Families eager to fill their summer calendars can start planning now: City of Powell River Parks, Recreation and Culture has released its online Summer Active Living Guide. Program registration for aquatics, sports camps and outdoor fitness classes will open at 8 am on Monday, June 2.
“We have so many ways to help people of all ages stay safe in, on and around the water this year,” says Tami Wood, aquatic program supervisor.
The recreation complex pool will run four sets of its popular Monday to Friday swimming lessons, with evening options for beginners, plus daily aquacise classes (1 to 1:45 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 7:45 to 8:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays).
For teens eyeing a lifeguard whistle, the department is offering the full certification ladder: Bronze Star (minimum age 10), Bronze Medallion (age 13+), Bronze Cross and standard first aid.
Over at the arena and sports division, arena and sport coordinator Alex Craig says staff members have lined up eight weeks of full-day camps for children aged six to 12 and matching mini-camps for preschoolers aged three to five, beginning June 30.
“It’s shaping up to be an incredible summer,” says Craig. “Whether your child loves horses or hockey—or just wants to have fun at camp—there’s something for everyone.”
Among the specialty offerings is an introduction to horseback riding camp, delivered with Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association at Paradise Exhibition Park (running Monday to Wednesday on selected weeks in July and August).
Young skaters can also lace up for a U9 to U13 puck skills and power skating program, led by coaches Shayla Sarton and Brock Sawyer, from August 11 to 15.
The fitness studio is getting an early-bird makeover. Alexandra Young, health and fitness program coordinator, is challenging residents to rise before the sun with a “snooze you lose draw” linked to the 6:15 am weekday drop-in classes.
“The more early classes you attend, the better your chances of winning,” explains Young, who notes that the prize winner will be drawn on August 29.
New this year is Monday Morning Bootcamp, plus Core and Cradle, a strength-and-stretch session for parents with babies under one year old. The popular Drums Alive class will move outdoors to the Willingdon Beach Pavilion, and summer staples such as yoga, seniors’ wellness, pilates, zumba and spin will all return.
Beyond the regular schedule, the department has pencilled in two marquee community events. Canada Day celebrations at Willingdon Beach on July 1 will begin at 3 pm with speeches from local dignitaries, flowing into live music on the Rotary Stage and a wrap-up with a fireworks finale. Families can expect bouncy castles, face painting, food trucks and market stalls throughout the afternoon.
The free Music in the Park concert series will also be back at the Rotary Pavilion at 7 pm on July 16 and 30, and August 13 and 27.
The full Summer Active Living Guide—including schedules, fees and program details—is available at powellriverprc.ca. Residents can register online, by phone at 604.485.2891, or in person at the recreation complex. Updates will be posted at facebook.com/PowellRiverParksRecCulture and instagram.com/powellriverparksrecculture.
