Charlottetown launches programs for 2018 Winter Active Campaign

The Charlottetown Parks and Recreation Department has launched its 2018 Winter Active Campaign with free activities designed to encourage people of all ages to be more active during the winter months.

“The city has a lot to offer during the winter, and we encourage residents and visitors to get active and enjoy the outdoors,” said Mayor Clifford Lee.

“We hope people will take advantage of the programming that is available through the Winter Active Campaign, along with direct delivery programming, and embrace winter and all that this great city has to offer year round.”

A free snowshoeing program is being offered on Sundays, beginning Jan. 14 until March 4, 2-4 p.m., at Victoria Park (snow conditions permitting). A limited number of snowshoes will be available for use. A Go!Skating program includes free family skates on Feb. 4, 3-4 p.m., at the Cody Banks Arena and Feb. 25, 1:50-2:50 p.m., at the Simmons Arena. Free hot chocolate will be served.

A free 10-week Learn to Run program will take place in late January with the date and time to be confirmed. The location will be the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre (UPEI). Interested individuals can email Christopher Drummond at cdrummond@charlottetown. ca.

A free winter walking event is along the Victoria Park boardwalk on Feb. 11, 1-3 p.m. Meet at the Carriage House at Beaconsfield. This informal event encourages residents to enjoy a winter walk along the boardwalk. Free hot chocolate and cookies will be available in the Carriage House after the walk.

The following trails/boardwalks are also available for winter walking: the boardwalk from Victoria Park to the Friendly Pharmacy; Victoria Park Trails; Beach Grove Trails and the Confederation Trail within city limits. For cross-country skiers, the city maintains groomed ski trails at Victoria Park and the Belvedere Golf Course. Ski trail maps are available at the Parks and Recreation Department at City Hall, 199 Queen St.

A couple of the City’s outdoor rinks are now open, including MacRae Drive and J Bomber Callaghan Park. More rinks are scheduled to open in the coming days, including Orlebar Park and Mulberry Park. The rinks are resurfaced on a regular basis when the weather permits. All participants are required to wear CSA approved helmets while on the outdoor rinks. Rink conditions and the status of the other outdoor rinks, are updated on a daily basis during weekdays at www. charlottetown.ca/outdoorrinks. php.

More details of the campaign can be found on the city’s website at www.charlottetown.ca by clicking on the Winter Activities button (direct URL: www. charlottetown.ca/winteractive. php). Outdoor activities are weather dependent. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 902-368-1025.