June has been unanimously declared Recreation and Parks Month in the city.
"The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (S.P.R.A.), along with other national and provincial parks and recreation associations, is promoting June as Recreation & Parks month. Designating June as Recreation & Parks month acknowledges the contributions recreation activities, facilities and parks makes to our quality of life in Saskatchewan. Each year recreation services and parks throughout the country utilize June to celebrate the return of summer programming, to gather their communities together, recognize volunteers, get residents involved in fun outdoor physical activities, and gain support for the parks and recreation sectors," Lisa Washington told the regular meeting of Council Monday.
"In addition to the many events and programs provided through Community Development, Parks & Recreation, there are numerous community-based, non-profit organizations that dedicate countless hours of volunteer time to provide sport, culture and recreation programs in our community."
Washington told Council, "There are many benefits to participating in physical activity and recreation pursuits. Recreation provides personal, economic, social, and ecological benefits to our people, our communities and our province."
As an example, Washington noted "Recreation enhances quality of life, active living and lifelong learning, helps people live happier and longer, develops skills and positive self image in children and youth, develops creativity and builds healthy bodies and positive lifestyles. In addition, recreation participation builds family unity and social capital, strengthens volunteer and community development, enhances social interaction, creates community pride and vitality, and promotes sensitivity and understanding to cultural diversity."
Council also declared Active Transportation Week in the city for June 4-8.
""Active Transportation" refers to any form of travel that is self-propelled, usually walking, cycling, in-line skating, and skateboard," said Shelia Hryniuk, co-chair of the Yorkton Active Transportation Collaborative.
The benefits of active transportation include those revolving around health, including helping with heart disease, obesity, and adult-onset diabetes, said Hryniuk.
There are also environmental benefits.
"It reduces noise pollution and congestion (and) reduces your ecological footprint," said Hryniuk.
Hryniuk also noted that driving an automobile has significant costs, while walking or biking costs nothing. Plus it provides some - or all - of the daily physical activity you need.
