JRPMchallenge

Take On a Challenge! Join the 2021 JRPM CommUNITY Challenge.

June 1, 2021Team QuantumQ_recreation InformationLeave a comment

If your motivation to get moving is losing as this pandemic drags on, this might be the perfect time to get back on track. Celebrate June is Recreation and Parks Month this year with a fun and exciting challenge. The Alberta Recreation Parks Association (ARPA) crafted a set of recreational activities that are simple, fun, and safe to do for everyone to participate and get active throughout June. Through this challenge, we can all gain a sense of #CommUNITY that supports the JRPM initiative.

The challenge runs from June 1st to 21st and can be completed individually or in a team.

Rules

Participants (individuals/teams) must take a photo of them doing the daily activities and post it on social media (Twitter/Instagram), tagging @arpaonline and using the hashtag #JRPMchallenge. For Facebook, place the entry photo in the comment section of the corresponding daily activity post.

Important: Participants must post their photo entries ON the day of the corresponding activity challenge.

For individuals:

  • Set your social media profile to public
  • Use the hashtag #JRPMchallenge in your posts
  • You can take and post multiple photos, but there will only be one entry per individual/team per day

For teams:

  • Create a social media account for the team and set it to public
  • Use the hashtag #JRPMchallenge and #yourteamname in your posts
  • If the team cannot do the activity together, they can post as individual team members. Just ensure to include #yourteamname in your posts

Prizes

Winners will receive their choice of a MEC, Sportchek or Amazon gift card!

Grand prize: $250 gift card. Participants who are eligible for the grand prize are those who completed the daily activity for the full 21 days.

Runner up prize of $100 gift card. Participants eligible for the second prize must complete between 10-20 daily activities.

Third place prize of $50 gift card. Participants eligible for the third prize must complete at least one daily activity but less than 10.

The prizes are just a bonus. The real reward is all the fun and wonderful benefits you can get in participating in recreational activities. More importantly, you have contributed to the JRPM objectives. For more information or questions about the #JRPMchallenge, visit the 2021 JRPM website or email JRPM@arpaonline.ca.

June is Recreation and Parks Month

June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM) – A Brief Background

June 1, 2021Team QuantumQ_recreation InformationLeave a comment

June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM) is a mobilization movement that provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of parks and recreation and the essential role it plays in enhancing the quality of life for all Canadians. JRPM encourages everyone to participate in recreation activities, get active, enjoy, and explore the great outdoors. The month-long initiative expanded and joined by provincial/territorial partners and recreation associations across Canada to celebrate and promote the many benefits of recreation and parks.

JRPM is in its 20th year of recognizing recreation and parks in Alberta. To celebrate JRPM, the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) is showcasing programs and promoting events to celebrate the many ways recreation and parks enhance the quality of life for Albertans. As the social mobilization continues, more municipalities, communities and organizations are all coming together to celebrate JRPM by promoting local recreational events and places to visit. They also provide unique and creative promotional resources and celebratory ideas for the public.

This year, JRPM’s theme is #CommUNITY. The battle with COVID-19 continues in its second year, putting a lot more stress on the recreation and parks sector, especially at the community level. Getting outdoors and actively provides benefits in physical and mental wellness and social connections that are more important at these particular times. This year’s theme is all about encouraging everyone to celebrate Recreation and Parks Month in community parks, recreation centres and open spaces.

Quantum Recreation yearly takes part in the collective action as well. We encourage children, families, organizations, schools and residents to celebrate the wonderful benefits of getting outdoors and enjoy the many green spaces and recreational facilities in the community. Our goal is to inspire everyone and create excitement to go out there and get involved in the JRPM initiative in a fun and Covid-safe way.

New Measures on the Step 2 of the Path Forward

Key Takeaways From The Town Hall With Alberta Health Representatives (Step 2)

March 16, 2021Team QuantumQ_recreation InformationLeave a comment

The ARPA organized a Town Hall with Alberta Health representatives to clarify and answer questions on the new measures of Step 2 of the Path Forward.

Some of the Step 2 updates that came into effect on March 1st were the further easement of indoor fitness activities and libraries’ restrictions. Libraries are now allowed at 15% capacity. Fitness activities with low-intensity exercises or low-intensity group fitness are also now permitted. The order for high-intensity activity from Step 1 is still in effect with the one-on-one training consideration. There is a different guidance for sporting activities. The indoor fitness guidelines should not be used for team sports.

Some of the leading indicators showed a slight indication of spread resulting in caution in the Step 2 easement. Ease of restrictions on other items was later given on the second week of March. These are easements for banquet halls, community halls, conference centres, hotels, collegiate sport and recreation activities. Additional easements for performance and recreation activities and community easements for retail up to 25% capacity are also included in Step 2.

