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Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2008
Wapde Ridge and Fitt lWeraihnvx Parks c�! ! L eism-e Services—. Creating opparlunifies f yr coni uninitjt pride. personal enjojwent and healthy Idem)-Iex. Contents - Parks Cam mission. ................................. 1 General Manager's Report...,. ....... ••........ 2 2008 Donations ...........•...............•--....... 3 Support Services ............ ......................... 4 Parks & Facilities -.-- ..............._....__....._.._. 5 Maple Ridge Cemeteries ......................... 6 Maple Ridge Golf Course. ....................... 6 Recreation Services.._. .......................... 7 Leisure Centre & Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre Statistics .... 9 CommunityDevelopment .... ................ ...10 ProgramDevelopment ............................10 Volunteers................................................11 Historic Sites - Maple Ridge ..................12 Historic Sites - Pitt Meadows.... ............ 14 Arts Council & Art Gallery ...................... 16 Special Events...................................18 Special Services ..........— .........................19 Seniors... ........................................ ......... 21 Community Services... ...... .................... , 23 Children's Services .............................. 24 Youth Services. .......................... .......... 25 Neighborhood Development ...............27 2008 Random Sample Customer Satisfaction Survey ...,,....... 29 uv_ww.mat�iwedex w wwx!ttmea coo wS. bC. Ca _WAV yv.,va u the e rvic es. ca t�a�nrw,reCre�u:ca .i Meadows Hanging Basket'. 4 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Commission The Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission provides services such as planning, maintenance and scheduling of parks and public recreation, cultural and heritage facilities, programs and drop in activities in numerous locations for all age groups. The Commission meets the second Thursday of the month and meetings alternate between Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Municipal Halls. The Citizen at Large members also act in a liaison capacity to numerous Parks & Leisure Services Community Groups and can be contacted by calling 604-467-7347 or visiting the website: www.maplerid e.ca httr)://www.mapieridge.ca/EN/main/munici ipal/728/iparks.html On behalf of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission, it is our pleasure to provide you with the 2008 Annual Report featuring highlights and the accomplishments of each department within Community Development, Parks & Recreation Services. rt�t,a�ity The;,[r�� �yv a`o` i c mainstage 2(D9 O y N �� I��a�rmivaoor�nnri•n 2008 Commission Members: Maple Ride: Mayor Gordy Robson Councillor Ernie Daykin Councillor Craig Speirs Pitt Meadows: Mayor Don MacLean Councillor Debra Eisel Councillor Deb Walters School District No. 42: Trustee Cheryl Ashlie, Chair Trustee Dave Rempel Trustee Kathie Ward Citizen at Large Members: Maple Ridge: Mr. Ian Brown Mr. Geordie Craig Ms. Jo Anne ten Brink Mr. Ron Wright Pitt Meadows: Mr. Neil Pukesh Ms. Christine Smith O©` BC Disability Games M ��.SC I_ Q j,)> it IVi Eit J -- N /1 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 General Manager's Report Mike Murray General Manager, Community Development Parks & Recreation Services ADMINISTRATION Division .administration staffprovide policy advice to Pitt gtleadaws and -'vlapCe Ridge CounciCs and administrative support and advice to the Parks and Leisure Services Commission. .administration staff also partic mates in the senior management function for both municipalities andserve in a liaison capacity lvith: SchooCDistrict No. 42, the Fraser VaCley RegionaClibrary, .Aletro 'Vancouver and Cultural Committees, BC Parks, the Ministry of forests, the Xatzie andXwantCen First Nations and with other community groups and agencies. Both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows (with whom we share the Parks and Recreation function) are experiencing growth in terms of their populations and use of recreation and park facilities and programs. Some facilities like the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre and artificial turf sport fields are approaching capacity and, consequently, there is a need to address a "space crunch" over the next few years. Needless to say we are very pleased at the level of public involvement in active living reflected in the increasing use of the opportunities we are providing. That said we need to focus some attention on the future to ensure our citizens' needs do not outstrip our capacity to deliver and to continue to provide the breadth and quality of opportunities our citizens have come to expect. The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Master Plan update that began in 2008 will continue in 2009 to completion and will provide the guidance needed to make the best possible investments in our citizens' future. We look forward to continuing our work with citizens in the provision of leisure services generally (many volunteers are involved through hundreds of organizations) and in the completion of this plan with a view to making both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows healthy communities full of opportunities for citizen growth and development and community spirit. Highlights: ■ Commission Support/Reports (i.e. appeals policy, bylaw revision, Rotary Field lighting, field damage fines, fees and charges, annual report, agreement renewals etc.) ■ Parks, Recreation and Cultural Plan ■ SD 42 Parks and School Site Acquisition Agreement ■ Spirit Squares in Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows ■ Finalized Whonnock Expropriation - 136th Alignment ■ Recruited Disabled Games Board ■ Management and Council involvement in both Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows ■ Supportive Housing MOU ■ Maintaining working relationships (SD42, First Nations, Community Organizations, etc.) PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL MASTER PLAN Catherine Berris and Associates in partnership with Asbell Management Innovations were awarded the contract to. develop the 2010 Master Plan. Stakeholder group meetings and a public open house took place in the fall of 2008 to gather initial input. The 2001 Master Plan is available through the Parks & Recreation Administration office or on the website at: htt www.ma lerid e.ca EN main murici pjl/ brochures publications.htmi /2 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to extend my thanks to the staff and community contributors for our collective success. Thanks to our partners who worked with us on joint projects and made significant contributions to our communities: • School District No. 42 • Metro Vancouver Parks • Ridge Meadows Seniors Society • Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Arts Council, • ARMS • KEEPS • The Agricultural Association • Haney Horsemen • Maple Ridge Historical Society • Pitt Meadows Heritage and Museum Society • Meadowridge Rotary • Haney Rotary • Eagles Club • Maple Ride and Pitt Meadows Lions • Royal Canadian Legion • Amateur Sports Organizations • Community Associations • Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Foundations • Greg Moore Foundation • United Way • Fraser Health Authority • Katzie First Nation • The many Festival organizers including Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows 2009 BC Disability Games Society and Mainstage BC Theatre festival organizers. • Community Corrections and, • General private sector partners • The delivery of service Finally, we thank both senior levels of Government for their financial contributions and partnership initiatives in 2008. 