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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009Photo courtesy of Kim Kamstra Maple Ridge and Pitt MeadowsMaple Ridge and Pitt MeadowsMaple Ridge and Pitt MeadowsMaple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 www.mapleridge.ca www.pittmeadows.bc.ca www.youthservices.ca www.recreg4u.ca Commission 2 General Manager’s Report 3 Administration 3 Community Services 6 Children’s Recreation Services 8 Youth Services 10 Neighbourhood Development 12 Parks & Facilities 14 Parks & Open Space 14 Cemetery 15 Maple Ridge Golf Course 15 Recreation 16 Community Festivals & Special Events 20 Volunteer Services 21 Museums 22 Seniors 26 Arts & Culture 27 Table of Contents The Parks and Leisure Services Commission will direct its efforts toward achieving the greatest “public good” possible consistent with avail- able resources. The public good will be defined as benefits to everyone in the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows area. The Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services Commission consists of 15 voting members with three representatives from each of Maple Ridge Council, Pitt Meadows Council, and the Board of Trustees of School District No. 42. In addi- tion, there are four Citizen-At-Large Members from Maple Ridge and three from Pitt Meadows. The Commission met monthly except for March and August and we thank the following members for their dedicated service in 2009. Maple Ridge: Mayor Ernie Daykin, Councillors Judy Dueck & Craig Speirs Pitt Meadows: Mayor Don MacLean, Councillors Doug Bing & Gwen O’Connell School District No. 42 Trustees: Ms. Kathie Ward, Chair, Mr. Mike Huber and Mr. Dave Rempel Maple Ridge Citizens-at-Large: Mr. Ian Brown, Mr. Mandeep Bhuller, Mr. Geordie Craig & Ms. Angie Rowell Pitt Meadows Citizens-at-Large: Mr. Neil Pukesh and Ms. Christine Smith COMMISSION Page 2 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 Commission Highlights • Conducted Parks, Recreation & Cultural Plan research • Acquired land for the Cemetery, North Alouette Greenway, Coniagas Trail, and Silver Valley Neighbourhood Park • Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Spirit Squares completed • Maple Ridge Public Art Committee and Volunteer Coordinator’s Network established • Hosted the 2009 BC Disability Games Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin City of Pitt Meadows Mayor Don MacLean & School Trustee Chair Kathie Ward 2009 BC Disability Games Opening Ceremonies GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT ADMINISTRATION Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows have just completed a year of ex- tensive research with involvement from well over a thousand resi- dents answering random sample surveys, participating in focus groups and providing written input to our most recent Parks, Recrea- tion and Cultural Plan. Once com- pleted the plan will provide a long term blueprint to ensure current and future residents enjoy an ex- ceptional quality of life….good health and inspired lifestyles….we look forward to working as closely with our residents as we did during the research phase to make this vision become a reality. Division Administration staff pro- vide policy advice to Pitt Mead- ows and Maple Ridge Councils and administrative support and advise to the Parks & Leisure Services Commission. Senior staff participate in senior man- agement functions for both mu- nicipalities and serve in a liaison capacity with: School District No. 42, the Fraser Valley Regional Library, Metro Vancouver Parks and Cultural Committees, Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations and with other community groups and agencies. ity of opportunities our citizens have come to expect. The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Master Plan update that began in 2008 will continue in 2010 to com- pletion and will provide the guid- ance needed to make the best pos- sible investments in our citizens’ future. We look forward to continu- ing our work with citizens in the pro- vision 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. 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 facili- ties and programs. Some facilities like the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre are approaching capac- ity 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 in- volvement 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 out- strip our capacity to deliver and to con- tinue to provide the breadth and qual- Page 3 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Parks & Leisure Services is committed to creating opportunities for community pride, per- sonal enjoyment, and healthy lifestyles in both Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge, and to striving for continuous improvement in the processes and ser- vices which will achieve that end result. Highlights:Highlights:Highlights:Highlights: • Commission Support/Reports (i.e. community bylaw, dog off leash locations, fees and charges, RMSS and other agreement renewals) • Parks, Recreation and Cultural Plan • Spirit Squares in Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows • 2009 Disability Games • Management and Council involvement in both Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows • Maintaining working relationships (School District No. 42, First Nations, Commu- nity Organizations, etc.) • Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Spirit of BC Community Committee Support • ARMS • KEEPS • The Agricultural Association • Haney Horsemen • Maple Ridge Historical Society • Pitt Meadows Heritage & Museum So- ciety • Meadowridge Rotary • Haney Rotary • Eagles Club • Maple Ride and Pitt Meadows Lions I would like to extend my thanks to the staff and community contributors for our collective success. Thanks to our partners: • School District No. 42 • Metro Vancouver Parks • Ridge Meadows Seniors Society • Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Arts Council ADMINISTRATION (cont’d) Acknowledgements late 2009 and early 2010 to review the draft plan. The draft 2010 Master Plan is available through the Parks & Recreation Admini- stration office. Parks Recreation & Cultural Master Plan Catherine Berris and Associates in part- nership with Asbell Management Inno- vations were awarded the contract to develop the 2010 Master Plan. Sur- veys, stakeholder group meetings and a public open house took place in the fall of 2008 to gather initial input. Drafting of the plan occurred in 2009. Several follow up meetings were held in Page 4 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 Acknowledgements (cont'd) Grants Received in 2009 • Royal Canadian Legion • Amateur Sports Organizations • Community Associations • Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Foundations • Greg Moore Foundation • United Way • Fraser Health Authority • Katzie First Nation • Kwantlen First Nation • The many festival organizers including Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows 2009 BC Disability Games Society and Mainstage BC Theatre festival organ- izers. • Community Corrections