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This winter, several new community-based recreational and fitness programs have sprung up in The Maples.

The terrific news is that there are no fees to participate in most of these programs.

Here are a few more details on these activities:

The first is a free learn to skate clinic. This once-a-week event takes place Tuesdays at the Elwick Recreation Centre at 30 Maberley St. from 4 to 6 p.m. Skates and helmets are provided for skaters of all ages.

The Elwick regulation size hockey rink is also available for recreational skating every day.
For more information, call Amanda Lennon at 793-2124

Badminton is by far, the most popular Maples winter community program. It is played Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 10 p.m. in the gyms at Maples Collegiate at 1313 Jefferson Ave.

There are 12 badminton courts to accommodate the dozens of players who keep this venue buzzing on game days. All are welcome. Thinking of checking out this event? Call Robin Chen at 230-4126.

Winter cricket anyone? This indoor clinic is held every Friday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Maples Community Centre at 434 Adsum Dr. This program is aimed at the young cricketers in the area. The turnout has been so great that a second venue was secured at Garden City Collegiate at 711 Jefferson Ave. This cricket session is held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Former Canadian team cricketer Keith Deonarine is the coach for both venues. For more information on the program contact Deonarine at 633-0316.

There is a recreational volleyball program at the Ecole Leila North School, 20 Allan Blye Dr. It is held Tuesdays from 8 to 10 p.m. On Thursdays the action shifts to O.V. Jewitt School at 66 Neville St. from 8 to 10 p.m. For more info, please call Pardeep Bhullar 997-0192.

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Fun, free activities for seniors over the age of 55 are offered Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. on a drop-in basis at Maples Community Centre. The list of available activities includes games, Wii bowling and cards. Refreshments are available.

For more information, call Susan at 612-3888.

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The 2012 formal induction of the new board of directors of the Philippine Canadian Centre will be held March 17 at 6:30 pm. This special event will be held at the centre, which is located at 730 Keewatin St.
For more information, call Clarita 694-6270

Derek Dabee is a community correspondent for The Maples. You can contact him at ddabee@mts.net.