Spring and summer recreation program registration now open

Say goodbye to winter with The City’s spring and summer Recreation programs, open for registration on February 26, online, in person and over the phone.

Not sure what programs are available? Our Spring/Summer Recreation Program Guide is now available; pick up a hard-copy or browse programs online. The guide contains hundreds of recreational opportunities to get you and your family more active, more often.


"The City of Calgary has a variety of programs to help you get outside and get moving as the weather warms up in our city,” says Brad Herman, recreation program specialist with The City of Calgary.

With dozens of facilities located throughout the city, including two leisure centres, 12 aquatic & fitness centres, seven golf courses, a soccer centre, a sailing school and more, there are many convenient locations for you and your family to take part in a variety of fitness related recreational programs, close to home.

3 steps to registering

1. Create or update your account
   - Create or login to your account on calgary.ca/liveandplay
   - Make sure all information is up-to-date
   - Once you have an account, you can call 403-268-3800 to add family members
2. Find your program
   - Pick up our Recreation Program Guide or browse programs online at calgary.ca/liveandplay
   TIP: Don’t want to select a specific program date/time? Leave the date selection blank, so you can see all of the options
   - Write down your desired program course IDs
   
3. Register for your program
   - Online with a credit card (Debit & VISA debit not accepted): calgary.ca/liveandplay
   - By phone: 403-268-3800
   - In person: Calgary Recreation Customer Service, Southland Leisure Centre or Village Square Leisure Centre  

Join us and get moving!

Bike to the Zoo is back

Hundreds took advantage of the
bicycle valet parking at last year’s event

Pedal with your pack, flock or herd to the Calgary Zoo for the second annual Bike to the Zoo on August 15 and 16.

The first 250 people who arrive by bike each day will receive $10 off their admission, while Calgary Zoo members will receive an ice cream coupon. Coupons will be available at the bicycle valet parking, located at the north and west entrances.

"This year’s event builds on an already exciting summer for Calgary’s growing bike community," says Kimberly Fisher, active transportation education planner. “With increased connectivity thanks to the pathways, bike lanes and the cycle track network, it's easier than ever for families to access the Calgary Zoo by bicycle.”

Since opening the Cycle Track Network in June, the 5 Street S.W. underpass has already become the busiest on-street bike-way in the city, averaging more than 1,500 trips each weekday.

“The Calgary Zoo recognizes the increasing number of people who are traveling around Calgary by bicycle and we're thrilled to be part of an event that encourages Calgarians to travel to destinations such as the zoo in a fun and safe way,” says Roz Freeman, special events and promotions advisor at the Calgary Zoo.

“It's the perfect opportunity to showcase the shiny, new bike racks recently installed at both zoo entrances.”

For more information on all of The City's cycling events or to plan your route visit calgary.ca/cyclingevents.

Beat the heat this summer at a wading pool, spray park or outdoor pool

What better way to beat the heat than by visiting one of Calgary’s many wading pools, spray parks and outdoor pools?

Variety Spray Park rendering.

City spray parks and wading pools are now open at:

• Eau Claire Plaza, 
• Valley View Park, 
• Prairie Winds Park, and
• Riley Park. 

Several more are scheduled to open in early July.
  
The newly developed Variety Spray Park in South Glenmore Park, is tentatively scheduled to open July 19. The spray park has been undergoing major redevelopment.

Get out there and have fun

New features include an interactive spray park, picnic tables and enhanced landscaping. Updated mechanical equipment and a new water treatment system greatly improve the spray park’s efficiency. The redevelopment is funded by the Community Investment Fund, created by Council in 2011 to help fund community improvement projects.

The Calgary Outdoor Swimming Pool Association (COSPA) opened its pools this past weekend. COSPA manages seven community-run pools throughout Calgary, including the newly restored Stanley Park Outdoor Pool.

Silver Springs Outdoor Pool to be redeveloped

Silver Springs Outdoor Pool will open this month but will be closed in 2016 for redevelopment. After extensive community engagement, we have committed funds to redevelop the existing pool basin, which has served the community since 1974.

Additional funding is also available thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Silver Springs Outdoor Pool Fundraising Foundation. The pool will reopen in 2017.

Submitted by the Communications Team, Recreation