Reinventing online programming
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New strategy underway to enhance virtual recreation programs in Vaughan
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, so does Vaughan’s approach to delivering Service Excellence. Although many of the City’s physical doors remain closed, departments across the organization have reinvigorated traditional offerings to provide new, efficient and streamlined experiences for the community to access from the safety and convenience of home – including Recreation Services.
The team has pivoted to offer its programs and services in modified and virtual formats and is now looking to the future by launching a Virtual Programming Strategy. The goal is to continue to offer affordable and diverse recreational activities to attract various age groups, interests and skill levels, all while promoting healthy, active habits. In support of this effort, the department was awarded a $15,000 grant from the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Sport Relief fund – a national charity committed to helping sport and recreation organizations continue to deliver programming in 2020 and beyond.
The City’s Virtual Programming Strategy will focus on implementing virtual recreational options for citizens to enjoy in spring 2021. It will include researching best industry practices, engaging with the community to incorporate program needs and wants and developing new virtual programs that are engaging, affordable and accessible.
Initiatives like this Virtual Programming Strategy support the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan through fostering active, safe and diverse communities, enhancing the citizen experience and improving operational performance.
Virtual fitness classes
Currently, virtual fitness classes are available via Zoom, free to Vaughan Fitness Members. Classes include yoga, total body conditioning, barre, HIIT circuit training, and Zumba. Pre-registration is required at vaughan.ca/RecOnline. FREE, full-length fitness classes (40-60 minutes long) are also streamed Monday through Saturday at 10am on the recvaughan YouTube channel. For more information on virtual fitness offerings visit vaughan.ca/fitness.
Virtual recreation programs
As an alternative to in-person recreational programs, the department continues to livestream popular recreation programs for all ages via Zoom, with topics ranging from creative and culinary arts, health and wellness, sports, science and technology, and professional development.
During the upcoming December Break, from Monday, Dec. 21 to Thursday, Dec. 31, many holiday-themed, virtual programs will be offered. Children can create winter crafts, sing carols with Santa and ring in the New Year doing confetti science experiments, while adults can bake healthy holiday treats. Residents can also spend their holiday learning something new, such as knitting, Zendoodle and magic, or keep active inside with no-equipment workouts.
In the New Year, there will be something fun for everyone with a fresh lineup of 2021 winter virtual programs starting on Monday, Jan. 4. Individuals can sign up to cook cultural dishes; crochet a blanket; build a website or a robot; act, dance and sing with the City Playhouse Theatre crew; destress doing yoga, karate or boxercise; learn to write speeches; compete in family game night and much more. Educational series are also planned for preschoolers and individuals with special needs. For details and direct links to registration, view the Virtual Winter Programs eGuide at vaughan.ca/recreation.
New virtual recreation resources are also shared on the Recreation Services webpage on an ongoing basis, including arts and crafts, Vaughan Playschool educational worksheets, and Vaughan Playhouse Academy drama activities. To keep the community engaged and entertained, the department also runs fun, family-friendly social media contests.
To learn more about the virtual strategy or online recreational programs currently being offered, visit vaughan.ca/recreation.
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