Parks and Recreation: A Medicine Hat winter recreation checklist
By KEZIAH LESKO-GOSSELIN on November 3, 2021.
While autumn’s arrival has been quite gentle, cold weather is inevitably somewhere around the corner. Even in chilly weather, physical activity is important to maintain good physical and mental health. This winter, check out what Parks and Recreation offers to help you lead an active and healthy lifestyle year-round. Being active in winter does not necessarily mean being out in the freezing cold. Online browsing of swimming lessons and other recreation programs at the Family Leisure Centre begins Nov.16. Set your alarms on Tuesday, Nov. 23, as registration opens at 7 a.m. Public swimming and skating, pickle ball, shinny hockey and many other activities at the Family Leisure Centre are also waiting for you. Browse our range of programs and events at http://www.medicinehat.ca. We are thrilled to welcome you back to FUN at the FLC! If your snow boots and parka are ready for fun in the winter sun, there are many outdoor amenities and recreation opportunities ready. Kin Coulee Park’s toboggan hill opens soon, and the rental kitchen on site is the perfect place for hot chocolate and a weenie roast, to gather with old friends, or to meet new ones. Fire pits in Kin Coulee Park, Strathcona Island Park, Echo Dale Regional Park, and newly, South Ridge Community Park provide cozy gathering places for the whole family. Soon, outdoor low- and high-board ice rinks will be open for the season. Outdoor skating is a wonderful way to spend a winter day. And be sure to check out crokicurl in Strathcona Island Park! Parks and Recreation is so appreciative of the volunteers who help maintain our ice rinks – thank you for all you do to support family fun and recreation in our community. For a list of outdoor rink locations and amenities, please visit http://www.medicinehat.ca. Parks and Recreation clears over 60 kilometres of trail in the winter so Hatters can enjoy them year-round. Don’t let cold temperatures and snow stop you from going for a walk, jog or even bike ride! With ambition to fight off the cold, anything is possible. While doggies need walks too, please remember to pick up the poo! Animal waste is unpleasant to all trail users and can attract other animals like coyotes and rodents. Tidying after your animal helps keep community trail systems safe and in good condition. Medicine Hat also has many picturesque locations for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. If you want to try these activities and would like to rent equipment, visit the Medicine Hat Interpretive Program at Police Point Park. Whether investigating new winter activities or getting back into a seasonal routine, Parks and Recreation is ready to help the Medicine Hat community make the most of the season. We look forward to seeing many smiling faces out there! Keziah Lesko-Gosselin is a parks technician with the Parks and Recreation department, City of Medicine Hat 11-10