2008 GRANTS RECEIVED $ Amount From Mental Health - Integrated Recreation $32,836 Fraser Health Authority Winter Wonderland Decorations (Lights & Toy Soldier) 250 Donation Spirit of BC Week 1,250 2010 Legacies Now (Provincial) Building Community Solutions 25,000 United Way Seniors Planning Table 25,000 United Way Pitt Meadows Canada Day Grant 800 Province of BC Maple Ridge Canada Day 1,000 Canadian Heritage Summer Day Camps $39,210 CLBC MACAI Work Project - Maple Ridge 12,500 Measuring Up MACAI Work Project - Pitt Meadows 20,000 Measuring Up Quality of life grant accessible cardio equipment 4,002 -Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion Children's Programs (Support Dollars) 1,000 Westminster Savings Children's & Youth 69,000 Service Canada Grants Community Children's 21,500 Links Jumpstart (funding youth activities) 3,487 Canadian Tire Seed Grant (active living opportunities for 35-54 with low income) 1,500 BCRPA and BC Yukon Heart and Stroke Foundation Active Kids Club 9,000 Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living Total $267,335 /3 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Support Services At both Customer Service Centres, residents were able to complete program registrations, facility bookings, obtain admission passes and general information on programs, special events, the park system, other recreation opportunities and community groups. Our Customer Service Centres processed a combined average of 1,012 financial and membership admission transactions each day in 2008. Through the Customer Service Centres most of the Division's user fees were received and accounted for. Although these fees are often received in small amounts, the 2008 total was $3.55M. i�'ACTIVE l { � COMMUNITIES everyone. active. every day.` HEG�� FIVE L v%l iTY Al PLO http:lIwww.mapleridge.ca/EN/main/reside nts/935/trails_walkway5 paths.html %A,Ww. r e c r e g 4 u ca 0?11 4V /4 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Parks & Facilities 7'he department is responsi6Ce for managing the maintenance ofparks open space and mttnicipal owned and Ceased buiCdings in the District of .wlaple Ridge and City of Pitt .7vteadows plus two cemeteries in .wiapte Ridge. The FaciCities Department is also responsi6Ce for indoor air duality and energy conservation programs and initiatives. 2008 Highlights: The parks and boulevard inventory • Completed water level control berm includes: constructed at Whonnock Lake. 52 municipal boulevards • Completed the construction of the School (includes bulb outs & medians) Yard Youth Action Park. 68 park sites • Implemented Maple Crest Local Service Area 46 playgrounds Bylaw for enhanced maintenance adopted. 31 soccer fields • Completed the renovation/expansion of the 46 ball diamonds MRSS running track. 17 tennis courts • Replaced the aging playground equipment at 16 sport courts Linden Grove Park. 2 Synthetic fields • Completed the installation of a pedestrian bridge at Eric Langton Park. 287.95 hectares of parkland • Completed Hoffmann Park pathway and including neighbourhood and fence construction. community park component on • Completed Cemetery Master Plan. school sites. • Assisted Pitt Meadows and Davie Jones Major projects scheduled for 2009 Elementary Schools with Playground equipment selection and installation. include: - Installation of high efficiency • Completed the Pitt Meadows Community Garden including accessible plots and a boilers and a heat recovery washroom facility. system in the Maple Ridge • Installed new Maple Ridge Entry Signs Leisure Center (which will include • Completed Pitt Meadows Athletic Park field a five week shutdown period). renovations. Provide assistance to the • Completed structural and environmental organizing committee and games assessment on Hammond and Harris Park directors for the Games for the outdoor pools. Physically Disabled. • Complete the renovation of one Maple Ridge divisional sized sport field. • Construct 2 new playgrounds in Silver Valley. Parks & Open Space Reservations • Investigate alternative non 2008 2007 2006 chemical methods of controlling vegetation on paved walkways Camp Sites Occupied 1,296 1,273 1,037 and other gravel surfaces. • Complete the installation of CCTV Fairground Facilities cameras in the Maple Ridge Hours Booked 6,265 5,493 5,611 Library. - Purchase only environmentally friendly cleaning and graffiti removal products. /5 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Maple Ridge Cemeteries Parks & Facilities operates the two 250 34unicipal cemeteries by maintaining the grounds, and by 200 providing interment, associated 150 record keeping, andpu6Ctc assistance. 100 MapCe Ridge Cemetery 50 0 2008 2008 2007 2006 —A Interments f Markers Placed Whonnock Cemetery Maple Ridge Golf Course Highlights 2008: Region View Recreation Services which began operating the golf course in 2007 continued with upgrades to the course and facilities. In March 2008, the extensive renovations to the clubhouse which started in 2007 were completed. During 2008 the maintenance shop was rebuilt including a new roof, new garage doors, structural repairs and exterior painting. The Caretaker residence was renovated with structural repairs and a bathroom replacement. On the course the fairways were improved, sand traps were replaced, and perimeter brush areas were cleared. * Note: This figure is for March 2006 to February 2007. The new operator began March 2007 with increased revenue anticipated for the next reporting year. /6 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Recreation The Recreation Department offers a wide range of recreation services in both Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge, delivering recreation programs in municipal, community and school facilities. The level of recreation service offered is enhanced by partner service providers such as local agencies, non-profit groups and neighbourhood associations. The department recognizes the benefits that these agencies bring to the community and support their efforts by facilitating the development of volunteers and community groups. Programs and services are provided to the community through three streams within the Recreation Department. The Community Connections staff develops systems and programs that support the development of individual volunteers and of board of directors for groups that provide a recreation service to the community. In addition Community Connections manages and oversees achievement of criteria identified in major fee for service agreements. The Health and Wellness staff group plans and implements all recreation and wellness programming within facilities and in the community including drop-in fitness, aquatics, skating, fitness, and others. These services are offered through a variety of structures including direct delivery, and contracts with service providers such as not -for -profits and local businesses. The Support Services staff group provides front-line customer service for admissions, program registrations and facility operations. This area also develops and implements systems that support the entire department such as emergency and evacuation plan development, customer feedback systems, technology projects and the administration of leases. 2008 Facility Admissions: (Leisure Centre, Pitt Meadows, Hammond, Harris Road) ............. 416,825 Program Participants.......................................................................... 20,296 Volunteer Participants in Parks & Leisure Services ............................2,136 SpecialEvents...............................................................................................72 /7 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Recreation Highlights 2008: • Published Outdoor Accessibility Design Guidelines • Published 2nd Edition of Outdoor Recreation Guide • Published Fees and Charges Review Completed several Environmental sustainability initiatives • Supported 72 annual community events • Completed Special Event Kit Trailer in cooperation with Association for Community Living • Initiated Community Support Volunteer Program • Initiated new "Transitional Health" recreation programs • New Aqua Fit contract and programming • Established Active Living Network • Re -negotiated fee for service agreements for o Both Historical Societies, o The Arts Council and, o The Seniors Society • Initiated Bait Locker Program • Facilitated the development of a Seniors Planning Table • Obtained funding for new integrated drop-in services • Developed PM Arena operating systems and addressed major equipment challenges • Registered over 15,000 participants in 2,474 aquatic, skating, children, youth and adult programs (n.i.c. art programs) • Recorded 76,347 youth swim drop -ins and 16,500 public skating drop -ins Recreation Facility Hours Booked 2008 2007 2006 Maple Ridge Core 1 26,416 30,892 30,329 Pitt Meadows Core 1 38,716 38,413 40,489 Parks & Open Space 4,588 3,641 3,874 Sports fields 59,993 65,597 71,807 Rotary Artificial Turf Field 2,280 2,280 2,567 Westview Artificial Turf Field2 2,464 2,464 na Planet Ice Arena3 4,676 4,545 4,698 Fairground 6,265 5,731 5,611 Greg Moore Youth Centre' 23,602 23,977 2,985 Pitt Meadows Arenas4 1,030 1,000 857 • Supported 1,850 Participation Program members • 500,000 admissions to a wide variety of facilities • 1,800 Seniors Recreation members • (n.i.c. community group rentals) Consultation and Ceremonies o Significant input and consultation for Spirit of BC Community Committee o Ground Breaking Ceremony