ate of the department. As such, new cultural events were offered and staff assisted the arts laureate with her public art program known as ArtsAlive.
In 2017, the focus will be on building on this success. Planning is under way to continue the successful live music concerts at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre. Tickets are on sale for the January concerts with Big Dave McLean performing Jan. 6 and Valdy on Jan. 13. The fall concerts were mainly sell outs so get your tickets early.
The free summer outdoor concerts at Willows Park will increase due to popular demand.
ArtsAlive currently has a call out for new artists for the 2017 Public Art Sculpture Walk. Applications can be found on-line at www.oakbay.ca/explore-oak-bay/arts-culture/artsalive.
The culture department is also looking forward to expanding programming in the Dave Dunnet Community Theatre as part of the School District Joint Use Agreement and collaborating with other organizations to bring in film, theatre, and music events.
Registration
A new, easier, on-line recreation registration system will be coming in 2017. Patrons are asked to create a new account beforehand. This can be done on-line at www.oakbay.ca/park-recreation/program/registration or by calling 250-595-7946.
Aquatics
Staff and patrons are looking forward to having the pool at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre back in operation the first week in January. The pool had an unplanned shut down late last year due to a leak. The problem has been repaired and staff are working hard to get the pool back in operation. Visit recreation.oakbay.ca for updates.
Due to popular demand, the Saturday and Sunday Swim Kids Lessons now have extended times. Swim Kids Levels 1 through 5 are now 45 minutes and Swim Kids Levels 6 through 10 are now 60 minutes. Moreover, Sunday morning lessons have been extended by half an hour longer and are running from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in 2017.
Fitness
Patrons can kick start their 2017 resolutions with Personal Training, TC Run Clinic, eight weeks to a New You, Yoga, Barre or Pilates courses and more. A personal training special is available until Jan. 15 to help patrons to accomplish their health and wellness goals. Three personal training sessions cost only $155.
Tennis
In 2017, the tennis department is looking forward to more families playing tennis together and taking part in joint lessons; further lighting improvements in the indoor bubbles; further development in connecting people and nature within lessons; and further development in league play for juniors and adults.
Youth
This summer, the very popular Youth Ultimate Adventures Outdoor camp will be offered again. An extra week will be added to accommodate last summer’s high demand.
The Youth Centre in the Neighbourhood Learning Centre will continue to run the monthly special events. Staff are looking forward to utilizing its great location, front and centre by the brand new rugby pitch. They will be offering fun pizza and barbecue events on game days.
Parks
From a Parks perspective, 2017 highlights will be continuing to work on the Urban Forest Strategy as well as the restoration work on the critical ecosystems in Uplands Park. Friends of Uplands Park and various volunteers will be playing a large role at Uplands, Anderson Hill, Trafalgar Park and the Brighton Trail.
Monterey centre
Monterey Recreation Centre is excited to offer Adults 19 year + over 200 lifelong learning and fitness courses customized to keep their minds and bodies healthy and active in 2017. From yoga to cuisine and everything in between.
– Janet Barclay is Manager, Recreation Program Services for Oak Bay Parks, Recreation and Culture