and, • General private sector partners. Finally, we thank both senior levels of Government for their financial contributions and partnership initia- tives in 2009. (Commitments made to Pitt Meadows Secondary Artificial Turf Field and the Pitt Meadows up- grade). Page 5 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 GrantGrantGrantGrant $ Amount$ Amount$ Amount$ Amount FromFromFromFrom Mental Health Coordinator 8,209 Fraser Health Authority Age Friendly Community Planning 1,925 UBCM Mental Health Coordinator 8,209 Fraser Health Authority Everybody Active Grant 1,500 Jumpstart (funding youth activities) 4,103 Canadian Tire Summer Day Camps 39,210 CLBC Easter Pitt Meadows 2,148 Pitt Meadows Lions Active Kids Club 4,800 Min. of Children and Family Development Canada Day (Youth Event) 1,000 Province of BC Canada Day 1,500 Heritage Canada Grant Active Kids Club Staff 10,658 Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living Active Kids Club 14,000 BC Council of Families Seniors Network Seed Grant 2,500 BC Healthy Communities Mental Health Coordinator 8,453 Fraser Health Authority Youth Centre Grant 11,622 Greg Moore Foundation CEED Centre Society Grant 2,000 Canadian Tire Student Summer Placement Grants 77,505 HRDC Summer Programs 65,245 Service Canada Mental Health Coordinator 8,702 Fraser Health Authority Jumpstart (funding youth activities) 4,578 Canadian Tire Community Active Kids Club 13,800 Links Active Kids Club to support children with special needs 6,164 Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living Child care operating funds for Active Kids Club 8,705 Min. of Children and Family Development TotalTotalTotalTotal 306,536306,536306,536306,536 The Community Services Department is comprised of three functions with Parks and Leisure Services: Preschool and Children’s Recreation Services; Youth Services; and Neighbourhood Develop- ment. Children’s Recreation Services provides recreational program services for pre- school aged children (0 to 5 years) and school aged children (6 -12 years) throughout Maple Ridge and Pitt Mead- ows. Programming utilizes a benefit- based approach with a focus on active living and leadership development. As concerns grow regarding inactivity lev- els and the effects of the growing num- ber of children living in poverty, partner- ships have been developed to offer pro- gramming within a collaborative frame- work increasing the department’s abil- ity to respond to the growing needs of these age groups. Youth Recreation Services oversees programming for youth aged 13 to 18 years, including the operation of the Greg Moore and the Pitt Meadows Youth Centres, and the operation of the Thomas Haney Youth Action Park known as “The School Yard”. The Youth area continued to focus on ex- panding active and nutritional educa- tional opportunities within the youth recreation programs. Support to the Youth Action Park Leadership Steering Committee continued, supporting the focus of expanding the Youth Mentor- ship Program and planning for the Pitt Meadows Youth Action Park in 2011. Under a grant through the UBCM Healthy Communities program a Listen to Us project took place that included extensive consultation with youth to identify community strengths in meet- ing their needs and to highlight priori- ties for addressing gaps in community resources and programming. Staff sup- ported youth in the development of a Pitt Meadows Youth Engagement Proc- ess Team that conducted the Listen To Us project consultation surveys and processes, evaluated feedback, and presented key findings to community decision makers. The department continued to recognize and promote the importance of the role that neighbourhoods play in overall community health and wellness. Neighbourhood Development Services supports neighbourhood development; neighbourhood network development; and neighbourhood input to community planning processes. This work is en- hanced by the development of partner- ships and through the contribution to community-wide initiatives and network development. Through the work of the Neighbourhood Development Coordina- tor, the Community Services Depart- ment supported the growing number of community initiatives that relate to building healthy sustainable neighbour- hoods in our communities. Page 6 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 COMMUNITY SERVICES Listen To Us Page 7 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 Banner Ad Campaign Children’s Services experienced high attendance rates in pre-school and youth leadership programs. Summer day camps were well attended particu- larly the larger Mega (6 to 12 years) and Mini-Mega Kids (preschool aged) camps. Well over forty youth partici- pated in the summer-long Youth Fu- tures leadership program which fo- cuses on building leadership skills and providing opportunities to contribute to community through volunteering. Chil- dren’s Services continued to work with many community partners to deliver services throughout the community; the strength of these partnerships en- hanced the quality and variety of pro- grams. Parent and child recreation opportuni- ties were very popular throughout 2009. The Parent and Tot Drop-in Gym at the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre and Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre were extremely well attended. This low cost opportunity provided chil- dren aged 0-6 and their parents, a chance for free play in a safe and de- velopmentally appropriate setting. Public Health staff visited the Parent and Tot Drop-in several times to pro- vide health and developmental screen- ing. Parent and Tot registered pro- grams like soccer and t-ball were also very well attended throughout the year. The strength of the partnership with School District No. 42 afforded the op- portunity to offer a number of leader- ship programs at local schools. “Jedi Training” was open to children 7- 12 years of age at Eric Langton and High- land Park Elementary Schools. This six week program based on the tenets of experiential education provided chil- dren with an opportunity to learn about leadership, chivalry, stewardship, and the environment. These programs were so popular that they will run again in 2010. Children’s and Youth Services also par- ticipated in the Hearts at School event held at the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre and Greg Moore Youth Centre. This event, organized by a committee made up of local sport’s businesses and ser- vice providers, was attended by well over 200 grade six students. The students were able to visit a variety of activity sta- tions each with a focus on health. The stations included information on smok- ing cessation, activity, stress manage- ment and nutrition. The event created a lasting impression ending with a visit from the Olympic mascots. The Active Kids Club, a School District No. 42 program operated by Parks and Leisure Services, expanded to include Albion Elementary. This popular after school recreation program is currently available at Yennadon, Eric Langton, Davie Jones, Hammond, Maple Ridge, and Highland Park Elementary Schools. A