It may be cold and snowy, but there’s also lots of fun to be had outdoors and Orillians are being encouraged to get active.
In conjunction with the federal and provincial governments, the City of Orillia, Parks and Recreation Department is launching the WinterActive program.
“WinterActive 2009 runs from Jan. 15-Feb. 27 and shows Orillia residents that winter is an ideal time to try new healthy living activities and add to the ones you already enjoy,” said Marcia Feddes, Superintendent of Recreation Services for parks and recreation.
A number of events are planned to promote fitness.
From Jan. 21 to Feb. 25, at 6 p.m. daily, local residents are invited to take part in Walking Wednesdays at Tudhope Park.
On Jan. 17, beginning at 9:30 a.m., Kitchener Park will be the site for a Co-Ed Sno-Pitch Tournament, open to players 16 years and older.
On Jan. 24, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Ball Hockey International-Orillia facility at Forest Home Park (995 Memorial Avenue), the Ball Hockey Blowout will be staged. A skills clinic and a three-on-three mini tournament will take place that day, for boys and girls seven to 13 years.
On Jan. 31, at 11 a.m. at Tudhope Park on Atherley Road, a Family Snowman Building Contest will take place. The event is open to all ages.
Also on Jan. 31 at Tudhope Park, a Co-Ed Sno-Volleyball Tournament will be in full swing, beginning at 10 a.m.
On Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Family Snowshoe Day will take place on Line 15 at Scout Valley.
Those wishing to take part are invited to assemble in the parking lot. Participants can bring their own snowshoes or borrow a pair at no cost.
Another event for the whole family is scheduled for Feb. 8, when the Cardboard Box Toboggan Races will take place at the toboggan hill at the Couchiching Golf and Country Club on Peter Street.
The event is open to all ages and will begin at 1 p.m., with participants invited to enter designs individually or as teams.
One of the most popular local events of the winter, the Orillia Winter Carnival, will run Feb. 13-15, with most events taking place at Centennial Park and Couchiching Beach Park.
Events include the Shivers’ Ice Castle, snow sculptures, dog sled rides, a petting zoo and the annual Polar Bear Dip.
Concluding the long list of WinterActive 2009 activities will be the annual Spring/Summer Leisure Fair, scheduled for Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Orillia Square Mall.
Anyone wishing more information on the events or how to register can do so by visiting the City of Orillia website at www.city.orillia.on.ca and go to the WinterActive page.
Participants are eligible to win a variety of prizes by visiting the WinterActive website at www.winteractive.ca and recording how they got WinterActive by participating in an event.
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Residents are being encouraged to enjoy the outdoors with a new program.
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