Outdoor recreation enhances mental, physical and social well-being, builds strong family and community cohesion and increases opportunities for everyone to enhance their connection with nature. City of Powell River Parks, Recreation and Culture department is placing a greater focus on outdoor activities this coming spring as daylight hours increase and weather improves. Department members offer several reasons for Powell River residents to venture outside and enjoy the great outdoors.
Good for the mind
Outdoor recreation provides many psychological benefits, including prevention or reduction of stress, improved self-esteem, confidence and creativity, spiritual growth and an increased sense of exhilaration, adventure and challenge.
“In 2015, we completed a survey with our residents asking them to identify their favourite recreational activities,” says director of parks, recreation and culture Ray Boogaards. “From that we learned hiking, biking, walking and gardening were among the favourites of our residents, all of which are free activities people can enjoy pretty well year-round.”
Going outside to take a short walk or trying a new hike with friends is not only a great way for people to stay active, but also an excellent way to refresh one’s mindset, adds Boogaards.
Good for the body
Getting outside provides many physical benefits, such as aerobic, cardiovascular and muscular fitness, as well as improved functioning of the immune system.
“We’re extremely fortunate to live in a community that has so many exciting connections to nature,” says manager of recreation Neil Pukesh. “Our hiking and biking trails are some of the best BC has to offer and our connection to the coast and many lakes provides other water opportunities, such as stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.”
Anyone interested in a good workout can stop by the outdoor exercise park at Willingdon Beach, says Pukesh.
“It’s probably one of the most scenic workout locations you can find on the west coast,” he adds.
Good for social life
The great outdoors affords social benefits such as bonding with like-minded people who enjoy outdoor activities. This is particularly true for the Powell River region when festivals and events come alive in the summer months.
“Our parks become social hubs in the summer months, especially at Willingdon Beach during big community events such as Logger Sports, Canada Day, Arts Alive in the Park and Blackberry Festival,” says Pukesh.
City of Powell River recently installed two nine-hole disc golf courses at Sunset Park and Larry Gouthro Park to provide residents even greater opportunities to go outside and enjoy the environment.
“This spring we’ll be running two disc golf tournaments,” says Pukesh, “and with that comes a huge social component where friends and family can compete against one another in a friendly format.”
Good for the environment
Outdoor recreation also provides environmental benefits that include increased environmental awareness.
“Powell River is a very special, natural place and we hear that from visitors all the time,” says Pukesh. “Whether they’re here to participate in the BC Bike Race or attend cultural events such as Kathaumixw, people are always talking about the environment we live in.”
Greenways and corridors protect many natural resources and educates people and visitors about the importance and value of the region’s natural environment.
“Our sea walk and Willingdon Beach trails provide people opportunities to reconnect and educate themselves on the history of our coastline,” says Pukesh. “We also see that in Millennium Park as more and more people are taking advantage of that trail system through the additional signage we’ve installed.”
A copy of the 2018 Spring/Summer Active Living Guide, which can be found inside this edition of Peak Weekender, lists all of the great programs the city is offering this season.
Registration for spring and summer programs begin Friday, March 2. To register, go to powellriver.ca, call 604.485.2891 or drop in at the recreation complex.
