The Annual Conference and Energize Workshop took place in Lake Louise, October 27-29th, 2011. This year saw over 475 delegates attend the conference, and all those delegates were kept busy in a flurry of activity with workshops, networking events and meetings all occurring in a 3 day span. 

Adding to the excitement of the event was our celebration of the 60th Anniversary of ARPA which brought together over 20 Past Presidents of the Association. Their knowledge and experience was shared with delegates throughout the Conference.

This year's theme "Recreation and Parks ...Bringing Quality to life" was integrated throughout the Conference, and was invoked on many levels. Primarily, the theme was reinforced through the idea that "quality of life" is an outcome we all share and need to work towards together. The idea was firmly cemented in the minds of all delegates that in order to gain quality of life for all Albertans we need to partner across boundaries and silos as never before to tackle the complex issues that are involved in enhancing Alberta's quality of life.

Key Conference learnings included:

• The importance of free play and environmental literacy for our children and youth;
• The significance of slowing down to enjoy the world we live in and the outcome of a positive change in our quality of life;
• The value of leaders and creative leadership;
• How to create a culture of sharing through dialogue about our community successes and challenges; and
• An appreciation for the world around us, invoked by the picturesque setting of the Chateau Lake Louise.

Delegates left the Conference with many insights and memories to take back to their workplaces and homes. Opening keynote speaker Carl Honore shared the value of slowing down from our hectic pace of life and taking time to engage with life in a meaningful way. Closing keynote speaker Rhonda Victoor shared with us the rituals of high performance needed to achieve greater success and satisfaction with work and life. 

The Conference concluded with the Presidents Award Banquet which celebrated not only award winners and our outstanding volunteers but the contributions of our newly retired friend and mentor, former CEO Rick Curtis, who left a lasting legacy and a framework for ARPA that will pave the way for our future successes.

Many thanks to all of the Conference Sponsors and Tradeshow participants for their contributions toward making this one of ARPA's most successful Conferences to date. Sincere thanks also go out to the Conference Organizing Committee and their communities for supporting their efforts. Of course, we must also thank the Conference delegates who brought the values and helped create the spirit over the weekend.

Enjoy a 60th Anniversary Video celebrating ARPA from the 1950's to the Present and have a peek at photos from the event!

Passion, knowledge and experience came together at Lake Louise as invited leaders from across Canada participated in a ground-breaking National Recreation Summit October 23 to 26, 2011. For three days, 200 respected leaders in recreation development, governmental affairs and public policy analysis - from both within the recreation and parks field and allied sectors such as health, education and justice and from across the country - explored the challenges and opportunities facing the field.

Together, they began identifying the steps needed at the national, provincial/territorial and municipal levels to deliver on recreation's great potential to address some of the crucial issues of our day. A joint venture of the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association and the Inter-Provincial Sport and Recreation Council, this first-time event was co-hosted by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association and the Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation Ministry with the aid of the Summit Secretariat and Advisory Committees. 

An opening keynote by Carl Honoré, author of In Praise of Slow, invited participants to consider what recreation offers as an antidote to the frantic pace that has infected all our lives. "This is one of those rare moments when the tectonic plates are shifting, and you are in a position to put recreation back where it belongs - at the throbbing heart of everything we do," Honoré said. "I actually think this Summit could do nothing less than redefine recreation and its place in the 21st century."

During the following two days, participants explored four key themes:

• Confronting Canada's public health crisis
• Respecting nature and our environment
• Building community
• Contributing to public sector and social innovation

In the final keynote, Dr. John Crompton urged a repositioning of the recreation and parks field, in part through concerted bridge-building to health and other allied fields so that respected voices beyond ours promote the key role recreation plays in addressing major issues of the day in our communities.

Thanks to the National Advisory Committee, Summit Secretariat, key sponsors, Plenary and Panel speakers, Commissioned Authors, Facilitators, Recorders and many others who helped pull this landmark event together. Summit Co-Chairs Tim Burton and Tim Moorhouse urged everyone present to take personal responsibility for action and to share the ideas exchanged in Lake Louise with colleagues and potential allies so that the conversation can continue about the place of recreation and parks in the crucial work ahead.

