West Shore Parks and Recreation is testing the waters before the planned deep dive into expanding programs into Metchosin.
Presented with the “exciting opportunity” to offer courses at the newly renovated Old Metchosin School, West Shore Parks and Rec embarked on conversations to suss out some best fits, said Krista Enderud, fitness coordinator for West Shore Parks and Recreation.
“It’s a beautiful renovated new spot, it has a gymnasium and three classrooms,” she said.
They learned pickleball is already established, yoga has a strong presence and there are some dance-based classes in the community.
Information-gathering started late last year and lined up time-wise with a request for a presentation from the Metchosin Seniors’ Association. That group was looking to learn more about workshops or functional fitness ideas that could come to their gatherings – suggesting local community programs might already have an audience.
“The timing was perfect, we were able to have a little chat with that group,” Enderud said. “It definitely highlighted that there’s a need for older age programming out in this area.”
That could easily be true for anyone looking for a session without making the longer trek to the current hub at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre in Colwood.
West Shore Parks and Recreation is seeking input from the wider community through an online survey, set to close at the end of the month. Enderud said it's open to both Metchosin residents and all West Shore Parks and Rec partners, noting there are many reasons it might be a good fit for someone.
January – with its tradition of people seeking health at the start of a new year – seemed a good time for both the survey and a sample of a couple of programs.
The Old Metchosin School at 4495 Happy Valley Rd. currently hosts West Shore Parks and Rec programs Functional Fitness on Thursdays and Essentrics on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Functional fitness is a full-body workout focusing on strength, agility, stability and flexibility using a variety of equipment, including free weights, body weight, bands, and balls.
Essentrics is a combination of strengthening and stretching based on the science of eccentric movement.
“We’re just looking at daytime programming (right now) but we’re open to evening and weekend programming if the appetite is there. Whether it’s kids, adult evening programs or drop-in sport-based programs,” she said.
They're also set to offer first aid certification and recertification programs through a partnership with Metchosin Fire Chief Stephanie Dunlop.
If helping craft the vision for recreation in the community isn’t enough, West Shore Parks and Rec offers a prize draw for those who fill out the survey. Participants will be entered into a draw to win a three-month membership to West Shore Parks and Recreation. The deadline for submission is Jan. 31.
Find the survey online through the District of Metchosin, or those more keen to provide feedback by phone can call Enderud at 250-474-8694.
