Registration is underway for virtual fall programming
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Online
classes include STEM, French, dance and more
Registration is underway for the City of Vaughan’s expanded fall
virtual program series, which is designed to keep kids active, engaged,
educated and entertained from the safety of home. City instructors will
livestream popular recreational programs for preschoolers, children and youth
remotely via Zoom.
The
decision to focus on virtual programming comes in response to the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic. The City continues to take a disciplined, responsible and
measured approach, and is monitoring and assessing the status of recreation
programs based on public health guidelines. In-person recreation programs, swim lessons and
indoor permits (outside of arenas and pools) will not be proceeding this fall.
Fall
virtual recreation programs will cover a variety of areas of interest,
including STEM, French, chess, dance, sports and leadership/volunteerism. A
series of educational and music programs are also planned for individuals with
special needs. Some programming typically offered in person will now offer
online versions of their programs, including:
- Vaughan Playschool: kindergarten readiness series with specialties in math, reading and writing, and science
- Vaughan Playhouse Academy: musical theatre programs featuring an end-of-session virtual production
Classes
will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 13 and will run once a week for eight to 10 weeks.
Fees range from $54 a class to $133 for a weekly series. Special virtual
programs will also be available to children on P.A. Days. A materials and
supplies list will be emailed to participants in advance. Assistance from a
parent or guardian may be required. Program details and direct links to online
registration are available at vaughan.ca/recreation.
Pre-registration
is required for all virtual programs and is currently underway. Recreation
Services has temporarily transitioned to online registration only to eliminate
paper touchpoints. Registration is available at vaughan.ca/RecOnline.
Individuals
who do not currently have a barcode and Family PIN must register for an account
in order to process an online registration. For assistance, contact Access
Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email reccsd@vaughan.ca. Limited spots are available,
but participants are encouraged to add themselves to the waitlist as
participation numbers and ratios will be closely monitored.
Adult
and older adult virtual programming
Recreation
Services continues to focus on health and wellness virtual programming for
adults and older adults. Free 40- to 60-minute fitness classes, delivered by
Vaughan Fitness instructors, continue to stream six days a week on Recreation
Services’ YouTube channel. One virtual fitness
class a week, called Gentle Wednesdays, is dedicated to older adults and
features a slower pace, lower impact version of a traditional fitness class.
In-person
fitness classes are also available to Vaughan Fitness members, as well as
access to Vaughan Fitness Centres, by appointment only. Recreational and length
swimming is available to pool plan holders and Vaughan Fitness members.
Pre-paid single visits by the public will be available for all ages at a special
promotional cost of $3.25 (plus HST) for a limited time. Aquafitness classes
are available to plan holders and fitness members only, until further notice.
Pre-registration is required for swimming and aquafitness.
Strict measures are in place to protect all
users and staff from COVID-19 – facilities will continue to have controlled
access, limited capacity and scheduled time blocks for patrons to sign up for
in advance, with a 30-minute shutdown in between appointments for cleaning and
sanitization. Registration is available online at vaughan.ca/RecOnline. For more information or to obtain a registration barcode and PIN,
please contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
Some
common amenities in fitness centres and pools remain closed until further
notice, including saunas, lockers, showers, lost and found, and water fountains.
Based on industry best practices and public
health direction, steps have been taken to enhance air circulation and
ventilation systems in Vaughan Fitness Centres in response to COVID-19. Air
quality is constantly monitored and managed.
To receive the City’s latest updates on COVID-19, check vaughan.ca/ReopeningVaughan, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
Those who feel unwell, and believe they have symptoms related to
COVID-19, should contact York Region Public Health
at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For
additional information and resources on COVID-19, including physical distancing
tips and advice from Public Health officials, visit York Region's website
at york.ca/COVID19.
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