Celebrate Recreation and Parks Month – virtually

In June, the City of Vaughan marks Recreation and Parks Month with free programming for all ages. City facilities remain closed due to COVID-19, so all programs will be offered virtually via Zoom this year. Pre-registration is required and now open at vaughan.perfectmind.com.

Each day of the week features a unique theme – from Movement Mondays and Fitness Fridays to Wednesday Wonders and Freestyle Saturdays, there is something for everyone. Soulful Sundays are dedicated to older adults in honour of Seniors’ Month. Download the June Recreation and Parks Month calendar at vaughan.ca/recreation.  

Programs for Recreation and Parks Month include: 

• Backyard Birding (ages seven to 12): Are you a birding beginner? Get to know the creatures that fly around your neighbourhood (or maybe live on your roof). Build and decorate your very own birdhouse using household items.
• Dance Fit (ages 65 and over): Get fit on the dance floor! Move and groove to music from the ’50s, ’60s and beyond, then cool down with mat work and muscle strengthening exercises. Improve your physical endurance, balance and posture, all while having fun. Dance moves and pacing are easy to follow.
• Dinosaur Tracks (all ages): Ready to have a roaring good time? Explore science and create a craft that will last through the ages. It’s a hands-on science experiment and arts project all in one.
• Edu-Kids Demo (ages eight to 12): Prevent summer learning loss with fun brain teasers, riddles, spelling bees and STEM activities.
• Family Dance Party (ages 13 and over): Move and groove as a family to music in this fun and exciting aerobic workout designed for all abilities. Running shoes and comfortable clothing are recommended.
• First Aid Basics – Choking (ages 10 and over): Do you know what to do in an emergency? You’re never too young to learn lifesaving skills and first aid awareness. Understand how to recognize the signs of choking, how you can help and what to do next – then practise what you’ve learned on a doll or stuffed toy.
• First Aid Basics – Poison and Anaphylaxis: (ages 10 and over): Understand what to do if someone has a serious reaction to something they are allergic to or encounters a poisonous substance. Learn about household dangers and what to avoid.
• First Aid Basics – Using a Defibrillator (ages 10 and over): Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can help someone during sudden cardiac arrest. Understand when to use one, where you can find it and how to use it.
• Make the Cut (ages 16 and over): Learn how to make budget-friendly, basic (but healthy!) meals.
• Self-defence Workshops (ages seven and over): Can you stop an attacker? Explore traditional karate-do, Kobudo and self-defence, and learn basic punching and blocking techniques taught in our karate programs.
• Sweet Creations – Mmmuffins! (ages four and over): Bake up a tasty treat that your family will love! Learn how to make moist and fluffy zucchini chocolate chip muffins. Whole wheat, naturally sweetened, chocolate chip mounds of goodness are not only delicious but can be eaten guilt-free.
• Vogue – Strike a Pose (ages 13 and over): There’s nothing to it. Just let your body go with the flow. Cover the basic movements, postures and facial expressions of this highly stylized dance. So come on … vogue!
• Zumba – Step-by-Step (ages 13 and over): Give it a try and don’t be shy. Crank up the music and dance, dance, dance! Have fun and feel good with this full-body workout combining Latin rhythms of salsa, merengue, cumbia and more. Previous dance experience is not required for this introductory class.

All programs will run virtually. Internet access and a computer with audio and video capabilities are required. A supply list (if applicable) and a Zoom link to your program will be provided in your confirmation email upon registering. Parent or guardian assistance may be required. For more information, including direct links to online registration, visit vaughan.ca/recreation. For assistance registering, call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email RecCSD@vaughan.ca.

The recreation team has also filmed easy-to-follow activities which will be posted on @recvaughan IGTV for followers to view and share. Residents are encouraged to post a selfie as they complete an activity on Instagram, using #JRPMVaughan and tag @recvaughan so their photo can be shared.

To receive Vaughan’s latest updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels.

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