Stay active and have fun in Vaughan this winter
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Winter recreation
program and swim lesson schedules now online
Are you looking for something to do this winter? Maybe you want to
take up a hobby you have always wanted to try or learn a new skill? Explore the
City of Vaughan’s Winter Recreation
eGuide
to find everything you need to stay active and have fun this season! With both
in-person and virtual options, there is something for everyone. Registration
for recreation programming opens on Thursday, Dec. 9 at 8:30 a.m. at vaughan.perfectmind.com.
In-person programs
In-person recreation programs will begin on Saturday, Jan. 15 at all
community centres except Garnet A. Williams, which remains closed due to
renovations.
There is a wide variety of programming to choose from:
- Family — yoga, arts and crafts, sports, Valentine’s Day-themed workshops and snowshoeing
- Preschool — arts and crafts, dance, martial arts, STEM and Vaughan Playschool kindergarten readiness series
- Children — 3D printing, money management, drawing, martial arts, dance, robotics and sports
- Youth — public speaking, sports and volunteer leadership (which can lead to recreation volunteer positions at community centres)
- Adult — drawing, painting, photography, public speaking, ballroom dancing and sports
- Older adult — drawing, painting, fitness, line dancing, pickleball, mobile phone and tablet 101
- Special needs — social and life skills, sports and cooking
- Learn-to-skate lessons for all ages (indoor arenas and outdoor rinks)
- City Playhouse Academy musical theatre classes for all ages
- P.A. Day programs
Virtual programs
The City will offer virtual programs live streamed via Zoom beginning
on Saturday, Jan. 15.
Programs include:
- web development, Roblox, coding, programming and STEM programs
- cooking
- filmmaking and organizing digital photo collections
- education and music series for individuals with special needs, featuring one-on-one support
Internet access and a
computer with audio and video capabilities is required. A Zoom link to the
program will be provided in the email confirmation upon registering. Parent or guardian
assistance may be required. Prepared supply kits are included in the cost of
select programs and will be made available for curbside pick-up at a Vaughan community centres.
Swim lessons
Learn-to-swim lessons
will be offered at community centre pools starting on Saturday, Jan. 15. Online
registration opens on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 8:30 a.m. at vaughan.perfectmind.com.
Swim instructors will
remain on deck while teaching. A parent or guardian’s participation in the water
is required for Preschool 1 to 5 and Swimmer 1 to 3 swim levels, which includes
group and private/semi-private lessons and special needs swim lessons.
Parents and guardians
must be comfortable in shallow water and actively assist their child with what
the instructor demonstrates on deck; the ability to swim is not a
requirement. One parent or guardian aged 14 years or older can attend with
a maximum of two children aged seven to nine years old registered in the same
class. One parent or guardian aged 16 years or older can attend with a maximum
of two children six years and younger registered in the same class.
Lessons include all
levels of the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life program for toddlers
aged four months old and up to adults. Read a complete list of classes online (PDF) and
schedules at vaughan.perfectmind.com.
Pre-registration is
required. The online registration system features enhanced search filters,
allowing you to sort by level, location, day and
time. Parents and guardians who are unsure what level
to register their child in can get a free assessment from a
City lifeguard during any recreational swim. Regular admission policies
apply. Visit vaughan.ca/swim for recreational swim
times and fees.
Aquatic leadership
programs
Swim instructors
and lifeguards are important part-time jobs, and the City is always hiring. Training and
certification in aquatic leadership courses – delivered by City
aquatic leadership staff – will be available at select community centre
pools starting on Saturday, Jan. 8. Pre-registration is required and opens at
8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at vaughan.perfectmind.com. For more information,
view the Aquatic Leadership
brochure (PDF).
COVID-19 safety
protocols
Masks are mandatory
when entering, exiting and travelling throughout community centres and while
watching and/or waiting for program participants. Masks must be worn while
participating in programs, except during physical activity.
As of Sept. 22, 2021, Ontarians are
required to be fully vaccinated (PDF) with proof of
vaccination along with ID to access certain public settings and facilities –
including community and fitness centres. The enhanced vaccine
certificate with an official QR code is available for download, making it easier,
more secure and convenient for individuals to provide proof of vaccination
where required to do so.
The following proof of
identification is acceptable for those aged 18 years and older (note: photo ID
is not required):
- Birth certificate
- Citizenship card
- Driver’s licence
- Government (Ontario or other) issued identification card, including health card
- Indian Status Card/Indigenous Membership Card
- Passport
- Permanent Resident card
In accordance with York Region Public Health and a
Letter
of Instruction, effective Oct.
1, all individuals
aged 12 years and older who are entering an indoor
municipal recreation facility, where organized sports are played and/or
practiced, must
provide identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against
COVID-19 or a valid medical exemption. In-person campers aged 12 years old must
comply with this directive.
Effective Saturday, Jan. 1, an amendment to the Letter of Instruction provides children who
turn 12 years old in 2022 a grace period of 12 weeks (three months) from their
birthday, during which they will not need to show proof of vaccination at
indoor sports and recreation facilities. Once an individual reaches 12 weeks
after their birthday, they must provide proof of vaccination.
The following proof of
identification is acceptable for youth aged 12 to 17 years old:
- Documentation issued by an institution or public body provided it includes their name and date of birth
- Examples include:
- Health card
- Library card
- Student ID
Individuals with a
medical exemption are required to present identification and appropriate
written documentation from a medical doctor or registered nurse stating the
individual is exempt for a medical reason and the time period for the medical
reason.
Registration for in-person and virtual programs is required at vaughan.perfectmind.com. Details and direct links to registration can be found at vaughan.ca/recreation.
If you require assistance registering, call Access Vaughan at
905-832-2281 or email RecCSD@vaughan.ca.
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 the virus, visit York Region's
website at york.ca/COVID19.
For updates
and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow
the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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