for Pitt Meadows Seniors Centre • New Facilities - In design o Pitt Meadows Seniors Recreation Centre o South Bonson Community Centre In 2009, the Department will also develop its first marketing plan, which will drive improvements in overall quality. This process will include the development of customer -driven service standards that can be used to measure and improve facility and service issues that enhance customer satisfaction and will include a review of promotional methods to increase the ability to get high quality program and service information to citizens in the most direct manner possible. Notes: 1 - Includes Facility Lease Hours 2 -New 3 - Does not include hours booked by RG Properties to others 4 - Does not include hours booked by new operator beyond hours booked by Parks & Leisure Services /8 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Leisure Centre and Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre Statistics Leisure Centre Statistics: 2008 2007 2006 Admissions * 376,460 360,328 360,664 *Does not include rehabilitation clients, Golden Ears Physiotherapy, children attending the Golden Ears Preschool or rental group attendance, i.e. Judo, Archery, etc. NA - User hours for admissions/drop-ins and programs were no longer tracked in 2007, as the number was not felt to be accurate (it was based on an average stay). Leisure Centre Rescues: r � � : �i>�►ZiZ�Z^: Rescues of children 6 years & under 13 11 21 Rescues of children 7 or 8 years old 7 10 17 Rescues people over 9 years old 9 2 6 Total 29 23 44 These statistics do not include first aid or medical emergencies. 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Outdoor Pools 2008 2007 2006 Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre: 2008 2007 2006 D Admissions 33,395 39,535* 40,286 * Note: 2007 Rehab space vacant and Boot Camp moved to a different building Notes: In 2008 both facilities had unexpected closures due to maintenance/vandalism issues. In 2007 the boiler at Hammond pool broke and the pool closed two weeks early. /9 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Community Development The investment in Community Development made by Parks & Leisure Services continued to contribute to building our community capacity. In response to needs identified by the community and in order to support the volunteers and community groups, staff hosted a number of group training workshops. Workshop topics included Leaving A Legacy, First Aid, Food Safe and De-escalation training. In addition, staff facilitated business planning workshops with several community groups. The evidence of the communities' capacity is found in the quality and quantity of leadership skills and abilities found in each community and in the valuable contributions made by our dedicated volunteers. Community Development Statistics 2008 2007 2006 % of community groups that report feeling well served * 76% N/A 80% Number of business plans developed with community groups 20 17 18 * Survey completed every two years Program Development The Recreation Department worked in partnership with a number of local groups that provide quality outdoor recreation opportunities. Through those partnerships, a range of opportunities was available for citizens to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor venues within Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and beyond. Highlights: Supported initiatives for families recreating together. Continued & emerging demands for unique fitness classes, i. e., Baby & Me Bootcamp, Latin Craze Workout. - Reviewed Gymnasium use and supervision. Group Fitness & Weight Room Contracts reviewed and negotiated. Weight Room Satisfaction Survey Streamlined coordination of Children's programs/services. - Increased the number of program site visits. Program Statistics: 2008 2007 2006 No. of Programs 2,655 2,479 2,035 No. of Participants 15,651 16,925 15,472 Note 1: 42 % of programs offered through partnerships. Note 2: 16.25 % of total program participants are from Pitt Meadows, 80.5% from Maple Ridge and 3.25% from outside Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge. /10 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Volunteers AlapCe Ridge and Pitt-%Ieadows Parks andleisure Services vaCues the essential contributions of our volunteers in a number ofprograms; such as, Aquatics, Emergency SociaCServices, .fictive living, Parks, SpeciaCEvents and SpeciaCServices areas. Volunteer Services supports anddeveCo_ps Parks andleisure volunteerprograms, incCuding; recruitment, training, leadership development, volunteer management and retention. Totunteer recognition events, education resources, information sessions, promotion and awareness and networking with community volunteer service providers. A new annual plan for Volunteer Recognition was developed in collaboration with City of Pitt Meadows' staff and other staff that work with volunteers to deliver and support programs and services. Appreciation efforts are now scheduled through -out the year instead of held only during National Volunteer Week. We supported the hiring of a new Volunteer Coordinator to be supervised by Community Services. The focus of their work will be fund development and securing a location for the Community Volunteer Office. 2008 Highlights: • Volunteer Maple Ridge -Pitt Meadows established. Supported Business Planning and hiring of new Coordinator. • 2,487 recreation program volunteers gave 24,867 hours. • Annual Volunteer Appreciation Week was a success. • Based on the volunteer appreciation survey 37% of volunteers participated in appreciation efforts (e.g. used their movie ticket, attended a free workshop). This number is up from 15% in 2007. • New volunteer software purchased. • Promoted 2010 volunteer opportunities. • Created volunteer online registration package for several events and volunteer programs. ,11 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Maple Ridge Historic Sites Maple Ridge Museum The Maple Ridge Museum is open to the public 6 hours a week during the winter and 15 hours a week during the summer. The role of the community archives in information acquisition, organization and access is steadily increasing and the community history assets are accessible six days a week by appointment. School tours continue to be challenged by changes in the schools and in rules for parent drivers, including the need for booster seats for younger children, but the relationship with the schools is expanding nonetheless as we pursue archival collections for every school in the district. Provided historic images for decor in commercial and institutional settings. Continued work on the Reminisce Kits project with the Maple Ridge Library. With funding from the Museums Assistance Program, we hosted an archives "boot camp" - two days of free workshops for representatives of 18 community organizations on how to care for their archival records. A cache of Japanese household dishes, dug up by a farmer in Whonnock, were returned to the family who buried them as they were about to be interned for WWII. The family donated several pieces from the collection to the museum so that we can use them to illustrate this powerful story. Volunteers contributed 1,300 hours on events, programs, open hours, collection management, and board participation. One community volunteer spent more than 150 hours digitizing VHS tapes from Rogers Cablevision in the 1980's, which gives us a digital record of important community events of those days. Received over 300 requests to research local history, family history, and other topics. Hosted 40 tours, completed 14 off-site presentations and 14 displays, and participated in 13 community events. In keeping with Heritage Canada's theme of "Heritage of Trade", Heritage Week focused on our history as shoppers and how commercial enterprises have been a part of our history since the earliest days. The museum installed all four cases at the Maple Ridge Library showcasing the evolution of retail stores and their merchandise through the decades. These displays were then converted to display panels and included at the Heritage Tea in April. The museum makes these panels available to rent by schools and community groups. The Museum & Community Archives established its presence on the Web through a pair of blog sites but it is hoped that graduation to a fully functioning web site which can showcase our historical assets for the world is not far off. Haney House Haney House is open to the public 6 hours a week during the winter and 15 hours a week during the summer. Activities at the house include guided tours, Sunday Teas in summer, Canada