With the Altona Recreation Department’s new fall and winter programs, you have no excuse to feel shut in or bored when the cold weather hits.
“We have a number of new programs this year, along with many of our other favourites, so there will be all kinds of ways to stay busy and have fun,” says recreation programmer Brittany Winkler.
One new program is the Mommy & Me Stroller Fitness class.
“The instructor Abby Cornelson will help prenatal and postpartum moms stay fit,” explains Winkler. “It’s a one-hour class, from 10 to 11 a.m. from Oct. 16 to Nov. 13 at the Millennium Exhibition track. Bring your little ones with you. There will be a variety of things, so you won’t always need a stroller. Some classes might just be walking, others will be stretching or fitness bands. I’m hoping we’ll get a lot of ladies to sign up for this program. As cold weather approaches, the days can be pretty long, and this provides a nice break.”
This year, there will be a couple of new pickleball programs, as well.
“The Youth Pickleball (Grade 6-12) and the 18+ Pickleball programs are an extension of our already popular 50+ Pickleball programs,” Winkler says. “That sport has really taken off, and now the younger people are wanting to play as well. They’re already starting to play it in school, so we thought why not offer it through the recreation office too.”
The Youth Pickleball program runs on Thursdays, Oct. 12-Nov. 16, from 5-6 p.m. at the Rhineland Pioneer Centre and is coached by Gord Sawatzky. All skill levels are welcome. The cost is $30.
The 18+ Pickleball Co-ed Pickleball program runs on Wednesdays from Oct. 11-Nov. 15, from 7-9 p.m. The cost for the season is $20.
A much-anticipated candle making workshop will be taught by Jenna Luptak at the Rhineland Pioneer Centre on Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $55. “
Another new activity that is gaining popularity is disc golf. The course is open all year round at the Altona Centennial Park. Discs are available to borrow or purchase at the MEC.
“That has also really taken off,” noted Winkler. “People even played during the winter last year.”
Back by popular demand, acrylic painting classes with Altona artist Cheryl Krahn have already begun at the MEC. Individual sessions will run for ages 6-10, and 11-16, at a cost of $125. Krahn will also be hosting an Adult Paint Night at the Altona Curling Club lounge on Sept. 25, at 6 p.m. for $55.
Artist Meaghan Canart will also be running a Mother Daughter Painting class on Oct. 29 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the MEC. The cost is $45 for the duo.
“This was a real hit last year,” Winkler says. “Each of them get a canvas to paint, and at the end they put them together to form one picture. It’s a really nice way for moms and daughters to spend some time together.”
Other programs are also back by popular demand, including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Satellite Program, which runs from Sept. 25 to March 11.
“This program has been running for decades and it’s still very popular. It not only teaches ballet, but really encourages fitness, coordination, and flexibility,” Winkler says.
She adds that it’s important not to wait too long to register for programs, as many have a limit.
“Our fall swimming lessons at the Altona Hotel pool, for example, filled up in just 10 minutes.”
The arena is open now, as well, so free public skating is another activity to add to the list. 18+ skating runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Stick and puck is from 10:45-11:30 a.m. No puck runs from 11:30-noon. Preschool skating runs on Mondays and Fridays, from 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Winkler says the Altona Recreation Department is really looking forward to all the activity the various programs will bring to the MEC.
“It’s about to become really busy. It’s so good to see people back here, and getting involved. These programs are a good way to not just get through the winter months, but actually enjoy them.”
Registration details are available at altona.ca/p/recreation-programs
