Centre Wellington COVID-19 recreation updates and resources for seniors

July 10, 2020

By Jena Docking, UGFHT Health Promoter and Registered Kinesiologist

Hello Centre Wellington!

On May 30, I provided an update on local amenities that have opened across our beautiful community in alignment with Phase Two of Ontario’s Framework for Reopening our Province. We’ve been fortunate to have even more facilities become available since then so I thought it would be a good time to let you all know that:

• As of May 29, 2020, basketball courts and CW skate park are open
• Millburn splash pad opened Friday June 19, 2020
• CW Sportsplex Aquatic Centre will open August 4, 2020
  1. All drop in swims, aquafit and swim lessons require pre-registration
  2. More details to come, please check the website                                                       https://www.centrewellington.ca/en/living-here/cw-community-sportsplex.aspx
• Residents can use picnic tables, benches or shelters across Centre Wellington provided that users maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres
• Outdoor furniture, bleachers, backstops and player benches can be used but are not sanitized

As a reminder, when using outdoor recreation facilities please:

• Maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres or 6 feet apart
• Not gathering in groups of more than 10 people
• Wear a non-surgical mask when possible
• Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette
• Wash and/or sanitize hands often

I’ve had quite a few questions from clients lately about ways that seniors in particular can continue to stay fit and connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some great local resources available to older adults at this time:

• Seniors’ Centre for Excellence
  1. Starting July 7, 2020 they will be launching their new teleconferencing program. This program requires no technical expertise, all you need is a phone and a desire to stay connected. The goal of the program is to have topics for discussion to keep you laughing, learning, and connected. If you are interested, they invite you to pre-register at 519-638-1000 or by e-mailing HEdwards@mapleton.ca

2. VON SMART exercise classes through Wightman Television channel 6
   1. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
      1. Low intensity at 9:00 am
      2. Moderate intensity at 10:00 am
      3. High intensity at 11:00 am

3. VON SMART exercise classes through YouTube
   1. Access to low intensity, moderate intensity and high intensity SMART exercise classes through YouTube
   2. Click the link below to try a class:                                                                                   https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt3MmNNNKrHUpPjly7Kc_ZehElYjCKuIH

4. VON SMART exercise classes through ZOOM
   1. Meet online and join with friends and the facilitators from Community Support Connections
   2. Visit the link below and connect with one of the Community Support Connections Kinesiologist who will schedule a time to chat with you:  https://communitysupportconnections.org/exercise/
   3. If you would like to join a live Zoom class email Kelly Gee at Kelly.gee@von.ca and she will send you the Zoom link to access the live classes!

5. Connect CW – https://www.connectcw.ca/
   1. Connect CW has a new virtual resource centre. This is a one stop community hub linking you to activities, workshops and virtual experiences related to recreation, leisure, fitness, well-being, education, culture, arts and more
   2. Click this link below to access FREE online programming from the Victoria Park Seniors Centre community through Zoom: https://www.connectcw.ca/seniors-zone

I hope you find this information helpful. Stay healthy everyone!