Day event, tulips for schools project, and restoration work in local cemeteries. As the operation builds towards an expanded museum facility, the management of Haney House in increasingly intertwined with that of the Maple Ridge Museum resulting in more efficient staff deployment. Weddings are very popular in the heritage gardens and photography is frequently done on the porch of this elegant period home. Some access to the house is possible for wedding parties by prior arrangement with the curator. /12 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Haney House staff does an annual program to "re -cycle" the municipal tulip bulbs by cleaning and packaging them over the summer for distribution for school beautification each September. The teas on the veranda during the summer have become so popular that we have extended them to both days on the weekend. Haney House has received some much- needed structural attention and repairs over 2008. It's not easy being 130 years old. Summer workshops in care and cleaning techniques for headstones were well attended in the Maple Ridge Cemetery. Conducted by Haney House summer staff, these workshops train volunteers in low - impact cleaning techniques that they can use whenever and wherever they are visiting family memorials. Note: Several thousand residents participate in events which enjoy heritage outreach provided by Historic Society staff and volunteers. Participants at the archives boot camp Museum summer students at Webster's Corners Day Summer student demonstrating headstone cCeaning /13 2008 2007 2006 Haney House Visitors 989 893 760 Volunteer Hours 144 115` 339 Maple Ridge Museum: Visitors 1,735 1,476 1,449 Volunteer Hours 1,277 1,459 760 * Board and committee volunteers included with the museum Note: Several thousand residents participate in events which enjoy heritage outreach provided by Historic Society staff and volunteers. Participants at the archives boot camp Museum summer students at Webster's Corners Day Summer student demonstrating headstone cCeaning /13 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Pitt Meadows Museum and Archives Programs and Events Every year the Museum provides guided school and group tours of both sites but with a concentration on the General Store site including out Pioneer Gadgets program and our Heritage Sites program. Our 13 season of Heritage Thursdays for Children was a continued success this summer. The theme this year was British Columbia's 150th birthday and included sessions on Gold Panning and Early Transportation. Emily Gauvin, our senior HRSDC student ran Heritage Thursdays in 2008. She was assisted by the junior student, Meaghan Archer and by volunteers Hanna Norman and Jennifer Lunoch. Ice Cream Saturdays were continued in 2008. These Saturday afternoon sessions were begun in 2007 when our summer students were trying to engage youth in the community by introducing them to the "fun" side of the Museum. As our old ice cream maker finally died, we did purchase a new one in 2008. This machine can be hand cranked or plugged in and run electrically in to give the "cranker " a bit of a rest. On Pitt Meadows Day the Museum opened the doors wide at both sites. As is usual, more than 250 people passed through each building. Once again, the Fort Langley Antique Engine Club donated their time and expertise to run their engines and to help answer staff and the public's questions. As well, two new exhibits were opened First, "Bridging the Gap" -an exhibit on the history of bridges over the Pitt River, and, second, "Crazy 8's" - an exhibit that celebrated B.C.'s 150th and significant dates/events ending in "8" in the province and community. Pitt Meadows Museum: 2008 2007 2006 *Visitors 3,340 2,335 2,455 Volunteer Hours 1,313 712 565 Research Requests 32 28 24 (*Includes Hoffmann Garage & Outreach In May the Museum Society hosted its annual Heritage Tea with approximately 90 residents and former residents attending. This event has slowly taken on a fund raising aspect with any donations made going to the Museum Society's annual grade 11 book award. In late September the Museum Society presented its fourth annual book award at the awards ceremony at Pitt Meadows Secondary School. The award is given to a student who had shown outstanding academic achievement in Social Studies at the grade 11 level. The 2008 recipient of the award (a $100.00 gift certificate to Chapters) was Emily Whalen. The Museum and Museum Society also involves itself in a variety of community events throughout the year. We take or supply exhibits and/or programs at these events. In 2008 we participated in the PMSS Interview Fair in February; the Ridge Meadows Hospital Anniversary Tea and the Spirit of 150 event in June; the Maple Ridge Heritage Day event in August; our book award at the PMSS in September; and an exhibit at the Pitt Meadows Remembrance Day event in November. The Young Curator's Club began in 2008 as a way of controlling the activities of youth who were beginning to "hangout" at the Museum. The Club has changed somewhat over the months and now runs as a Sunday afternoon program with sessions aimed at giving the children and youth who attend an introduction to a variety of activities - such as baking, calligraphy and tailoring. Each month has a theme. The program also allows older youth to mentor younger children and gives grade 10 students an opportunity to volunteer for their CAPP hours. Thank you Jennifer and Annette for your energy on Sundays. Exh i bits Temporary: Bridging the Gap and Crazy 8's Permanent: The Faces Behind the Streets, Computer kiosk in main exhibit area On Line: Community memories "Buildings Through Time". /14 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Off Site: Remembrance Day at Family Recreation Centre, Early Pitt Meadows Photos at the Spirit of 150, Medical and Hospital exhibit at the Ridge Meadows Hospital Tea, Display panels at MR Heritage Day. Collections and Researchers During the summer of 2008 the students began the task of doing an inventory of shelving in our reserve storage area. This was in preparation for the boxing of items to be placed in deep storage in the basement of the Hoffmann House. These are items that may one day be considered for deaccessioning and removal from the Museum's collection. Hana Prochazkova, a library tech practicum student, spent three month redoing our small library by properly cataloguing and shelving items. She still volunteers very part time to keep it up to date. Elizabeth Brooke has been working on the archives research files, properly cataloguing and storing them. Juan Montenegro worked on the restoration of the potato planter that is now in the enclosure on the south west side of the General Store building. Meadows Landscape generously helped us with landscaping materials for the area. More of the farm machinery will be attended to in 2009. We continue to photograph all new donations to the Museum and we have also begun digitizing the documents in the archives collection. If our summer student funding is approved we will be able to make more progress in this area. The School History Project was also continued in 2008. The general media coverage of this project convinced some of the former Meadowland PAC members to bring many of the materials rescued from the school to the Museum. From this we have a wonderful collection of school images that date back to the early years of the school (1960's). Staffing During the month of January the Society worked with our Parks and Leisure Services Representative, Shelley Jorde, on an incremental fee increase. With the support of our City Reps, Councilor's Janice Elkerton and Debra Eisel, the increase was approved and the came into effect a month later. With the increase the Museum Society has been able to give both our Curator and Assistant an increase in their hours of work and level of pay and was also able to retain a third summer student who worked on the development of our "Welcome to My Store" booklet. This summer student, Samantha Erasmus remained at the Museum on YCW funding through February 2009 working on Sundays assisting Jennifer with programming and exhibits. Joanna Karczmarek finished her Community Memories contract in the spring of 2008. Just prior to the completion of the contract she took on the Curatorship at the Mission Museum. Congratulations Joanna. Looking Forward • The Museum's new colour brochure is at the printer and will be with us prior to the summer season. • The Heritage Building signs for the Museum and Hoffmann site will be finished and mounted before Pitt Meadows Day. • The "Welcome to My Store" booklet is