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Newmarket offering pop-up park program, scavenger hunts, obstacle course

Newmarkettoday.ca
July 14, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Newmarket has launched alternative at-home and in-person outdoor recreation programming that will replace full-day summer camps for the 2020 season. In addition to the 40 Days of Summer Camper Kit, which offers activities for school-age children (ages four to 12) to enjoy at home, parents can now look forward to three weekly programs that will run from July 15 to Aug. 28. Outdoor programs are designed to ensure safe physical distancing measures can be practised at all times.

Outdoor Summer Recreation Programming

Kids on the Move -- Pop Up Park Program
This two-hour program will feature a variety of games, sports, arts and crafts and outdoor activities that are designed to allow participants to have fun while practising physical distancing. Pre-registration is required and participants are encouraged to register once per week. Programming will remain the same on a weekly basis. This to ensure we can serve as many children in our community as possible.

 

Please note: As spots are limited, this program is only open to Newmarket residents at this time. Should this program be open to non-residents at a later date, that Town will notify the public.

Safety measures:
Parents will be required to stay onsite to support their children’s hands-on needs (e.g. washrooms, first aid requirements, behavioural concerns etc.) while participating children get the chance to engage and socialize in a safe and friendly atmosphere. This program will follow current physical distancing and social gathering rules. It will be limited to nine participants and an instructor to be aligned with current emergency orders set out by the Province of Ontario. Two groups will run per day, accommodating 18 participants.

As this program takes place outdoors, masks/face coverings are not required; however, participants are welcome to wear them as they feel comfortable. Participants are also encouraged to bring necessities such as hand sanitizer, water bottle (labelled), sunscreen, hat/sun protection and appropriate footwear. Program instructors will monitor the group and ensure physical distancing at all times. Screening protocols for staff and participants will be conducted every day.

This program will be following all provincial and public health guidelines as it relates to COVID-19. Town of Newmarket staff are Standard First Aid/CPR certified.

Wheeling through summer -- A pop-up cycling obstacle course
This free drop-in cycling obstacle course is geared toward beginner and intermediate cyclists. This course will provide skill development and challenge riders to a variety of obstacles that will help improve balance, control, heads-up reaction riding and safety while having fun. The cycling course will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Helmets are mandatory.

 

Register: No registration is required. Sign-in is required upon arrival to allow for contact tracing.

Safety measures:
As this program takes place outdoors, masks/face coverings are not required; however, participants are welcome to wear them as they feel comfortable. Participants are also encouraged to bring necessities such as hand sanitizer, water bottle (labelled), sunscreen, hat / sun protection and appropriate footwear. This program will be following all provincial and public health guidelines as it relates to COVID-19. Town of Newmarket staff are Standard First Aid/CPR certified.

Weekly Seek and Search Family Scavenger Hunt
Families are encouraged to join the Town for this weekly challenging and fun scavenger hunt that will take place in each of the seven wards in Newmarket. This scavenger hunt is a great way for families to come together to explore their neighbourhood. Families are encouraged to share their experiences on social media by using the #MyNewmarketSummer and tagging @TownofNewmarket.

When: Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. from July 15 to Aug. 26
Where:

Safety measures:
As this program takes place outdoors, masks/face coverings are not required; however, participants are welcome to wear them as they feel comfortable. Participants are also encouraged to bring necessities such as hand sanitizer, water bottle (labelled), sunscreen, hat / sun protection and appropriate footwear as they see fit. This program will be following all provincial and public health guidelines as it relates to COVID-19. Town of Newmarket staff are Standard First Aid/CPR certified.

At-home Summer Recreation Programming

DIY Thursday Family Adventure Days
Each Thursday, the Town will be updating its website newmarket.ca/summerpopups with new adventures and activities that you can do at home. Each weekly activity will be a new experience and families are encouraged to share their experiences on social media by using #MyNewmarketSummer and tagging @TownofNewmarket.

When: Every Thursday from July 16 to Aug. 27

Where: In the comfort of your own home

Learn more at newmarket.ca/summerpopups

40 Days of Summer Camper Kit
This camper kit is designed for parents looking for activities to excite and engage their children from the safety of their own home. Each kit includes 40 activities, supplies and directions to entertain and educate children’s curious minds. The camper kit is geared towards school-age children 4 to 12 years old and provides a range of self-directed and hands-on learning experiences with ten activities per program area:

Parents can order kits today at play.newmarket.ca using code 129768. Camper kits cost $75 and are designed for one camper. Kits will be available in the coming weeks for curbside pick-up at the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex (100 Eagle Street West) or delivery within Newmarket. Kits are available while quantities last.

For more information on the summer pop-up programs, visit newmarket.ca/summerpopups