Further clarifications on the new measures were discussed. To effectively assess each case, the intention should be clear. Is it for fitness or training?

  • In an aquatic environment, low-intensity fitness at 3 metres distance to other people or low-intensity fitness group at 3 metres apart in a class setting is permitted. There is a requirement, however, to wear masks. No exceptions. The sector is advised to design a program and make it low intensity with minimum splashing and doesn’t require the head to get underwater. One of the parameters considered was permanent walled-off areas, with their own space and ventilation. It is the ideal setup in a facility. Facility operators can also consult their local health inspector and talk about what might work in their facility.
  • Community halls are open for the activities that are permitted. Youth-based recreation programs, wedding ceremonies and funeral ceremonies can take place. From a recreation perspective, guides, scouts, 4-H groups can have their group activity. This easement is not intended for a workplace to book a meeting. Where possible, it should be done virtually. It is still not a good time to bring people together.
  • For the distinction between high intensity and low intensity, note the risk. The heavier and harder the breathing is, the more risk there is. By definition, “Low-intensity fitness includes activities not focused specifically on cardio, which have a low depth and rate of respiration.” Normally, if you are out of breath doing the activity, it’s high intensity, but it depends on the individual. Hence, it is not just the facility operators, but the accountability is in all of us in making sure the recent guidelines are followed.
  • Minimal time in dressing rooms is still advised. Anytime that can minimize those shared spaces would be better. For an indoor group fitness setting, there is no max of 10 in a room. The restriction will be how many people can get in the room with the appropriate distancing of 3 metres. Also, a face shield is not a substitute for masks.
  • In cases where an animal welfare issue is involved, like horseback riding, the activity is not permitted considering the idea of sport. But exercising the horse could go.

Most of the time, it always comes down to the intent and the age group. If it’s a permitted activity, it can take place in any setting unless stated otherwise. Next is intent and then the age group. The Alberta Health representatives are always monitoring the leading indicators to make sure trends are not moving in the wrong direction. You may refer to the Town Hall recording and the Enhanced Public Health Measures for additional information on the new measures of Step 2.

Town Hall with Alberta Health Representatives

Key Takeaways from the Town Hall with Alberta Health Representatives

February 22, 2021Team QuantumQ_recreation InformationLeave a comment

The ARPA, in collaboration with the Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation (SPAR) Branch with Alberta Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women hosted a Town Hall with Alberta Health representatives last February 11, 2021. The discussion aims to provide updates, clarifications, and answers to questions regarding the Step 1 Guidance of the Path Forward about recreation and sport. We have made a rundown on some of the key information discussed in the Town Hall.

  • A change regarding minors, 18 years old and younger, can take part in any indoor group training for teen sports or other activities with up to a maximum of 10 in a group. This group is inclusive of coaches and trainers. Each member should adhere to the mandatory 3-meter physical distancing. Coaches and trainers must always wear a mask, but participants can remove theirs when engaged in a high-intensity physical activity.
  • Spectators are not allowed, but young participants that need parental support may be paired up with an adult. The pair, however, will be counted as two people. Another update is that a single-family or one household can rent a single pool or arena without a trainer. The key requirement is for the family to rent the entire facility, arena or pool.
  • In the idea of shared equipment, where possible, a single piece of equipment should be designated to one person. When there is a need to share equipment to perform the activity, exercise hand hygiene first before engaging in the activity, then clean and disinfect the shared equipment after. It would also be better to minimize the number of people sharing the same piece of equipment. The 3-meter distancing must still be maintained throughout the activity.
  • Two groups of 10 can occupy the same facility if the space can accommodate the distanced activity among all the participants. Movements while doing the activity must also be considered in ensuring that the facility can accommodate multiple groups. It is up to the facilitator and all the participants to ensure that the 3-meter physical distance is always observed. One can also be involved in more than one group of 10, like with coaches. However, this also increases their risk because they interact with more people.
  • In terms of expectation on the Step 2 Guidance, the 3-week period is a time in between to engage with stakeholders, analyze the data, see the impact of each step and make sure that the trend is going in the right direction before continuing on the next phase.

There is a continuous study on these new measures and steps, and the Alberta Health representatives ensure that any decisions and updates made will be shared to the public as soon as possible. The guidance will not fit perfectly in every situation, but the intention is to make it work in most of the settings. It is also important to note that each of us has a role to play to support the successful implementation of the guidance.