finished and available for sale in our gift shop this season. • Opening on Pitt Meadows Day: "Textiles by Design" exhibit. • A successful season of Heritage Thursdays • The move of boxed items and older administrative files to the Hoffmann house basement • Working with the Pitt Meadows Garden Club on the redevelopment of the gardens on the south side of the Museum • The cleaning and painting of more exterior farm machinery with the intention of moving several of the items to redeveloped space on the north side of the building. /15 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Maple Ridge -Pitt Meadows Arts Council The Mission of the MRPM Arts Council states: In partnership with the community, the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council works to develop, promote and celebrate the Arts. A community arts service organization promoting and supporting arts and culture in the communities of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge since 1971, the MRPMAC manages the Arts Centre and Theatre (ACT) and the Maple Ridge Art Gallery. Funding is provided for the operation of the Arts Centre and Arts Programs administration by a fee for service from the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Parks and Recreation Commission. THE ACT - Arts Centre and Theatre: 2008 community usage of THE ACT was high with approximately 200 rentals of the facility, including 40 community performance groups undertaking a variety of productions and presentations attracting 27,233 patrons. The Arts Council presented 33 professional performances attracting 11,389 patrons, including 3 productions for school audiences, the Arts Club on Tour series, and Ha Ha's Comedy Club to mention a few. Arts Centre & Theatre Statistics: 2008 2007 Live Performances 153 167 Total Theatre Attendance 38,622 44,179 Arts Programs Participation 4,639 4,373 (Registered Drop-in Programs) Maple Ridge Art Gallery_ Exhibits/Events 27 12 Visitors 7,638 7,660 Gallery Gift Shop 4,393 4,478 Volunteer Hours 4,773 4,135 MRPM Arts Council Members 133 132 Arts Council Grants & Scholarships: Member Group Grants 10 Community Initiative Grants 1 High School Scholarships Awarded 4 MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS FMAA NA V COUNCIL A highlight of the year was the Arts Council's 5th Anniversary Fundraising Gala hosted by Brent Butt. The Canadian comic icon, star and creator of the hit TV series Corner Gas hosted a variety evening featuring the winners of a community wide talent search. The Theatre Angels program, supported through donations by local individuals and businesses, provided tickets to eight local social service agencies in 2008, who in turn distributed them to individuals or families who might otherwise not be able to attend a live performance event. Arts Programs at The ACT and the Pitt Meadows Recreation Centre presented a broad range of diverse programs for all ages and totaled 4639 registrations. Education Arts Program registration more than doubled, booking 65 classes in 2008 over 26 classes in 2007. This unique program provides an invaluable resource for teachers of School District #42 by offering an opportunity to bring artists to work directly with students in their schools. Community Art Projects: In celebration of the spirit of the 2010 Olympics, School District #42 students designed and hand -painted 90 winter sports themed banners which were exhibited in the MRAG during Arts and Culture Week from April 29 - 26, 2008, and are currently on display throughout Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. With guidance from artist Lisa Lake, 18 schools with an estimated 716 students participated in this project.. The Arts Council supervises the Artist in Residence program in partnership with the Commission. 2008 was the second year of /16 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 a three year residency for Nigel Harvey whose vision is: To help create a model of collaborative art that engages, challenges and mobilizes the citizens of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. To help raise awareness of social issues through education, community networking and multi -disciplinary performance. To explore in a theatrical way events and people who have shaped this community and celebrate its future within a context of a shared vision. In 2008 he produced Rivermania in partnership with local historian/writer Sheila Nichols and in conjunction with community submissions addressing "who we are, have been and wish to be". This participation and the final performance in September reflected our cultural diversity, rich history and personal interaction with this place we call home. The primary mandate of the Maple Ridge Art Gallery is to provide a professional venue for local and regional practicing artists to exhibit their work; to promote the thriving art culture in Maple Ridge; and for visitors and residents in the immediate and surrounding areas to experience the visual arts through the presentation of ongoing exhibitions, educational tours, workshops and artists lectures. Partial funding for the Maple Ridge Art Gallery is provided by a fee for service grant from the Municipality of Maple Ridge. In 2008 nine exhibits were mounted in the Gallery, six additional exhibits were displayed in THE ACT lobby and passagio, plus 12 reception events and five workshops and tours were undertaken. Gallery exhibitions include one community group and one School District #42 students exhibit annually. The Gallery Gift Shop promotes the work of local and regional artisans through the sale of hand made items such as paintings, pottery, glasswork, woodwork, jewelry, hand- made cards and textiles items. Total attendance in 2008 for MRPM Arts Council programs, ACT presentations and rentals, art gallery and shop visitors was 52,749 in 2008. /17 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Special Events 2008 Highlights: • In the months leading up to special events, staff worked with a Festivals Network of event organizers. Recreation department event liaisons facilitate board & volunteer program development, business planning, facility & park bookings, and the sharing of ideas and event planning resources between Festival Network members. The members participate in workshops and forums and develop leadership skills and tools to support the growth of community events in the two communities. • Grant funding supported 23 special events. • Added a Program Assistant - Events position to the Festival and Volunteer Office. A number of events moved to a two-day model including Caribbean Festival, the Country Fest and Pitt Meadows Airport Days. New events: Rivermania, Silver Valley Spring Festival and Breastfest. 2008 Special Events: • Adstock • Country Fest • Airport Hangar Dance • Pitt Meadows Airport Days • Arbor Day • Breastfest • Earth Day • Easter Egg Hunt Family Events • Art Goes BOOM • Bard on the Bandstand • B.C. River's Day • Bees and Blueberries Festival • Canada Day (MR & PM) • Caribbean Festival • Chinese New Year • Christmas Haven • CPR Holiday Train • Doggie Dash Ghost Ridge • Haney Farmer's Market • Harris Roubaix Bike Race Festival Statistics: 2008 2007 Community Festivals/Events 72 64 Participants at Festivals 132,339 112,819 1 • Ridge Meadows Heritage Day • Heritage Week • Home Show • Hospital Foundation Fund Run • International Women's Day • Jazz and Blues Festival • Lantern Parade & Celebration • Museum Heritage Day • Music on the Wharf series • Pathfinder Kid's Carnival • Pitt Meadows City Celebration • Pitt Meadows Day • Pitt Meadows Lions - Easter Egg Hunt • Pitt Meadows Youth Fest • Race the Ridge Bike Festival • Remembrance Day (MR & PM) • Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion • Ridge Meadows BMX Races • Ridge Meadows Wellness Expo • River Mania • Rotary Wine Festival • Christmas Festival & Santa Claus Parade (MR) • Silver Valley Spring Festival • Spirit of Wood Festival • Terry Fox Run • Twilight Tuesdays • Unity in Diversity • Volunteer Appreciation Week • Webster's Corners Day • Whonnock Lake Day • Winter Wonderland & Santa Breakfast (PM) /18 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Special Services Participation Program • Completed the seventh year. • Supported 1,848 individuals accessing services at the reduced rate Low cost/no cost opportunities continue to be a wonderful opportunity for families and individuals to participate in Parks and Leisure Services Loonie/Toonie drop in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows • Walking Groups • Community Special Events • Accessing grant funding though Canadian Tire Jumpstart, School District No. 42, and received a cash donation from the Westminster Savings Credit Union, assisting of children and youth in Parks and Leisure Services and Programs. Community Support Volunteer Program • Successfully supported 12 individual in their recreational pursuits through the support of a volunteer. Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility Issues (MACAI) • Hosted the 5th annual awards recognizing businesses and community organizations who make considerable efforts to assist persons with disabilities. • The Maple Ridge Leisure Centre was one of the organizations recognized. • Supported the District of Maple Ridge and the City of Pitt Meadows on matters pertaining to accessibility • Spirit Square Project ■ Curb Cuts ■ Transit bus loop • Received in partnership with Ridge Meadows Community Living Association and the District of Maple Ridge Measuring Up 2010 Legacies Now funding. Integrated Day Camps • Received $39,209 from Community Living British Columbia to support children and youth with disabilities in summer day camp programs. • Supported 28 children and youth throughout the summer in a variety of programs which equated to 2180.5 hours of actual support. • Fraternal Order of Eagles - Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion Event - supported this successful event which raised over $8,000. Fraser Health Authority- Mental Health Services • Secured approximately $32, 000 from the Fraser Health Authority for a staff position. • Provided weekly Leisure Education programming - Maple Ridge Mental Health Centre. Continued "Volunteer Leisure Support" program. • Weekly walking program. /19 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Integrated Summer Day Camps Special Services Statistics 2008 2007 2006 Participation Program Members 1,848 1,856 1,876 Leisure Education Sessions 60 50 50 Survey Comments: Integrated Davcamp Program "Thanks so much for running a great program!" "...this was his first successful recreation program. Hopefully there will be more." "Thank -you for providing support and opportunity for my children who might otherwise not be able to have the experiences that encourage and enrich their lives. Because of the Integrated Programs they can be part of the things that other children do rather than left out and /or left behind. This is a critical service on many levels, an important outreach." "7t has been a great help to have someone with my son—it has given me peace of mind." **Many parents have already asked if they can be slotted in for certain program next summer. This has proven to be a very successful summer for our participants and we can only expect it to grow in the coming years. These summer opportunities may not be possible without the great support from the Ministry and the continued partnership will allow more children and youth to have new, exciting, and enjoyable summer experiences. Walking program: "Walking helps reduce my anxiety and balance my mood, as well as general healthy benefits." /20 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Seniors The Ridge ALeadows Seniors Society MRMSS) operates under a formaCLease and fee for Service .agreement lvith the MapCe Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission, to provide re creationaC services to the seniors of both MapCe Ridge and Pitt .Meadows. 2008 Highlights: New programs, services and initiatives continued to be successful through the dedication and commitment of volunteers and included: - The Health and Wellness program celebrated its sixth anniversary and partnered with the Fraser Health Authority to offer a Fall Prevention program at the Seniors Activity Centre. - Development and introduction of an Elder Abuse and Neglect program and the Caregivers program. - Supported the development and sustainability of the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Katzie Seniors Planning Table. - Increased fundraising efforts made by the membership, by committees and by the Board of Directors through secured grant funding. - Improved financial reporting systems. Activities and events that were very popular included: - drop-in Health and Wellness - fitness classes - computer classes - dance classes - table tennis - the daily hot lunch program - billiards - carpet bowling - cards - crafts - bus trips - Sr. Connect, Karaoke, Pub Night, E.C.R.C. - Parkinson's Support Group, Cameo Group, Caregivers Support Group and the Stroke and Ridge Meadows Seniors Society Membership 2008 - 1.747 2007- 1,800 2006- 1,658 2005-1,462 /21 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Seniors cont'd Recovery program - The Writer's Circle - Woodwork shop located at the Maple Ridge facility - The Robinaire's - Choir - Snooker, card games and carpet bowling tournaments - The following annual special events were extremely successful: Heritage Day, festivities of Seniors Week, Variety Plus Performances and Volunteer Appreciation Day. The RMSS Board of Directors and staff recognized contributions made by 250 plus RMSS volunteers. The Pitt Meadows Advisory Committee had an incredible year of accomplishments. This group forged ahead under the premise that if seniors were involved and connected in the community, they would be healthier. The Committee continued to focus on building the quality programming already offered and expanded to meet the growing interest in seniors' recreational services. As well, the Pitt Seniors Advisory Committee worked tirelessly with Parks & Leisure Services Staff to develop facility design plans for the proposed Seniors Recreation Centre. The group enjoyed a very special bond and partnership with local youth. As a result these groups experienced many formal and informal opportunities to connect the two opposite generations, the annual Youth and Seniors Picnic held during Youth Week, clearly demonstrated the strong relationships that they have developed. The opportunities provided through RMSS continues to have a significant impact on the health, well-being and quality of life of seniors in the community, and RMSS is looking forward to continuing its growth and development. /22 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Community Services The Community Services Department is comprised of two functions within Parks and Leisure Services: Youth Services and Neighbourhood Development. The Youth Services section continued to provide quality recreational program services for preschoolers and children (0 to 12 years) and youth (13 to 18 years) in the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows area. In addition Youth Services was responsible for the operation of the Greg Moore Youth Centre, the Pitt Meadows Youth Centre, and the Youth Action Park at Thomas Haney. Children and Youth Services continued to utilize a benefit -based approach to programming with a concentrated focus on active living and leadership development. The current programming supports children and youth to contribute to their own health and well being. The research continues to stress the importance of communities providing quality recreation opportunities for children and youth with strong evidence that supporting the healthy development of children and youth helps build healthy families and create communities that are engaged, connected and resilient. The recognition of the importance of role of Neighbourhoods in contributing to the development of healthy children, families, and ultimately communities is growing. In 2002 the Building Community Solutions Committee conducted a community -wide consultation process and the voice of the community was clear, a focus on neighbourhoods was of paramount importance. Two pilot neighbourhoods were supported in their development and the local interest in neighbourhoods continued to grow. In the fall of 2008, the addition of a Neighbourhood Development Coordinator enabled Community Services to support the growing community initiatives that relate to building healthy sustainable neighbourhoods in our communities. /23 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 CHILDREN'S SERVICES Children's Services (0-12 years) experienced high attendance rates in pre-school and children's recreation programs and youth leadership programs. Summer day camp and playground recreation programming operated close to capacity at all times. Responding to changing trends in recreation, two new partner programs were introduced including Rider's Wakeboarding and Sportsball. The number of birthday party requests increased with a continued emphasis on the environment, affordability and fun. Pre-school and parent and tot recreation opportunities continued to be extremely popular. The introduction of a