 

 

 

The YDRS Symposium provides a forum for advancing knowledge about the contributions of recreation programs and services with the overall goal of meeting the needs of children and youth in our communities. The YDRS Symposium aims to provide information about children and youth development promoting the delivery and expansion of positive development through sport, recreation, physical activity, education and general health promotion.

Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) along with the 2012 YDRS planning committee is now accepting applications for presentations at the 2012 YDRS Symposium. This bi-ennual event attracts delegates from municipal recreation and community services departments, not for profit groups, community sport groups, public health, educational institutions and social service organizations. The 2012 YDRS Symposium will be held March 11-13 in Edmonton, Alberta. 

 

Presentations will address:    

• Child or youth development.
• Best practices surrounding health, education, physical activity, and recreation during out-of-school time.
• Sectoral leadership and collaborations. 

A cross-section of presentations will be accepted and presentations will be either child focused (aged 6-12 years) or youth focused (aged 13-19 years). Each presentation will be 30 minutes in length with an additional 10 minutes for questions.
 
You can share your knowledge and experiences surrounding child and youth development by submitting a presentation for the 2012 YDRS Symposium on-line at: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/707472/Call-for-Presenters-YDRS-2012

 

Deadline for Submissions: Friday December 2, 2011

  

Further details are available on our website: http://arpaonline.ca/events/ydrs-symposium/ 

 

The first-ever CIW composite report shows that in the fifteen year period from 1994 to 2008, Canada's GDP grew by a robust 31% while our quality of life only improved by a very modest 11%.

Where did the benefits from the rest of our economic growth go? How did the lion's share of gains in income and wealth end up going to the richest 20%, while the gap down to the rest of us is growing even larger? Why are we living longer, but experiencing poorer health?

How is the time crunch preventing us from enjoying our free time and leisure with our family and friends? Why aren't we tackling greenhouse gas emissions?

Read How are Canadians Really doing? and ask yourself what progress means to your wellbeing.

Explore the Infographic to see what areas of wellbeing are improving or getting worse, and watch the video to be inspired to start the conversation with your colleagues, with friends and families, and with elected officials. Canada is very fortunate to have choices.

For the first time we have evidence upon which to make progressive policies that better reflect Canadians' needs and values. We challenge each of you to start the conversation about the future you want, so that all Canadians can enjoy the highest possible wellbeing status.

To learn more about the CIW or enjoy a short video and infographic please visit: www.ciw.ca

Thirty four Alberta communities are being honoured by Communities ChooseWell for their efforts to promote healthier lifestyles and enable physical activity and healthy eating for their residents throughout 2011.

Communities are recognized within five population categories for their efforts in Providing Health Education, Creating Healthy Opportunities, Building Community Resources through Partnerships, and Reducing Barriers to Healthy Living for Tweens and Teens. One Overall High Achiever is also being recognized within each population category for their progress and achievement towards creating a healthy community.

The High Achievers for Northern Alberta are:

• Overall High Achievers - Buck Mountain Central School (Hamlet of Buck Lake), Town of Manning, Town of Morinville, City of Cold Lake, City of Grande Prairie
• Providing Health Education - Villages of Mannville, Minburn and Innisfree, Town of Manning, Town of Bonnyville, Town of Beaumont, Strathcona County
• Creating Healthy Opportunities - Village of Spring Lake, Town of Vermilion, Town of Hinton, City of Camrose
• Building Community Resources through Partnerships - Buck Mountain Central School (Hamlet of Buck Lake), Town of Tofield, Town of Morinville, City of Leduc
• Reducing Barriers to Healthy Living for Tweens and Teens - Village of Berwyn, Town of Redwater, Town of Edson, City of Lacombe

• Overall High Achiever - Village of Cremona & Water Valley, Town of Pincher Creek, Town of Claresholm & District, Town of High River, City of Lethbridge
• Providing Health Education - Village of Longview, Town of Hanna, Town of High River
• Creating Healthy Opportunities - Town of Didsbury, Town of Bassano, Town of Ponoka
• Building Community Resources through Partnerships -Village of Cremona & Water Valley, Town of Fort Macleod, Town of Trochu, Town of Ponoka
• Reducing Barriers to Healthy Living for Tweens and Teens - Village of Youngstown, Town of Irricana, Town of Claresholm & District, Town of Strathmore

"Leadership that helps the wellness of Albertans benefits us all," said Fred Horne, Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness. "These award winners have demonstrated that building healthier communities is achievable and they deserve to be recognized."

