Penticton residents may have less excuses to draw from for not exercising this year, as the city considers narrowing the window of pool closures in 2012.
During Monday’s council meeting, recreation general manager Chuck Loewen characterized the inaugural statutory holiday openings of the Penticton Community Centre a complete success. Loewen said 350 people arrived on Boxing Day to use the pool and weight room facilities during the limited opening from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. On New Year’s Day, more than 450 people dropped in.
“That was just fantastic,” he said.
The city had also wrapped up its “try it free” week from Jan. 2 to 8 that allowing residents to give recreation programs a try at no cost. Those included everything from adult classes for yoga, pilates, Zumba, belly fit and water running to children’s classes like tot swims.
Loewen said the free Gymboree program held Saturday, Jan. 7 drew more than 200 children, who were all accompanied by parents for the playtime activities, crafts and more.
“Families in town are really enjoying these types of things. It’s very gratifying to see the results coming through with the support from the community,” he said.
Loewen said that successes over the holiday break has inspired the recreation department to continue to expand offerings. “We’re going to be looking at opening most statutory holidays,” he said.
The Winter Recreation Guide is online, and residents can check out the offerings at www.penticton.ca.