pre-school summer day camp was welcomed by young families. A growing number of infants and parents participated in the Baby Sign Language program. Children's Services also offered a number of "One Day Wonder" programs to introduce pre-schoolers to recreation. "Princess for a Day" and "Little Super Heroes" provided something for everyone. The continued partnership with School District 42 has allowed for the continued expansion of Active Kids Club. This popular after school care program is now available in six locations including: Yennadon, Eric Langton, Davie Jones, Hammond, Maple Ridge and Highland Park Elementary Schools providing an affordable option for families. The Pitt Meadows Drop -In After School recreation program remained a popular choice for children 7 to 12 years of age. Skateboarding skill development programs were popular for both beginners and more advanced skaters alike. During the summer months, 'Mini -Air' was offered at the Thomas Haney Youth Action Park. In 2008, Children's Services focused on experiential education with a UBCM health promotion grant, "Beyonc the Walls". Recognizing the powerful learning opportunities provided by authentic outdoor experiences, several new outdoor recreation programs were offered. Children's Services staff and volunteers also participated in a wide number of community events throughout the year. The Annual Pitt Meadows Lions Easter Egg Hunt was well attended despite the April showers. Canada Day was a huge success with youth, children and their families participating in the creation of a giant chalk mural reflecting the diversity of our communities. Children's Services staff and volunteers provided an earth friendly activity for Earth Day, the Haney Farmers Market Children's Festival, the Caribbean Festival, the Maple Ridge Agricultural Fair, Bees and Blueberries, Pitt Meadows Airport Days, Webster's Corners Day, and the Spirit of Wood Festival. Children and youth services continued to recognize the emerging capacity of children to make choices that promote their own health and well being through youth initiated recreation programs. Children and youth continued to participate at a high rate in benefits -based drop-in and registered programs. Ongoing partnerships with community agencies enabled Children's and Youth Services to provide a wide variety of quality, affordable recreation opportunities for youth and children in our community. /24 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 Youth Services Statistics Registered Youth and Children's 2008 2007 2006 Services Programs No. Participants 4,645 3,800 2,780 No. Programs 478 368 374 Youth Outreach Initiative: 2008 2007 2006 Youth Lounge Drop in Hours 2,228 2,265 2,219 Youth Lounqe User Hours 77,434 76,347 77,042 Youth Volunteer Participation 2008 2007 2006 No. Volunteers 207 429 468 No. Hours Volunteered 7,011 8,036 2,028 (inc. Youth Futures total of 6,125 hours * Note: The Youth Futures Volunteer Hours were not tracked in 2006 YOUTH SERVICES 2008 was a very exciting and ground- breaking year for Youth Services. The opening of the School Yard Youth Action Park at Thomas Haney was a first for Maple Ridge in terms of the opening of the first outdoor youth action park, as well as being the first facility of this type to be built in conjunction with a high school site. It was clear soon after the facility opened that the enormous amount of research together with the extensive community input processes. had resulted in a very successful facility. The goal was to inspire youth to become active and soon after the facility opened it was evident with the high attendance numbers that this had occurred. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the range of age groups that the facility continues to attract, from preschoolers, children, youth, young adults, and young -at -heart adults! Although the facility was carefully planned to accommodate all skill levels, the range of interest and diversity of age groups has also been accommodated. In the planning stages for the Youth Action Park a Youth Park Leadership Committee was formed to oversee the both the development and ongoing operation of the park. Representation on the committee includes Thomas Haney Principal and staff, THSS Parents Advisory Council, RCMP, and Action Park enthusiasts. This advisory committee has been vital to the positive introduction of the park to the community. The commitment of the school to embrace the park has been tremendous with the school offering the first-ever skateboarding class as a physical education option. In June of 2008, Youth Services introduced the Youth Action Park Mentorship program providing a leadership program for youth aged 15 to 18 years to become mentors at the Action Park. Utilizing this program, combined with Youth Services staff there was a concentrated effort to set a positive /25 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 tone at the Action Park. Parents that spend their time supervising their children at the Park comment on how refreshing the camaraderie of the park users is. The older skaters and BMX riders mentor the younger participants. There is a clear code of conduct that is followed and all park users receive respectful support from the others. The Park has fit nicely into the neighbourhood. A healthy and safe environment is ensured by natural surveillance that occurs through the proximity to pedestrian and vehicle traffic as well as other users of the adjacent sports facilities and nearby school. In 2008 Youth Services continued to focus on youth -initiated recreation with special focuses on active programming, on inspiring learning and understanding of environmentally sustainable practices, and on healthy nutrition. Some highlights include multi -sports nights, weekly hikes and camping trips, the introduction of worm composters to the Youth Centres, reusable supplies for programs, and a healthy choice menu at the Youth operated concessions. Youth Councils in both communities continued to grow in numbers and diversity providing meaningful leadership opportunities for all participants through contributing to both planning and implementing a number of initiatives including the operation of the concession in the Greg Moore Youth Centre. Youth Services continued to support youth in participating in leadership roles in a growing number of special events. Some highlights include: Pitt Meadows Easter Egg Hunt, Youth Week, Pitt Meadows Youth Fest, Canada Day celebrations in both communities, and new in the fall of 2008 Breast Fest (funding raising for the fight against breast cancer). The Youth Summer Park program with Youth Workers in Maple Ridge Memorial Park experienced another successful year engaging youth in the park in positive activities. Youth Services community partnerships continued to grow and expand in 2008 with some of the most notable being the addition of the School District 42's Store Front School in the Greg Moore Youth Centre. Greg Moore Youth Centre was pleased to once again host the District Students Advisory Council's conference day. A longterm partnership with the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Youth Centre Society continued with the Society fund raising to provide a water fountain at the new Youth Action Park. /26 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT There is a growing recognition of the importance of the role of neighbourhoods in both individual and community health and wellness. The current research demonstrates that neighbourhoods are where people spend most of their time and make their biggest investment and therefore a strong sense of belonging and well-being begin in one's neighbourhood. 