Communities ChooseWell High Achievers were selected by adjudicators representing recreation, health and wellness, related community organizations and health professionals. All communities receiving formal recognition for their efforts to address local health issues will receive an award, and Overall High Achievers will also receive $2000.00 to support future healthy living initiatives in their communities.

The Northern Alberta high achievers in Communities ChooseWell were recognized at a celebration held on November 17 in Morinville and the Southern Alberta high achievers will be recognized on November 24 in Okotoks.

Communities ChooseWell is an energizing healthy eating and active living initiative supported by Alberta Health and Wellness and managed by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association.

For more information or to register for Communities ChooseWell, visit http://arpaonline.ca/choosewell or contact 780-415-1745.

 
On Thursday, May 10th, 2012 the Recreation for Life Foundation (RFLF), it's allied partner, the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA), and their many sponsors and supporters will present second biennial Recreation Industry Awards of Excellence gala. This event will be hosted by Calgary at Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.

The Recreation for Life Foundation Recreation Industry Awards of Excellence is a province-wide initiative that recognizes the achievements of individuals or teams within corporations, businesses and private sector who symbolize the very best in our field and communities.

The awards will showcase and celebrate best practices, encourage emulation and draw attention to the value of Alberta companies and entrepreneurs within the recreation and parks industry in Alberta. The awards will focus on innovations in land development, architecture, manufacturing, retail, engineering, marketing and related entrepreneurial leadership. 

Using recreation as a catalyst, the winners are those who help contribute to healthier and more active communities by utilizing and applying an understanding of community commitment and development strategies. Through these awards, recognition will contribute to community leaders increased citizen engagement, higher levels of participation in active living, recreation, and sport, healthier people reflecting balanced lifestyles, and more diverse and culturally rich communities.

Call for Nominations...

We are presently seeking nominations in all awards categories.

The intent of this program is to honour achievement, excellence, creativity, and innovation by Alberta's corporate sector in enhancing personal health, community well-being, and quality of life that is directly linked to recreation and parks development throughout Alberta.

Nominating an individual or organization can be completed in three simple steps: 

Nomination Deadline: Monday, March 19, 2012
Registration Deadline: Wednesday April 25, 2012

For more information on the Recreation Industry Awards of Excellence please contact Kathleen Badry, Fund Development Manager, at kbadry@recreationforlife.org or visit www.Awards.RecreationforLife.org

The Recreation for Life Foundation is very pleased to announce CenturyVallen as the title sponsor for the 2012 Annual Charity Golf Tournament. 

 
CenturyVallen is celebrating their 75th Anniversary in 2012 and is proud to be the title sponsor for the 2012 Recreation for Life Foundation 10th Anniversary Charity Golf Tournament. 

Identified by its longevity and established presence within the Canadian business community, CenturyVallen has been, and continues to be, one of the most respected and reliable industrial goods and service suppliers in the country. Unrivalled proficiency in the business-to-business supply of safety, janitorial and MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) products and related technical services has contributed to over seventy years of sustained growth and prosperity. 

In addition to an extensive supply business, CenturyVallen offers comprehensive commodity related service programs, vending solutions, mobile project trailers, professional application assistance and product related training. CenturyVallen is a member of the Sonepar Canada family, which in turn is a member of the Sonepar Group, the world's largest privately-held electrical distributor. Global resources and reach, combined with credible local market experience, allow CenturyVallen to provide customer service excellence, sophisticated cost-saving programs, and inventory management mastery.