number of the Active Kids Club pro- grams operated at capacity. The Pitt Meadows Kids Drop-in Gym program continued to be a popular active choice for children 7 to 12 years of age. The number of children attending on a daily basis continued to grow with numbers at capacity most days. Children’s staff and volunteers provided interactive activities at a variety of com- munity special events throughout the year. Environmental sustainability was a key theme at all events where the activi- ties provided an educational component as well providing lots of fun and excite- ment. One popular activity was the mini worm composter that children could make to take home. Children’s Recreation Services Page 8 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 Worm Composting Easter Egg Hunt, Pitt Meadows Active Kids Club Children’s Recreation Services (cont’d) The annual Pitt Meadows Lions Easter Egg hunt was a huge success due in part to a large number of Pitt Meadows youth volunteers. One of the biggest events, Canada Day, was a great kick off to the summer! Children and youth services continued to recognize the emerging capacity of children to make choices that promote their own well being through youth initi- ated recreation programs. Ongoing partnerships with community agencies enabled Children’s and Youth to pro- vide a wide variety of quality, affordable and developmentally appropriate rec- reation opportunities for youth and chil- dren in our community. Page 9 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 2009 was another very exciting year for Youth Services. The Youth Ac- tion Park at Thomas Haney, known as The School Yard Action Park, completed its first full year of operation with in- credibly high participation rates and plenty of posi- tive feedback from partici- pant, parents and com- munity partners. This was also the second year of The Youth Action Park Mentorship Program. The program provides leadership opportunities for youth ages 15-18 years old at the Action Park. The goals of the program are to have young people mentor their peers at the Park by being positive role models, help keep the park clean and safe, support a positive rewards program (donated discount cards are awarded to young people who are recog- nized for wearing hel- mets, being positive role models, or even working hard at perfecting their skills). Through their term the mentors gain certifica- tions such as First Aid, De-escalation training and Leadership training. They also earn honorariums based upon volunteer hours. There has been a tremen- dous rise in both interest and in the numbers of youth participating in the skateboarding opportuni- ties at the Greg Moore Youth Centre since the Action Park opened. This is a clear result of the in- creased opportunities cre- ated by the development of the Action Park with more people being intro- duced and excited about the sport of skateboard- ing. One of the goals of the Action Park was to capture the interest of youth and motivate them to become active. Clearly this addition to our com- munity has successfully achieved the original goal. In 2009 Youth Services focussed on youth- initiated recreation with an emphasis on providing active opportunities, on inspiring learning and un- derstanding of environ- mentally sustainable prac- tices, and on healthy nu- trition. Some highlights include multi-sports nights, weekly hikes and camping trips, the con- tinuation of the worm composting program at each youth centre, reus- able supplies for pro- grams, and healthy choice menus at the youth oper- ated concessions. Drop- in sport opportunities at the two youth centres ex- perienced an all time high participation rate. Sports such as Ball Hockey, Bas- ketball and Dodge-ball were extremely popular and the participation numbers in active drop-in programs steadily in- creased. This was as a direct result of the active focused programming introduced in 2008. Youth Council participa- tion in both communities continued to grow in num- bers and diversity provid- ing meaningful leadership opportunities for all par- ticipants through contrib- uting to both planning and implementation of a num- ber of initiatives including the operation of the con- cession in the Greg Moore Youth Centre. Youth Services continued to support youth in partici- pating in leadership roles in a growing number of special events. Some highlights include: Pitt Meadows Easter Egg Hunt, Youth Week, Pitt Meadows Youth Fest, and Canada Day celebrations in both communities. The Youth Summer Park program with Youth Work- ers in Maple Ridge Memo- rial Park experienced an- other successful year en- gaging youth in positive park activities and events. Youth Services commu- nity partnerships contin- ued to grow and expand with some of the most notable being the comple- Youth Services Page 10 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 Youth Centre Pitt Meadows Youth Services (cont'd) tion of the first year of operation of the School District No. 42’s Store Front School in the Greg Moore Youth Centre. The Greg Moore Youth Centre was also pleased again to host the annual District Schools Students Advisory Council’s Conference. A long term partnership with the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Youth Centre Society continued with the Society’s ongoing efforts to raise and distribute funds for community youth related initiatives. New in 2009 was a Youth Bursary recognizing Youth who contribute to commu- nity in a positive way. The bursary was made possi- ble through a partnership between the Youth Coun- cils, the Youth Centre So- ciety, and the District of Maple Ridge Social Plan- ning Advisory Committee. Page 11 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 Registered and Children’s Services ProgramsRegistered and Children’s Services ProgramsRegistered and Children’s Services ProgramsRegistered and Children’s Services Programs 2009200920092009 2008200820082008 2007200720072007 No. Participants 3,208 3,734 3,605 No. Programs 432 462 354 Youth Outreach Initiative:Youth Outreach Initiative:Youth Outreach Initiative:Youth Outreach Initiative: 2009200920092009 2008200820082008 2007200720072007 Youth Lounge Drop in Hours 2,172 2,228 2,265 Youth Lounge User Hours ^68,126 77,434 76,347 ^ Note: The 2009 Youth Lounge hours are down due to a number of factors. The annual shutdown was ex- tended due to staff vacancies which had a direct impact for the month of January (closed 15 days in 2009 vs 4 days in 2008). The shutdown of the Leisure Centre in September, due to boiler replacements, also impacted the GMYC result- ing in a closure for 8 additional days in 2009. Lastly, at the GMYC each month in 2009 was slightly slower than previous years, as more outside programming was supported. Neighbourhoods matter! They are the places where we raise our children, walk our dogs and often make the biggest finan- cial investment of our lives. Recent research demonstrates that the strength and cohesion of a neighbourhood can have a profound impact on the quality of life, par- ticularly in early childhood and later on as individu- als’ age. Creating oppor- tunities