New reality for recreation programming
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This article was published 17/09/2020 (1917 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Yoga, mindfulness and a plethora of video call meet-ups — this is fall programming in the era of COVID-19.
The Macdonald-Headingley Recreation District released its autumn leisure guide on Sept. 15. Among the paragraphs highlighting online Pilates, art classes and nutrition workshops — most of which are free — are tips for improving mental health and ads to get help with setting up Zoom.
“There was a huge shift over the last couple months in our planning,” said Nicole McDonald, MHRD’s project and program co-ordinator. “(We’re) looking at mental health awareness and ensuring that people who aren’t well enough to leave their home and aren’t having those interactions… We (can) support them.”
Before this spring, MHRD hadn’t offered online courses. Then, Manitoba locked down and spring programming almost completely halted. What was left switched to online, McDonald said.
She and her colleagues began planning this year’s fall programming in June. It’s been hard because of the shifting regulations, she said.
“Every week seems to have different guidelines. We just want to make sure that we’re following everything as closely as we can.”
The main goal is to ensure the safety of participants and instructors, McDonald said, so most programs will be virtual.
MHRD planned art and crafting programs that can be learned online. There’s a focus on personal well-being, and there’s more science and experiment-based options for kids, McDonald said.
Macdonald Services to Seniors is providing instructional Zoom appointments for those who need help.
“I hope that it won’t be too much of a transition, but we’re trying to accommodate both sides of it, online and in person,” McDonald said.
The number of in-person classes is drastically scaled back compared to prior years, but they’re available. Pickleball, yoga and fitness sessions are scheduled in community centres. Macdonald hockey and ringette teams are meeting, as are Girl Guides and 4-H clubs.
Normally, a MHRD fitness class hosts 13 to 25 participants. This year, about eight to 10 people will be allowed in, depending on the location and protective equipment available.
“Register fast if you’re looking to do in-person classes,” McDonald said.
Folks must physically distance in their sessions and stay home if they’re feeling sick. Now, there’s more time in between programs to allow for more sanitization and to reduce traffic in buildings.
Even with the changes, the hunger for fall programming is there, McDonald said.
“Over the past couple weeks of us getting ready to put the guide out, we’ve had so many calls and questions about what programs are going to be available,” she said.
MHRD’s purpose is to provide wellness, happiness and recreation to the community, McDonald said.
“If we sat here and didn’t provide anything for participants in the community to take part in, I think it would cause a decline in health, a decline in mental health,” she said. “Especially in times like this, I think (recreation) is even more important.”
Registration deadlines are course-dependent and run from September through early December. Folks can sign up for programs at www.mhrd.ca or by calling 204-885-2444.