2012 Tournament Details:

Location: Derrick Golf and Winter Club, Edmonton, AB
Date: Monday, June 11, 2012
Brunch & Registration: 11:00 a.m.
Shotgun Start: 1:00 p.m.
Banquet Dinner: 7:00 p.m.
Format: Texas Scramble
Registration Fee: $300/golfer ($50 eligible for tax receipt)
Lunch Only Fee: $25/person
Banquet Only Fee: $55/person

For more information on the CenturyVallen Recreation for Life Annual Charity Golf Tournament please contact Kathleen Badry, Fund Development Manager, at kbadry@recreationforlife.org

 The Recreation for Life Foundation is proudly celebrating its 10 year anniversary in 2011. To commemorate the Foundation's first decade of success, we launched the 10 for 10 Anniversary Campaign. Our goal is to raise $25,000 by the end of the year.....To reach this goal by December 31st, 2011, we're going to need your help! 

Supporting 10 for 10 is easy! Make your donation online through CanadaHelps.org or Fill out the downloadable donation form and send it by mail to:

ARPA has confirmed it's next Casino event is scheduled for Friday, January 27th and Saturday, January 28th at the Casino Calgary.

We are currently looking for volunteers for all positions and shifts. The shifts include both day shifts (10:30 AM - 6:45 PM), night shifts (6:30 PM - 2:30 AM) and Count Room (10:00 PM - 3:00 AM). 

Available positions include Banker, Cashier, Chip Runner and Count Room.

Please contact Patrick MacQuarrie by email pmacquarrie@arpaonline.ca if you are interested in volunteering for a shift or two. Please let him know your preferred day, shift and position and we will slot you in.

For certain positions we may require you to fill in a volunteer form with AGLC.

Thanks for your volunteer support!

Energize Your Everyday (aka Keeping Your Sanity through the Christmas Celebrations!)
Thursday, November 24: 10:00 - 11:30 am
Host: Michelle Greenwell
Cost: Free
To register: http://recc.arpahub.ca/

Creative Ideas for Motivating Seniors Part 2: Music and Props
Friday, November 25: 10:00 - 11:30 am
Host: Michelle Greenwell
Cost: Free
To register: http://recc.arpahub.ca/

Inspiring Ideas for Preschool Teachers in School and Extracurricular Activities
Monday, November 28: 10:00 - 11:30 am
Host: Michelle Greenwell
Cost: Free
To register: http://recc.arpahub.ca/

Facilitation Techniques for Community Building: Let's Meet and Talk in your Community!
Tuesday, November 29: 10:00 - 11:30 am
Host: Barb Pedersen
Cost: Free
To register: http://recc.arpahub.ca/

Pursuing Inclusive Recreation and Leisure Workshops
Wednesday, December 2: 7:00 - 9:00 pm and December 3, 2011 from 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Host: Alberta Association for Community Living
Location: Parkdale United Church Auditorium, Calgary, AB.
Cost: $25/person or $40/couple
To Register: PDF available for registration

Getting to Know Your Community: Using the ACE Communities Scanning Tool to Determine Assets and Priorities
Monday, December 5: 10:00 - 11:30 am
Host: Barb Pedersen
Cost: Free
To register: http://recc.arpahub.ca/

Community Conversations: Exploring World Cafe and Open Space Technology
Thursday, December 8: 10:00 - 11:30 am
Host: Barb Pedersen
Cost: Free
To register: http://recc.arpahub.ca/

Community Building for Food Security: The S.E.L.R.S. Project
Wednesday, December 14: 10:00 - 11:30 am
Hosts: Susan Roberts, Rene Michalak, Brenda Barritt
Cost: Free
To register: http://recc.arpahub.ca/

Investing in Leisure Literacy
Friday, December 16: 10:00 - 11:30 am
Host: Carol Petersen
Cost: Free
To register: http://recc.arpahub.ca/

Tools and Strategies to Enhance Leisure Awareness
Wednesday, December 21: 10:00 - 11:30 am
Host: Carol Petersen
Cost: Free
To register: http://recc.arpahub.ca/

 

Recreation Industry Awards of Excellence