to build and strengthen neighbour- hoods is essential to the health of a community and its residents. In 2009 we continued to move forward in our three neighbourhood goal ar- eas: • Enhancing quality of life by supporting the de- velopment of neighbour- hoods; • Supporting meaning- ful input by neighbour- hoods to community plan- ning; and • Building capacity that will lead to the develop- ment of a network fo- cused on creating a long term community garden plan. 2009 was an extremely successful year for the encouragement of neighbourhood connec- tion through an increased number of neighbourhood celebrations. Neighbour- hood Associations as well as individual neighbour- hood champions organ- ized and implemented a wide range of activities which provided citizens with opportunities to get to know one another through fun and festive events. Christmas carol- ling, movie nights in the school gym or hall, picnics and festivals in neighbourhood parks, ball hockey and kick the can games, plant swaps, Easter Egg hunts, barbe- ques, bicycle parades, Mexican Fiestas, and Can- ada Day Celebrations are just some of the ways that “Champions” are making their neighbourhoods a better place to live. On January 29, the first ever Neighbourhood Fu- tures Workshop took place. At the workshop, neighbourhood groups and individuals were en- gaged in a fun and pro- ductive manner, cele- brated neighbourhood successes, and provided input, in regards to Neighbourhood Develop- ment, to update the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan. Par- ticipants stressed the need to utilize a variety of strategies to increase op- portunities for people to feel connected in their neighbourhoods. Sugges- tions included providing opportunities for sharing information and re- sources, providing neighbourhood centres, parks and gardens. At subsequent meetings fol- lowing the Futures Work- shop, neighbourhood champions created a list of resources available to neighbourhoods for host- ing events, shared tips with one another for suc- cessful events and identi- fied some opportunities to do joint events in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. The Haney Farmer’s Mar- ket had a very successful, productive, and fun filled year. In addition to provid- ing fresh, local produce, the Market provided an opportunity for non-profit organizations, artists, theatre groups and local musicians to participate each market day. The goals of creating a place for people to connect; of providing education on the importance of nutri- tion; and of eating locally were recognized through the hard work and dedica- tion of the Market staff and volunteers. The Mar- ket has become recog- nized as a community connecting place on Sat- urdays from May to Octo- ber averaging 1,400 visi- tors weekly. “The HIVE Neighbourhood Centre” at Eric Langton Neighborhood Development Page 12 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 Residents who become involved in their neighbourhood have told us they….. • Enhance their leader ship skills; • Improve their ability to communicate in groups; • Gain the respect of their neighbours; • Increase their sense of community and sense of belonging; • Become excited about what they CAN do; • Feel heard and listened to; • Learn from the perspective of others; • Feel a renewed sense of civic pride and consciousness; • Actively work to bring about change; • And have increased their hope for the future. Neighborhood Development (cont’d) Elementary School contin- ued to develop over the year with the grand open- ing held in November. In- dividuals and community groups have worked col- laboratively to ensure that neighbourhood activities, enrichment, educational and support service pro- grams will be available to the community at the Hive. The official opening, hosted in early December, introduced a number of partners to the neighbour- hood that will be offering programs and services at the Hub starting in 2010. Both Glenwood and Blue Mountain Elementary Schools had very success- ful Neighbourhood School Gardens which provided children, parents, teach- ers, neighbours and com- munity groups many op- portunities to share knowl- edge, resources and most importantly access to fresh produce. Maple Ridge Sec- ondary School and Harry Hooge Elementary began the planning process in 2009 and will be building school/Neighbourhood gar- dens in the spring of 2010. In addition to supporting the existing garden committees, the School Neighbourhood Garden Steering Commit- tee’s focus in 2009 was on developing resources to support other schools who are interested in starting a garden. Once developed, these resources will be posted on the School Dis- trict website for all to use. The Neighbourhood Devel- opment Coordinator pro- vided support to a Food Se- curity Task Force which cre- ated a strategic plan to ad- dress the needs of the com- munity, and has since formed Golden Ears FEAST (Food, Education & Action Strategy Table). The strategic plan has several neighbour- hood specific actions includ- ing: securing funding to sus- tain the neighbourhood based community kitchens; promoting urban agriculture; and encouraging and support- ing the development of com- munity/neighbourhood gar- dens in higher density areas. The Neighbourhood Develop- ment Coordinator supported the Maple Ridge Multicultural Canada Day Celebration Com- mittee in planning the July 1st event. Volunteer committee members and numerous event day volunteers hosted an extremely successful and very well attended Canada Day Celebration which pro- vided numerous activities for both young and old with a record attendance of approxi- mately 7,000 people! Page 13 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 Apple Day at the Farmers Market The Parks & Facilities De- partment maintains a to- tal of 218 hectares of parkland including sea- sonal displays throughout Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. The Department also maintains landscaped boulevards, park sites, playgrounds, soccer fields, ball diamonds, cemeteries, major trail systems, tennis and sport courts, and administers the lease for the Maple Ridge Golf Course. Facilities oversees the maintenance of all Mu- nicipal facilities including Municipal Hall, fire halls, and public safety build- ings as well as rental and leased properties. The functions carried out include janitorial services, elevator, boiler, heating, air handling service con- tracts, and energy man- agement. PARKS & FACILITIES Parks & Open Space Reservations • Reg Franklin Park opened • Maple Ridge Park, Ea- gle Park, and other play equipment re- placed • First Silver Valley mini- park completed. • Dog off leash park con- sultation completed Highlights 2009 • 136 Avenue trail and Pitt Meadows Senior Secondary artificial turf field grants obtained • Design completed for Pitt Meadows Arena and South Bonson Community Centre. • Whonnock Lake com- pensation planting completed Park & Boulevard Inventory: • 52 municipal boulevards (includes bulb outs and medians • 70 park sites • 46 playgrounds • 31 soccer fields • 46 ball diamonds • 17 tennis courts • 16 