2008 was a wonderful year for our three service goal areas in neighbourhood development: enhancing quality of life by supporting the development of neighbourhoods, supporting meaningful input by neighbourhoods to community planning, and building capacity leading to the development of a network that will create a longterm community garden plan. Four neighbourhood associations were supported in planning and implementation of their local neighbourhood special events. The Building Community Solutions `Seed Grant' program that promotes neighbourhood development through the provision of one hundred dollar grants for neighbourhood initiatives continued to grow in popularity. Twenty five neighbourhood celebrations took place through the SEED grant initiative. A new Building Community Solutions (BCS) coordinator was hired to support the two pilot Neighbourhood Associations, to oversee and support the SEED grant process, to produce a map of "SEED Grant" recipient neighbourhoods, and to provide support at steering committee meetings. The Haney Farmer's Market continued in its fifth year by providing colourful and engaging markets in Memorial Peace Park on Saturdays from May to October. The market experienced significant growth in 2008 with attendance growing to an average of 1,000 shoppers per week. That the market is becoming an integral part of Maple Ridge's downtown vitality was evidenced by the number of local partnerships with local businesses, associations, and special event groups that were initiated in 2008. Support was provided to the Community Connections HUB Coordinator to design and implement neighbourhood input to the program and facility design of the Eric Langton Hub. Neighbours, teachers, service providers, children, youth, seniors and other community stakeholders are providing input into the design and potential uses of the Neighbourhood Centre. A volunteer steering committee from the Neighbourhood has worked with the coordinator to design a number of very successful neighbourhood celebration events. Many Pitt Meadows residents took advantage of the opportunities to provide input into the consultation process to comment on the potential uses and facility design of the proposed South Bonson Community Centre. Consultation processes included stakeholder interviews, an on-line survey and at a public Open House. Construction of the new Centre /27 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 will begin in September 2010. Other work in this area included combining efforts and resources with the Municipal Operations department, Community Policing, and Block Watch, to find solutions to support some of the challenges in one Maple Ridge neighbourhood. The Neighbourhood Development Coordinator also worked with community partners to host a community conversation workshop regarding food security. The workshop was well attended and the growing interest in working together to address local food security issues in our communities was evident. The excitement and interest in the Neighbourhood School Garden program which was launched in 2007 continued to grow. The Glenwood Neighbourhood School garden completed its second growing season and plans for a second garden at Blue Mountain Elementary School were developed. Both Schools received funding from School Community Connections and Toyota Evergreen Foundation as well as in-kind donations from community groups. The broad based Community Steering Committee continues to meet to share ideas, resources and plan for supporting the expansion of gardens to additional schools and neighbourhoods. A community meeting hosted in the summer of 2008 identified the need to create a vision and longterm community wide garden plan. Common needs such as promotion, recruitment, funding and tools and equipment were identified. In the fall of 2008 the Parks and Recreation Master Plan consultation process recognized the growing interest in garden as a recreational activity by including a focus group on community gardens. /28 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 A Random Sample Customer Satisfaction Survey of 400 Maple Ridge citizens and 400 Pitt Meadows citizens was completed between November 21 and December 6, 2008. Survey results provide further background information on the degree to which the Division is addressing Community needs. The following results provide indicators in keeping with the performance measures noted in the Division's business plan and highlight relatively strong and increasing levels of satisfaction and use of public facilities. 1) Percent of citizens that rate the RANGE of parks and recreation activities offered as excellent or good: Maple Pitt Year Both Ridge Meadows 2008 84% 84% 84% 2005 86% 87% 80%- 2002 81% 81% 79% 2) Percent of citizens that rate the QUALITY of parks and recreation activities offered as excellent or good: Maple Pitt Year Both Ride Meadows 2008 80% 79% 80% 2005 82% 83% 79% 2002 75% 75% 73% 3) Percent of citizens that rate the APPEARANCE of parks and recreation facilities as excellent or good: Maple Pitt Year Both Ridge Meadows 2008 80% 80% 79% 2005 85% 85% 85% 2002 83% 83% 81% 4) Percent of citizens that rate parks and recreation facilities as excellent or good in terms of being EASY TO GET TO: Maple Pitt Year. Both Ridge Meadows 2008 81% 80% 84% 2005 87% 87% 85% 2002 82% 81% 870% /29 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 5) Percent of citizens that rate parks and recreation facilities as excellent or good in terms of SAFETY: Percent of citizens that rate parks and recreation facilities as excellent or good in 6) terms of MAINTENANCE: Maple Pitt Year Both Ride Meadows 2008 74% 76% 73% 6) Percent of citizens who rate OVERALL SATISFACTION with parks and recreation programs & facilities as excellent or good: Maple Pitt Year Both Ridge Meadows 2008 74% 74% 75% 2005 81% 82% 76% 2002 73% 74% 70% Percent of citizens that rate parks and recreation facilities as excellent or good in 6) terms of MAINTENANCE: Maple Pitt Year Both Ride Meadows 2008 74% 76% 73% 6) Percent of citizens who rate OVERALL SATISFACTION with parks and recreation programs & facilities as excellent or good: 7) Percent of citizens who have VOLUNTEERED within the community during the past 12 months: Maple Pitt Year Both Ridge Meadows 2008 80% 81% 79% 2005 86% 87% 80% 2002 80% 80% 80% 7) Percent of citizens who have VOLUNTEERED within the community during the past 12 months: 8) The HOURS of volunteer work citizens contributed within the past 12 months: Maple Pitt Year Both Ridge Meadows 2008 33% 34% 33% 2005 32% 33% 29% 2002 30% 31% 26% 8) The HOURS of volunteer work citizens contributed within the past 12 months: "Heavy" Year Both Maple Pitt /30 . Maple Pitt "Light" Year Both Ride Meadows 1 to 24 hours 2008 41% 43% 37% 2005 39% 38% 40% 2002 37% 37% 39% "Heavy" Year Both Maple Pitt /30 Maple Pitt "Moderate" Year Both Ride Meadows 25 to 99 hours 2008 27% 28% 25% 2005 25% 25% 29% 2002 37% 37% 33% 12% -12% -4% "Heavy" Year Both Maple Pitt /30 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 The number of times that adults engage in vigorous PHYSICAL ACTIVITY for 30 9) minutes or more in typical week: Ridge Meadows 100 hours or more 2008 31% 38% 41% 2005 25% 37% 29% 2002 25% 25% 28% The number of times that adults engage in vigorous PHYSICAL ACTIVITY for 30 9) minutes or more in typical week: 10) Of the 40% of households with school -aged children, the number of times those children engage in vigorous PHYSICAL ACTIVITY for 30 minutes or more in a typical week: 29% Maple Maple Pitt Both Year Both Ridge_ Meadows One 2008 6% 6% 6% Two 2008 14% 14% 14% Three 2008 29% 30% 29% Four 2008 15% 14% 17% Five to Seven 2008 30% 30% 31% Eight or More 2008 5% 5% 3% 10) Of the 40% of households with school -aged children, the number of times those children engage in vigorous PHYSICAL ACTIVITY for 30 minutes or more in a typical week: 11) Percent of citizens that have used a park, recreation facility or recreation program during the past 12 months: 29% Maple Maple Pitt Both Year Both Ridge Meadows Zero 2008 5% 16% 3% One 2008 6% 6% 3% Two 2008 13% 13% 11% Three 2008 14% 14% 17% Four 2008 16% 16% 14% Five to Seven 2008 41% 40% 44% Eight or More 2008 3% 4% 3% 11) Percent of citizens that have used a park, recreation facility or recreation program during the past 12 months: 12) Reasons for non-use reported by the remaining 24% of respondents: Too busy / lack of time. 29% Maple Pitt Year Both Ridge Meadows 2008 85% 85% 85% 2005 76% 77% 73% 2002 79% 80% 79% 12) Reasons for non-use reported by the remaining 24% of respondents: Too busy / lack of time. 29% Health concerns / disabled. 13% Too old / I am a senior. 11% Spend leisure time on other activities. 9% No children at home / live alone. 7% /31 Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report - 2008 13) Household members use of Parks and Leisure Services facilities: /32 Maple Pitt Year Both Ridge Meadows Maple Ridge Leisure Centre 2008 67% 69% 57% 2005 63% 67% 45% 2002 59% 62% 48% Parks 2008 81% 64% 55% Trails and Dyke Trails 2008 76% 77% 75% Maple Ridge Public Library 2008 64% 71% 34% 2005 52% 57% 30% 2002 57% 64% 28% Planet Ice 2008 46% 49% 33% 2005 46% 51% 28% Sport Fields 2008 43% 40% 54% 2005 39% 39% 41% Arts Centre Theatre 2008 49% 52% 36% 2005 33% 36% 23% Pitt Meadows Arena 2008 30% 29% 36% 2005 32% 32% 36% P.M. Family Rec Centre & Rec Hall 2008 24% 18% 52% 2005 24% 19% 48% 2002 20% 12% 51% Pitt Meadows Public Library 2008 26% 17% 65% 2005 21% 14% 54% 2002 16% 5% 62% MR Art Gallery 2008 17% 18% 11% 2005 13% 15% 9% Ridge Meadows Seniors' Activity Ctr. 2008 13% 14% 9% 2005 7% 7% 6% /32