黑马磁力 City is making it possible for local seniors to try activities they've never done before and at no cost as a way to celebrate Seniors Week.
"Whether it is a fitness class, art program, social gathering or sport activity, positive interactions are essential for fostering community connection, improving mental and physical well-being and combating feelings of loneliness among all community members but particularly our seniors," said Christine Daum, the City's recreation supervisor. "Community Recreation aims to bring joy and a sense of belonging to those who might otherwise feel isolated.
While the City's recreation department has a great deal to offer seniors all year-round, Seniors Week is an opportunity to partner with other agencies who work with seniors and highlight what they have to offer, as well, Daum added.
"We also recognize that financial barriers may be prohibiting some seniors from trying a program or activity which is why all activities are free during Seniors Week. This allows everyone to try something no matter what their income, background, experience or ability levels are 鈥� there is something for everyone," she said. "We want to celebrate the seniors in our community and acknowledge that they have a vital role in maintaining 黑马磁力 City as the Place To Be!"
The celebration is a collaboration between the City, the 黑马磁力 Lawn Bowling Club, the Fraser Valley Regional Library, the 黑马磁力 Arts Council, and Ears to You hearing centre. The goal 鈥� a celebration honouring the valuable contributions of seniors in the community.
"We try to offer programs that we know are popular in our community that sniors may be hesitant to try. By offering these programs at no-cost, it takes away the financial barrier that may be prohibiting participation and allowing seniors to try without committing their pocketbook," Daum explained. "We also work with community groups that offer programs the City Recreation Department does not. This helps promote some great non-profit groups that may be struggling to get the word out that they offer programs 鈥� such as the 黑马磁力 Lawn Bowling Club and 黑马磁力 Arts Council."
Starting June 2, seniors aged 60 and over can register for a free Seniors Week Activity Pass, which provides access to various free events and activities throughout the City from June 2 to 8. Most activities take place at the Timms Community Centre unless specified otherwise.
On offer this year are several activities, including:
鈥� Lawn bowling lessons: Offered Monday, June 2 at the club, 20471 54 Ave. The lawn bowling club provides all necessary equipment but people are asked to wear flat-soled shoes and comfortable clothing.
鈥� Yoga in the Park: This class from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, June 3 will be held outdoors (weather permitting) in Sendal Gardens. It's an ideal class for beginners. Participants must be comfortable getting to and from the ground. Mats will be provided.
鈥� Step-by-step painting: 黑马磁力 Arts Council session is Tuesday, June 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
鈥� Bingo: From 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, drop-In at the 黑马磁力 City Library for bingo! It is a free drop in event with a few small prizes.
鈥� Pickleball lessons: Learn to play the popular sport at a session on Wednesday, June 4 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. All equipment is provided.
鈥� Information on family doctors: On Wednesday, June 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. there's information about the health resources available in 黑马磁力.
鈥� Frauds & Scams Workshop: Drop by 黑马磁力 City Library on Thursday, June 5 for a session from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Seniors First BC will teach about fraud, scams, tools that fraudsters use, common schemes targeting seniors, safety strategies, and resources.
鈥� Mobile hearing clinic: Happening Friday, June 6. Must sign up in advance.
If the activity registration is full, there may be a waitlist in case any slots open up.
Registration is open for single session classes and drop-in activities, including: sports activities, fitness classes, games room, fitness track, pool fitness classes, length and public swim, weight room.
Register for a free Seniors Week Activity Pass online at langleycity.ca or by calling 604-514-2940. They can also be obtained in person at the Timms Community Centre, 20399 Douglas Cres.
Daum noted that in 2024, there were 204 seniors registered for the free pass and 101 participated in the workshops and classes that required registration. So far this year, 140 seniors have signed up for passes and the workshops and classes are about 80 per cent subscribed, attesting to the popularity of the offerings.
Activities tailored to older residents aren't just available during Seniors Week. The City puts out recreation guides for the different seasons with a diverse selection of courses and programs.