sport courts • 2 synthetic fields In addition there are 287.95 ha of parkland including neighbourhood and community park components on school sites. Page 14 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 1,273 1,352 1,273 5,252 5,712 5,493 2009 2008 2007 Fairground Facilities Hours Booked Camp Sites Occupied Golf Course RevenueGolf Course RevenueGolf Course RevenueGolf Course Revenue: 2009 $193,815 2008 $153,960 2007 $115,897 2006 $122,314 2005 $129,968 Cemetery Maple Ridge Golf Course Parks & Facilities oper- ates two Municipal ceme- teries by maintaining the grounds and by providing interment, associated re- cord keeping and public assistance long overdue mainte- nance functions where bunker #7 was com- pletely rebuilt, and the remaining bunkers were re-cut and filled with new sand. Additional aeration on the greens and tees has also greatly improved Region View Services, who has been operating the Maple Ridge Golf Course since 2007, have completed upgrades to the clubhouse, caretaker residence as well as the maintenance building. During 2009 the focus of attention has been on catching up on some playability, which has been positively com- mented on by regular players at the course. An extensive tree pruning program was carried out in 2009 and completed in the fall. Page 15 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 183 192 192 109 89 132 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 2009 2008 2007 Markers Interments Maple Ridge and Whonnock Cemeteries The Recreation Department offers a wide range of recreation services in both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, delivering recreation programs in mu- nicipal, community and school facilities. The level of recreation service provided to the community is enhanced by part- ner service providers such as local businesses, non-profit groups and neighbourhood associations. The de- partment recognizes the benefits that these groups bring to the community and support their efforts by facilitating their development toward a mutual goal to provide enhanced levels of ser- vice to the community. The 2009 business plan emphasized active community initiatives; programs that support access to facilities and services; facility cleanliness; and over- all service quality. Active communities initiatives included support for promo- tional campaigns spearheaded by the active community network, and the de- velopment of a sport tourism strategy. Accessibility was enhanced by the addi- tion of entry level programs and infor- mation sessions for citizens who are new to regular physical activity, age- friendly community research, technol- ogy improvements to the Recreation Access Program, and improvements to facility accessibility in preparation for the 2009 Disability Games. Facility cleanliness was enhanced by the devel- opment and implementation of a train- ing program for Building Service Work- ers, and continuation of green cleaning and other programs. In 2009, the Department also devel- oped its first services marketing plan, which will drive improvements in overall service quality now and in the future. This process measured customer- driven service standards that can be used as a benchmark to measure and improve facility and service issues that enhance customer satisfaction. Within the Recreation Department, pro- grams and services are provided to the community through three operating streams: The Community Connections staffThe Community Connections staffThe Community Connections staffThe Community Connections staff de- velops systems and programs that sup- port the development of individual vol- unteers and of board of directors for groups that provide a recreation service to the community. In addition Commu- nity Connections manages and over- sees achievement of criteria identified in major fee for service agreements. Some examples of accomplishments in 2009 include: • Worked with the Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility to de- velop Universal Design Guidelines for Outdoor Spaces. • In partnership with Community Liv- ing BC provided youth and children with 2,419 integrated day camp sup- port hours. • Supported the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows BC Disability Games Soci- ety to host a successful event. • In partnership with Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living, P&LS presented ‘The Boy Inside’ – Asperger community project at the ACT. This educational event was attended by 475 community mem- bers. • In partnership with the Maple Ridge Mental Health Centre – Group Ther- apy Services; developed and facili- tated a new 10 session program with a relaxation and leisure focus. • In partnership with the Seniors Net- work oversaw the implementation of Age-Friendly Community Research. RECREATION Page 16 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 RECREATION (cont’d) • Launched new Volunteer Software that enables local volunteers to log hours and find volunteer information more easily. • Planned National Volunteer Week in partnership with the Maple Ridge / Pitt Meadows Volunteer Centre. • Participated in the Volunteer Job Fair at Maple Ridge Library. • Offered an Introduction to Volunteer Management Workshop. • Developed an electrical safety policy for special events. • Assisted Festival Society with the purchase of a portable sink. • Worked with new Bonson event com- mittee to plan summer events. • Developed an Active Living section for the volunteer handbook available on-line. • Hosted a number of community workshops including: Financial Plan- ning, Superhost, Emergency Social Services Volunteering, First Aid train- ing, and Non-Violent Crisis Interven- tion, Long Term Planning and Intro- duction to Volunteer Management. • Collaborative Planning with Christ- mas Festival/Santa Parade and Safety Personnel. • Software training sessions organized by Festivals and completed by vari- ous staff/departments. • Recreation staff also supported the development of a number of commu- nity special events such as the Spirit of Wood event, Remembrance Day events in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, the First Annual Christ- mas in the City in Pitt Meadows Spirit Square, Christmas Haven and a Lantern Festival, along with many other large and small grassroots community events. The Health and Wellness staffThe Health and Wellness staffThe Health and Wellness staffThe Health and Wellness staff group plans and implements all recreation and wellness programming within facili- ties and in the community including drop-in fitness, aquatics, skating, fit- ness, 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. Some ex- amples of accomplishments in 2009 include: • Oversaw the development of a Draft Sport and Outdoor Recreation Strat- egy for Maple Ridge and Pitt Mead- ows. • Reconfigured the Spin Bike set-up, stretch area in Weight Room at the Leisure Centre. Changes improved wheelchair accessibility and cus- tomer satisfaction. • Promoted Spirit Week by hosting a Spirit Bash and a visit from the 2010 Olympic Mascots. • Implemented a new electronic mes- saging board to promote a broad range of