Dog owners and public unite
Dog owners and others who use the community park are being invited to a public meeting on Monday, Feb. 17 at 6 pm at the Oliver Community Centre in room #2.
The meeting will give people a chance to comment on off-leash hours as outlined in the Animal Control Bylaw.
Parks and Recreation chair Shiela Lange said there are a select group of dog owners who are very passionate about walking their dogs in the park.
But Lange said there is a silent majority of joggers who feel intimidated by off-leash dogs in the park.
Board member Tamela Edwards questioned why some dog owners are resisting using the designated off-leash park.
Safety concern
Parks and Recreation manager Carol Sheridan had a meeting with Dean Keller from the South Okanagan Minor Hockey Association about safety during ice cleaning.
Sheridan said there are major concerns with players being on the ice surface or hanging over the boards while arena staff are cleaning the ice.
The policy states that no minor hockey players shall enter the players’ bench area or ice surface until staff have completed cleaning the ice and the Zamboni has left the ice surface.
Keller agreed to forward a letter to all division coaches.
Additional signage will be posted next to the players’ benches.
Weight room volunteers, anyone?
Parks and Recreation manager Carol Sheridan said she is working with some of their key weight room members to develop a weight room volunteer program.
The goal is to assemble a team of volunteers to spend time monitoring the weight room, providing orientation and enforcing safety guidelines.
In exchange for their time, volunteers will earn credit towards facility use. For example, 10 hours of volunteer time will be exchanged for 10 visits to either the weight room or pool.
Sheridan said she is developing a request for proposals for the installation of weight room equipment, including an elliptical trainer, a rowing machine and a treadmill.
Drink healthy
Parks and Recreation is moving towards a healthy vending machine policy for its facilities.
Manager Carol Sheridan is working with Coca Cola to change out the current drink machines for ones that promote water, juice and sports drinks rather than pop.
As of January, MacDonald Vending will stock the machines at the arena and pool with a minimum of 50 per cent products that fall under the healthy brand name food list.
Family Fair planned
Parks and Recreation is hosting a Family Fair event sponsored by Communities for Kids on Saturday, Feb. 8
The event is free to the public and targets families with children from 0-6 years of age.
It will be held at the community centre from 10 am to 1 pm, and will feature playtime, live entertainment, activity stations and healthy foods. It will also be an opportunity for parents to meet with local health and education experts.
Programs doing well
Pickleball, Zumba and Gentle Fit are doing well, with many participants showing up and getting fit. For more information, call 250-498-4985.
