Parks and Recreation: Summer will go swimmingly
By Keziah Lesko-Gosselin on July 8, 2019.
During the scorching summer months, spending time in the water is a great way to keep cool while enjoying time outdoors. Opportunities for water recreation in Medicine Hat are vast, and accessible throughout the city, which offers low-cost options for individuals and families to stay active over summer, and a chance to spend time in nature. Hatters, get your barbecues turned up, your sunscreen on, and your pool noodles out – summer is here. Where to go Medicine Hat has various fun-filled water recreation opportunities: Hang out and have a splash at one of the city’s four spray parks; take a dip at one of our two indoor, or three outdoor pools; or bring a beach towel and build a sand castle at Echo Dale Lake! For more information on programming and swim schedules, visit the Parks and Recreation link on the city’s website. Per tradition, the Kinsmen Club is sponsoring free swim times at outdoor pools, helping keep recreation accessible in the city! To really immerse yourself in nature, take a voyage down the South Saskatchewan River. There are various river access points around Medicine Hat, however formalized boat launches are located at Echo Dale Regional Park, and Strathcona Island Park. The city’s river valley is gorgeous, and abundant with plant and wildlife to observe. If you prefer to keep dry, I encourage you to lace up your hiking boots and stroll along the river or Seven Persons Creek to spot some gorgeous cottonwood trees, great white pelicans, red winged blackbirds, and ring-necked pheasants, just to name a few. Safety around water While enjoying time outdoors this summer, remember that where there is water, there is also risk. While water recreation should not be feared, it is important to keep hazards in mind, and always make safe decisions. Waterways are unpredictable, so be prepared to deal with any dangers which may be encountered. Check river and weather conditions, know your course and any possible hazards, communicate your plan to someone you can check in with upon your return, and bring proper supplies with you. No matter your swimming ability, it is important to wear a life jacket around deep and flowing waterbodies. Remember to keep hydrated, wear proper sun protection, and be conscious of the environment around you: do not disturb animals or spill products into the water, and bring your trash with you when you leave. For more information on water safety, visit the city’s website. Having fun in the sun goes hand-in-hand with water recreation, and I hope to see you all out there this summer! Keziah Lesko-Gosselin works with the City’s Parks and Recreation department, leading research initiatives and providing technical support for parks projects and operations. 9-8