community activities. • Established a Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Sport and Outdoor Rec- reation Council and assisted in host- ing an Inaugural Fall Sport Summit. • Participated in Gamestown 2010 contest and as part of our participa- tion, won two Bronze Medal Curling Event Olympic tickets that were awarded to a community participant in the Gamestown contest. • Hosted another very successful Dog- gie Dash with over 80 dogs and their owners participating. The Support Services staffThe Support Services staffThe Support Services staffThe Support Services staff group pro- vides front-line customer service for admissions, program registrations, fa- cility operations, ice, field and facility bookings. This area also develops and implements systems that support the entire department such as emergency Page 17 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 and evacuation plan development, cus- tomer feedback systems, technology projects and the administration of leases. Some examples of accomplish- ments in 2009 include: • Installed new lockers in the Leisure Centre pool change rooms, imple- mented a bait locker program, high security wallet lockers and a security access gate to improve customer and staff safety and security. • Improved ability to serve participants who face a financial barrier to ac- cessing recreation services through the use of Subsidy Management Software. • Set up of Quick Rez Facility Booking software that will enhance service to customers by enabling them to schedule their own racquet court and park shelter bookings. • Supported the planning and design of pool deck replacement and boiler replacement to improve energy effi- ciency of the Leisure Centre facility. • Completed a vending audit and tran- sitioned to 100% healthy choices. • Completed the design for the South Bonson Community Centre. • Implemented self scanning station at the Leisure Centre and other changes designed to improve the flow of customers into the facility. • Negotiated new and renewed a num- ber of rental leases for tenants in a variety of recreation facilities. Recreation Access Recreation Access Recreation Access Recreation Access • Ensuring Accessibility Financial AccessFinancial AccessFinancial AccessFinancial Access • Support provided to 2,052 custom- ers to access leisure opportunities at a reduced rate through the Participa- tion Program. • Loonie drop-in, Sundays at the Ma- ple Ridge Leisure Centre. • Toonie Tuesdays at the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre. • Increased participation in low cost opportunities such as Parent and Child Playtime. • Partnership with Canadian Tire Jump- start valued at $6,900 enabling chil- dren and youth in financial need to participate in organized sport and recreation. • Through the Tzi Chi fund, School Dis- trict No. 42 contributed $2,500 to recreational programs for children. Municipal Advisory Committee on Acces-Municipal Advisory Committee on Acces-Municipal Advisory Committee on Acces-Municipal Advisory Committee on Acces- sibility Issues (MACAI)sibility Issues (MACAI)sibility Issues (MACAI)sibility Issues (MACAI) • Hosted the 6th annual awards cere- mony, recognizing community busi- ness, agencies and citizens making a difference to assist persons with dis- abilities. • Worked with engineering to increase the number of accessible bus stops and curb cuts. • Published Universal Design Guide- lines for Outdoor Spaces - PLAN and DESIGN for CHOICE. Integrated Summer Day CampsIntegrated Summer Day CampsIntegrated Summer Day CampsIntegrated Summer Day Camps • Received grant dollars from Commu- nity Living British Columbia. • Provided over 2,400 hours of direct service delivery, created a safe and inclusive environment ensuring a fun and memorable summertime experi- ence for 35 children and youth with disabilities. Community AccessCommunity AccessCommunity AccessCommunity Access • Hosted Age Friendly Community Fo- rum at the Ridge Meadows Senior Society. • Received Everybody Active Grant through the BC Recreation and Parks Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation to examine barriers con- RECREATION (cont’d) “While easier access to recreation and physical activity opportunities may not change their economic circumstance, it will help improve health and reduce stress, anxiety and loneliness. It can connect people to the broader community- and improve physical health and social well being.” British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association-Physical Activity Strategy Page 18 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 6th Annual MACAI Awards Ceremony RECREATION (cont’d) tributing to adult inactivity in recrea- tion. • Provided support to the BC Disability Games. Leisure Wellness ProgramLeisure Wellness ProgramLeisure Wellness ProgramLeisure Wellness Program • Through the support of Fraser Health- Mental Health Services provided 1:1 support to individuals living with mental health issues. • Provided weekly leisure education sessions at the Maple Ridge Mental Health Centre. • Began co-facilitation of relaxation and leisure group in the fall. • Weekly Monday morning walking group logged over 1,510,000 steps, approximately 545 miles. Page 19 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 Special Services StatisticsSpecial Services StatisticsSpecial Services StatisticsSpecial Services Statistics 2009200920092009 2008200820082008 2007200720072007 _ _ _ _ Participation Program Members 2,052 1,848 1,856 Leisure Education Sessions 545 561 604 Leisure Centre AdmissionsLeisure Centre AdmissionsLeisure Centre AdmissionsLeisure Centre Admissions 2009 *2009 *2009 *2009 * 2008200820082008 2007200720072007 _ _ _ _ 357,755 371,560 360,328 Does not include lease partner clients using dedicated space, children attending the Golden Ears Preschool or rental group attendance, i.e. Judo, Archery, etc. * The annual Leisure Centre maintenance shutdown was extended to six weeks from two to accommodate a significant mechanical and pool deck retrofit. Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre AdmissionsPitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre AdmissionsPitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre AdmissionsPitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre Admissions 2009200920092009 2008200820082008 2007200720072007 _ _ _ _ 36,372 33,395 39,535 Leisure Centre RescuesLeisure Centre RescuesLeisure Centre RescuesLeisure Centre Rescues 2009200920092009 2008200820082008 2007200720072007 _ _ _ _ Rescues of children 6 yrs & under 12 13 11 Rescues of children 7 or 8 yrs old 6 7 10 Rescues people over 9 yrs old 10 9 2 Total 28282828 29292929 23232323 These stats do not include first aid or medical emergencies Program RegistrationsProgram RegistrationsProgram RegistrationsProgram Registrations 2009200920092009 2008200820082008 2007 2007 2007 2007 No. of programs 3,386 3,133 2,826 No. of participants 22,319 20,296 15,651 Note: Total program registrations includes programs offered through partner- ships 18% of total program participants are Pitt Meadows residents, 79% for Maple Ridge residents and 