have affected the following Parks, Recreation and Culture events and services:

• Activate New Year's Day event is cancelled.
• Weight Rooms at Beban Park Pool and Nanaimo Aquatic Centre are closed until January 18 at the earliest. Staff is looking at options for Active Pass holders.
• All aquafit classes are cancelled as of Thursday, December 23.
• Pools and arenas limited to 50 percent capacity.
• Weddings, receptions, funerals, holiday parties and other events have to be cancelled or postponed. Staff will be reaching out to those affected to explore rescheduling options.
• Indoor and outdoor sporting tournaments have to be cancelled or postponed. Staff will be reaching out to those affected to explore rescheduling options.
• Event capacities for many events and programs are reduced to 50 percent capacity.
• All swimming participants 12 years and older are required to show proof of vaccination (POV). Adults 22 years and older also required to show POV and government issued photo ID.

Link to Strategic Plan: Providing residents with quality recreation opportunities enhances the livability of our City.

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