To encourage residents to still get outside amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Chestermere has launched a new winter activity guide.
The guide, which is published on the City's website, features a map showcasing some of Chestermere's sanctioned outdoor skating locations and tobogganing hills, as well as other recreational options and community activities for families to enjoy.
“We are all feeling very isolated right now and the City recognized the need to share some fun and safe options with the public on how to stay active, engaged and safe during this trying time,” said Kate Richards, the City of Chestermere’s community recreation coordinator, in an email.
Staff from Chestermere’s recreation division created the guide, according to Richards, who said staff were looking to put together a package of activities that are fun, local and safe.
“We did some research and looked at what other municipalities were offering as well, for inspiration,” she said. “From there, the guide was born.”
For those who would rather stay indoors amid the year’s coldest months, the guide includes pre-recorded video workshops, including a tutorial from Emilie McPhail on embroidery basics, Indigenous storytelling with Chantal Chagnon and a watercolour painting workshop with Sherry Telle.
The guide also includes tips and suggestions for at-home crafts and family activities that can be enjoyed either indoors or in the backyard. Examples include a winter fort-making guide, a snow-paint recipe for painting snowmen, a winter eye-spy game and a recipe for maple syrup taffy, among others.
Richards said her favourite aspect of the activity guide is the City’s ongoing winter photo scavenger hunt contest. She said the City is encouraging residents to take photos of themselves enjoying the various activities on the guide, and to post their photos on social media, using the hashtag #chestermerewinterfun.
She added those who take part in the social media contest will be entered into a draw to win a $50 gift card to a Chestermere restaurant.
Finally, the guide also includes suggestions for ways residents can give back to the community, such as a snow angel snow shovelling program, the Synergy Youth and Community Development Society’s wellness challenge or the City’s adopt-a-rink program, which helps the municipality maintain outdoor hockey rinks in Chestermere.
For more information on the winter activity guide, visit chestermere.ca/1124/winter-activity-guide
“We just launched it, and so far we believe it has been positively received but we would love to hear more about what our community thinks of the guide,” Richards said.
Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19
