Three presentations were made Monday evening at a regular meeting of Yorkton City council, resulting in the declaration of Lions Week, Parks & Recreation Month and Tourism Week in the city.
Lions Week
Active in the community for the past 65 years, the Yorkton Lions Club has done much to improve the quality of life for many Yorkton and area residents.
Because of that fact, the City of Yorkton has officially proclaimed the week of June 3-10 as Lions Week in city.
Among the initiatives on the list the Lions take part in are: helping to bring affordable housing to the area; playgrounds; nursing home expansions and equipment; donating needed funding to The Health Foundation; and assisting the Yorkton Exhibition Association with events like the annual Lobsterfest evening. The Lions also work with local Community Based Organizations to ensure improved quality of lives for local youth and seniors.
In light of the work that they do in the community, President Peter Legebokoff says the Lions will be hosting the 2013 MDS Lions Convention in Yorkton from June 6 until June 8. The event is expected to attract about 425 Lion delegates from North Dakota, South Dakota and Saskatchewan. From touring the city to taking in activities, the Lions also help to bring in valuable tourism dollars.
Parks & Recreation Month
June is Parks & Recreation Month in the City of Yorkton. "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," said Darcy Mcleod, Yorkton's Director of Community Development to council Monday. "Designating June as Parks & Recreation Month acknowledges the contributions recreation activities, facilities and parks make 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."
There are numerous community-based, non-profit organizations that dedicate countless hours of volunteer time to provide sport, culture and recreation programs in the community and this is our opportunity to recognize them.
The city has a full slate of summer events planned including: Park Parties (one for sure on the June 26 at the City of Yorkton Skatepark and Patrick Park); the S-CAPE Summer Program for children ages 6-12; and the Yorkton In Bllom competition, garden tour. For details visit the City of Yorkton website at: city ofyorkton.com.
Tourism Week
June 9-15 is Tourism Week in the City of Yorkton. Given the fact tourism already generates approximately $40 million in this area annually, the industry is one to celebrate and expand.
President of Tourism Yorkton, Neil Thom says the organization has a "Community Action Plan" comprised of ten steps to help boost the industry locally. Steps include: increasing event hosting; expanding partnerships: growing the membership base; improving customer service; delving into experiential tourism; boosting marketing; taking advantage of increasing technology; and upping data collection ability.