3% are non-residents HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS: • Department support to 40 commu- nity events, including new events (Korean Veteran’s Day, Spirit Square openings, South Bonson grassroots events) and weekend Haney Farmer’s Markets. • Evaluated festival support funding applications with the Parks Commis- sion sub-committee. • Implemented CLASS equipment booking system. • Researched and purchased new event equipment: water unit, trol- leys, cord covers. • Developed new storage areas for equipment . • Developed electrical safety guide- lines in collaboration with Mainte- nance staff. • Expanded Event Resource Guide to include an Active Living events sec- tion and other general event re- source information. • Supported young adults in producing safe, drug & alcohol free events (e.g. Adstock, Breastfest). • Developed event maps for Memorial Park, Pitt Meadows Civic Square and South Bonson Park. • Encouraged green events (e.g. recy- cling, bike lock ups, compostable cutlery). • Supported new events, including grassroots events in Pitt Meadows. • Event Kit Trailer booked 12 times. Community Festivals and Special Events Community Festivals: 68 68 68 68 Participants at Festivals: 136,839136,839136,839136,839 Page 20 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 Pitt Meadows Canada Day Maple RidgeMaple RidgeMaple RidgeMaple Ridge • Lantern Parade & Celebration • Adstock • Bard on the Bandstand • Breastfest • Caribbean Festival • Celebration of Neighbourhoods • Christmas Festival/Parade • Christmas Haven • Community Info and Resource Fair • Country Fest • Earth Day • Eric Langton Hub-Hive Open House • Eric Langton Neighbourhood Event • Family Movie Night • Haney Farmer’s Market • Heritage Day • Home Show • Jazz & Blues Festival • Korean Veterans Assoc. • MACAI Awards Event • Mainstage • Mountainview Neighbourhood Assoc. Easter Egg Hunt • Neighbourhood Hockey Night • Neighbourhood Movie Night • Pathfinders Carnival • Plant Swap • Rivers Day • Silver Valley Festival • Webster’s Day • East Ridge Good Neighbour Christ- mas Caroling • Wheels in Motion Pitt MeadowsPitt MeadowsPitt MeadowsPitt Meadows • Christmas in the City • Spirit of Wood Festival & Community Carving Unveiling • Doggy Dash • Hangar Dance • Pitt Meadows Day • Pitt Meadows Day—Youth Fest • Pitt Meadows Air Show • South Bonson Movie Night • Winter Wonderland Maple Ridge & Pitt MeadowsMaple Ridge & Pitt MeadowsMaple Ridge & Pitt MeadowsMaple Ridge & Pitt Meadows • 2009 BC Disability Games • 2010 One Year countdown • Spirit of BC Week Events • Canada Day • Remembrance Day Maple Ridge Canada Day Volunteer Services—From Compassion to Action The Volunteer Services program aligns with community development and rec- reation principles to: • Build the leadership capacity of the volunteers, boards and organiza- tions in the our communities. • To empower individuals and groups to be responsible for their needs and make effective decisions. • To encourage active and healthy involvement and engagement in programs, services and events in the community. Highlights:Highlights:Highlights:Highlights: • Used Volunteer Software to support Board recruitment for committees. • Volunteer program development provided support to community groups (e.g. minor hockey). • Community Volunteer Centre with, for example, planning, promotion, and volunteer recognition sup- port. Began partnering in planning workshops. • Rolled out new volunteer software and encouraged full use across various departments (e.g. RCMP, Arts Centre). • Reviewed Volunteer Recognition Week celebrations. • Supported Volunteer Recruitment Fairs in secondary schools. • Hosted 6 volunteer workshops • Developed General Event Day vol- unteer job position. • Two additional staff trained in ESS walk-in volunteer coordination. • Trained 10 staff to use Volunteer Squared software. Volunteer Programs: 54545454 Volunteer Hours: 23,848 23,848 23,848 23,848 P&LS Volunteer Hours: 2,136 2,136 2,136 2,136 Page 21 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 The Maple Ridge Museum is open to the public six hours a week during the winter and fifteen hours a week during the summer. The role of the community archives in information acquisition, or- ganization and access is steadily in- creasing and the community history assets are accessible six days a week by appointment as well as during open hours and by phone or email. HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS: • Volunteers contributed more than 1,000 hours on events, programs, open hours, collection manage- ment. • One community volunteer took over the management of the critical re- search file collection – a huge and on-going task with over 1,000 sepa- rate files on community history top- ics. • Hosted 16 tours, completed 7 off- site presentations and 13 displays, and participated in 11 community events. • Hired a new curator – Allison White – after sadly saying good-bye to Jor- dana Kerry who left for Delta Com- munity Museum & Archives. • Installed all four cases at the Maple Ridge Library showcasing the schools and their students through the dec- ades. In order to make the most of new displays, the material was con- verted to panels which were again shared with the community at the Maple Ridge Historical Society’s an- nual Heritage Tea in April and at Heri- tage Day on the BC Day weekend in August. • The Museum & Community Archives established its presence on the Web at www.mapleridgemuseum.org. • Using the resources of the web the Museum began a process of adding sets of their photographic images to the Flickr website. This nearly unlim- ited resource is helping museums worldwide to share their images with our communities and the wider world. Look for them at http:// www.flickr.com/photos/ mrcommunityarchives/sets/ Haney House is open to the public six hours a week during the winter and fif- teen hours a week during the summer. Activities at the house include guided tours, Sunday Teas in summer, Canada Day event, seasonal-themed displays and events, and restoration work in local cemeteries. HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS:HIGHLIGHTS: • Summer students employed through federal employment grants enabled the expansion of the summer Tea on the Verandah program to both Saturday and Sunday. • Structural repairs to the 134 year old house have strengthened pub- Maple Ridge Museum Page 22 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 Haney House lic access areas but the physical constraints on a structure built so long ago as a single family home and not a public facility continue to be of concern. • Summer workshops in care and cleaning techniques for headstones were conducted at the Maple Ridge Cemetery and for the first time, Whonnock 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. Page 23 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 * Board and committee volunteers included with the museum 2009 2008 2007 Haney HouseHaney HouseHaney HouseHaney House Visitors 793 989 893 Volunteer Hours 236 144 115 Maple Ridge MuseumMaple Ridge MuseumMaple Ridge MuseumMaple Ridge Museum Visitors 1,003 1735 1476 Volunteer