Quantum Recreation Networking

Looking for a GREAT RECREATION WINGMAN

June 13, 2020Team QuantumQ_recreation InformationLeave a comment

Importance of Networking for Recreation Professionals

If you are working as a recreation professional, you might just have the most rewarding job. The extrovert’s dream, you work with people and get to be outside and organize events. The beauty of working as a recreation professional is that all you need is a passion for recreation. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t like a little R & R? Whether you went to university and got a degree or you decided to venture into the wide world of entrepreneurship and open a food truck, anyone has the ability to work as a recreation professional.

Being a recreation professional is more than organizing or attending events, it is more than attending summer camps and leading fun activities. To flourish as a recreation professional, it is of absolute importance to network. Network with other professionals, leaders of other organizations is vital to the development and improvement of not only the park you represent but also it is excellent for interpersonal development. Networking is made easier with Alberta Recreation and Parks Association, however, don’t limit your networking to only parks and recreation. Broaden your horizons and venture into networking outside of your sphere. There are many organizations in and around Alberta that offer brilliantly beneficial opportunities and ideas.

What is networking?

All this is made easier if you know a little bit about what networking is all about? Networking is about exchanging ideas, sharing information with like-minded individuals who are either in the same career or similar careers. These informational exchanges usually happen at conferences, within a more social setting, around the buffet table in between seminar sessions or during a break at an event that like-minded professionals are attending.

Why is networking important?

When you network, you increase your visibility, you meet potential clients or professionals that you can work with. You stay abreast of the current news or trends in the recreation field; i.e. you get to know other practitioners, and you have access to the expertise, knowledge and information from others who have walked the road already.

Networking is most effective when it is done face-to-face, however there is something to be said about the effectiveness of networking online. Social media platforms, forums and online groups open up a world of networking opportunity. Through online networking, you are able to reach out to professionals from around the world and share ideas, ask questions and gain vital and valid information. In a time when information and technology are gaining traction and changing at a rapid pace, it is a good idea to crack open that laptop and start joining different groups and start networking.

This brings us to networking with consultants and the role they play in the municipal world. A consultant’s whole business is about networking, making sure they are in the know with the trends, what other municipalities are doing and how other industries are supporting the field of recreation. Quantum Recreation is passionate about recreation and has a knack for networking, which is why it is great to get to know our team. We can also start helping others network more effectively and efficiently. The Quantum Recreation team attends as many events as possible and welcomes anyone to look for them at these events for a chat, or you could even approach them to help you navigate through an event and network with the professionals.

Quantum Recreation has built up a strong contact base and a large network around Canada. Our expertise also stretches over other sectors, like the special event and project management sector. Our vast network and collective in-depth knowledge of different sectors make our team members are ideally suited to help any recreation professional.

Think of the Quantum Recreation Team as your wingman at the next event, helping you meet other practitioners, and giving you the right information to make the right connection.

Quantum Recreation and JPRM June is parks and rec month

Shhhh… Listen! Do You Hear The Sound Of “June Is The Recreation And Park Month?”

May 29, 2020Team QuantumQ_recreation InformationLeave a comment

June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM) is to celebrate and encourage you to get out and enjoy the many advantages of recreation and parks. JRPM promotes the benefits of being active and recognizing the contribution that recreation and parks make to the quality of life.

A great initiative that began in 2005 in the province of Ontario has extended to all of Canada. With JRPM events ranging from fishing derbies to free swim days at the local pool. Families and residents can get active and enjoy the many health benefits that recreation and parks provide. In Alberta, this year JRPM will be focusing on connecting people together, and with nature, through recreation and parks. 

BENEFITS OF JRPM

JRPM may look a little different this year due to COVID-19, but there are still plenty of activities and events to participate in while practicing physical-distancing.  Here are some of the key benefits from the benefitshub: 

Help Build Strong Families and Communities

It is proven that if families and couples share recreation pursuits, they are more likely to stay together. These pursuits allow us to come together and explore different forms of both families and communities. Many people who participate in recreation activities are often catalysts that build strong, self-sufficient, and sustainable communities.

Economic

Recreation also is an economic driver. During the pandemic, fitness equipment, bicycle, and R. V. sales have increased. With the work from Healthwellnesscoalition, we know that these small businesses are crucial for the economy  because recreation, fitness, sport, arts, culture, parks, and open spaces are significant employment generators.

Personal Health

We know that being active has a lot of physical health benefits, a reduction in obesity, some cancers and diabetes. But there is also the mental  health of individuals that recreation can provide benefits. This is more important than ever during the Covid-19 pandemic; recreation can reduce stress and depression and manufacture social connections between people. WE have seen an increase in apps and online clubs for people to complete races or challenges to still stay connected while recreating.

JRPM is only one month, but the benefits last all year long. So, for 2020, get out, recreate and create those connections while remaining at a six foot distance.

Adapted from: http://benefitshub.ca/recreation-benefits-statements/