BY TAMMY TOOR
Are you feeling the pain at the pumps? Are you finding your paycheck does not stretch as far as it used to?
At parks and recreation, we understand how recreation experiences enrich our lives. Here are a few activities that you and your family can participate in, even if the budget is a bit tight at the moment.
The Lions Club of Nanaimo, as well as some other community partners, sponsor a free ‘Everyone Welcome Swim’ every Sunday from 2-3:30 p.m. This happens weekly until June 24.
Coast Capital Savings is also generously sponsoring free swimming and skating sessions on various Fridays. Swims are on May 25 and June 29, 7-8 pm, at Beban Park. Skates are on May 25, 4:15-5:45 pm, at Cliff McNabb Arena and June 22, 4:15-5:45 pm, at the Nanaimo Ice Centre. Check out our website for more times this summer.
A $3 swim and weight room admission is available Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 pm until June 27 at Beban Pool. At Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, you can visit every day from 9-10 p.m. for this special rate, as well as 4-5 p.m., Monday to Friday, starting July 2.
Participate as a family in the popular Golden Bucket Challenge. Find a different clue on our website or through our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages each Wednesday until July 31. The posted clue will help you find a location where the golden bucket is hidden. Once you find the bucket, answer the question inside it and send your answer through to parksandrecreation@nanaimo.ca. Correct answers will be eligible for weekly prizes and the grand prize of a kayak tour courtesy of Coastal Expression for you and five of your friends valued at $300.
The weather is warming up now, so starting on May 19, water parks will be open at locations around the city. Check them out at Departure Bay, Deverill Square, Harewood Centennial and Mansfield Park.
As usual, the free Playground Program will be back this summer starting July 4 for kids ages 5 to 12.
In addition, our popular Concerts in the Park series is returning from July 3 to Aug. 29 with amazing entertainment for the whole family. These summer concerts are also free.
Walk one of the many Nanaimo trails or play in the park. These are free activities.
For more information on these activities, please pick up a copy of our City of Nanaimo parks and rec activity guide, call us at 250-756-5200 or visit www.nanaimo.ca.
Tammy Toor is a graphics and communications specialist with the City of Nanaimo.