The City of Yorkton wants to get people out and using the parks throughout the city. The Park Ambassador program is a new program aimed at getting people out and active throughout the city.
Julia Schofer with the City of Yorkton Parks and Recreation department said that this is a new program, an online virtual summer program. The goal is to have activities that people can do safely either at home or in the parks throughout the summer, as well as pop-up events that can teach people how to do different things in Yorkton.
This week, the lesson at the new play structure at Tupper Park was Geocaching. There are numerous geocaches throughout Yorkton. Schofer describes it as a digital treasure hunt, where hunters put in GPS coordinates to find the different caches in the area. Tourism Yorkton has the list of geocaches in Yorkton. When you find it, you open it up, write your name, and then you can take an item and leave an item of your own behind.
“There are some families that I know that have geocached in Alberta and left a Saskatchewan memento behind, and took something from Alberta to place in Saskatchewan.”
The goal behind the pop-up event is to get people more comfortable with geocaching.
“The easiest way is to learn from someone who has done it before, knows how it works, how to get the application and then how to use the app properly, to have a valuable experience.
Next week is lawn games, happening at Ukrainian Pioneer Park on Thursday, July 9. Schofer said that with the new developments at Ukrainian Pioneer Park, including a new spray park, it’s a great opportunity to show off the new space.
“It’s a very friendly environment for all demographics to enjoy.”
The program is going to different parks across Yorkton. The goal is to show the different amenities on offer in Yorkton, from spray parks to walking trails, from play structures to sports facilities.
“It is important because each park has something different to offer for a wide variety of ages in the community,” said Schofer.
The programs are implemented by two ambassadors, Bryant Jones and Trista Kennett.
“I think it’s a good way to take advantage of social distancing, and still see how you can connect to the community through unique ways,” said Kennett.
Jones adds that they want to give kids opportunities to try new things both at home and in area parks, especially in 2020 when recreation opportunities are limited due to COVID-19.
“Just make their summer more enjoyable.”
Taking part could have a reward as well, as participating in activities or pop-up park programs will enter people into the draw. Enter before Aug. 20, as the draw is on Aug. 21.
To take part, follow Yorkton Parks and Recreation on Facebook or email summer@yorkton.ca. Also visit the parks ambassadors when they’re out in the parks throughout the community.