Hours 893 1277 1459 Maple Ridge Museum—Statistics • Participated in 11 community events • Prepared 13 displays • Delivered 7 presentations • Hosted 16 tours • Received 301 research requests • Completed 26 outreach initiatives • Guided school and group tours of both sites but with a concentration on the General Store site including Pio- neer Gadgets program and Heritage Sites program. • 14th season of Heritage Thursdays for Children was continued with an Ancient Cultures of the World theme. • Ice Cream Saturdays continued to be successful . • July 1st Museum staff and Volunteers celebrated Canada Day with a booth and wash day program at Pitt Mead- ows Spirit Square in the morning and then back at both the General Store and the Hoffmann site with a scaven- ger hunt, crafts and red and white ice cream in the early afternoon. • Opened both sites on Pitt Meadows Day with 300 visitors attending. • Hosted annual Heritage Tea with ap- proximately 75 pioneer family resi- dents and former residents attending. All donations from the event went towards the Society’s Grade 11 Book Award. • Participated in Heritage Day events in Maple Ridge. • Presented its fifth annual book award at the awards ceremony at Pitt Mead- ows Secondary School. The award is given to a student who had shown outstanding academic achievement in Social Studies at the grade 11 level. The 2009 winner was Elizabeth Fleeton. • The After Dark program aimed at youth and families was a chance for the community to learn more about the spookier side of the Museum but in a kind and gentle manner. • Museum Sundays family programs continue to be successful. • The Young Curator’s after school vol- unteering program continued throughout the year. EXHIBITS:EXHIBITS:EXHIBITS:EXHIBITS: Temporary: • Back to School: The Heritage of Edu- cation in Pitt Meadows • Textiles By Design: The Tailorings of Hazel Anderson New Permanent: • Children’s Annuals • Dating Your Ancestors Through Fash- ion – CD on gallery kiosk • Exterior breaking plow restoration • Exterior signs with history of General Store site and Hoffmann and Son site On Line: • Community memories “Buildings Through Time” remains up on the Ca- nadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN). Collections and Researchers:Collections and Researchers:Collections and Researchers:Collections and Researchers: • The junior HRSDC student began the task of digitizing many of the smaller collections of documents in the ar- chives and also assisted with acces- sioning of artifacts and the data entry of several large photo collections (Meadowland School and District of Pitt Meadows Public Works from 1980c.) • Restoration of the large breaking plow in the collection; it is now on exhibit in the plow exhibit area off the south east side of the General Store building. • Received a large concrete post from Pitt Meadows side of the 1957 car bridge across the Pitt River. The bridge contractor, Peter Keiwit, worked with the Museum and City of Pitt Meadows to have the demolition sub-contractor preserve the post and deliver it to the Museum. The post will be power Pitt Meadows Museum Page 24 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 Pitt Meadows Museum (cont’d) Pitt Meadows Museum—Statistics washed and the Museum has a grant application in to find a student to as- sist with the preparation of an interpre- tive sign for the post. DONATIONS:DONATIONS:DONATIONS:DONATIONS: Archives: Six collections of family photos and four donations of smaller collections of pho- tos; one early letter re: McMyn Home- stead and one document containing early history written by Agnes Park (nee: McMyn). Objects: Items from the Thompson household and from the Park/Stevens household; GE 77 Super Hetrodyne Radio from Hoff- mann household; 1930c. telephone operator’s stool; books from Jane McCullough (nee: McMyn) household. OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • New brochure/rack card. • New website. • Museum Sundays children’s pro- grams. • First Birthday Party program. • Good working relationship with care- takers who occupy Hoffmann House. • Pitt Meadows Garden Club worked hard to beautify the gardens on the south side of the Museum site and planted a Heritage Garden. Page 25 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 Visitors: On Site ......................................... 1,961 Off Site ......................................... 800 TotalTotalTotalTotal ............................................................................................................................................................................ 2,7612,7612,7612,761 Research requests received: ........................ 36363636 Volunteer Hours: Society ............................................. 126 Museum .......................................... 665 Hoffmann ........................................ 103 Total Total Total Total ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 894894894894 The Ridge Meadows Seniors Society (RMSS) is a vibrant organization which operates a variety of educational, rec- reational, and social programs for sen- iors 55+; membership is at approxi- mately 1,800 with 300 residing in Pitt Meadows. The Society operates from two facilities, the Seniors Centre lo- cated in Maple Ridge and at the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre – Seniors’ Lounge in Pitt Meadows. The Maple Ridge site offers different types of rooms for the activities; these include a large multi-purpose room, library room, kitchen, lounge for lunches, social room, computer room, craft room, wood- shop, and billiard space. In addition, in- house business services exist for the seniors; these include a beauty salon, esthetician, foot care, and reflexologist. In Pitt Meadows, the facilities offer a fitness room, lounge with kitchenette, large multi-purpose room, and billiards room. Ridge Meadows Seniors each year and are involved in every as- pect of the organization. At the time of writing this report, statis- tics on the volunteers were not available, however, approximate numbers for a few of the volunteer areas indicates: • the kitchen maintains about 20 volun- teers • the reception area about 15 volun- teers • and for every activity (i.e. fitness, games etc.) there are anywhere from 1-4 program representatives. It is estimated there are about 220 vol- unteers presently involved in duties for RMSS. Highlights MAPLE RIDGE SENIORS ACTIVITY MAPLE RIDGE SENIORS ACTIVITY MAPLE RIDGE SENIORS ACTIVITY MAPLE RIDGE SENIORS ACTIVITY CENTRECENTRECENTRECENTRE • 22 physical fitness programs • 11 games type activities • 4 music orientated programs • 9 support groups • Monthly special events • A weekly health and wellness clinic • Monthly trips • Regular tournaments • Income tax clinics • Meals on Wheels • Caregiver reprieve • Hospital Visits • Seniors Connect drivers • Peer Counseling • Handi-dart tickets sales on site • Increased community networking • Hired a full time Manager SENIORS LOUNGESENIORS LOUNGESENIORS LOUNGESENIORS LOUNGE————PITT MEADOWS PITT MEADOWS PITT MEADOWS PITT MEADOWS FAMILY RECREATION CENTREFAMILY RECREATION CENTREFAMILY RECREATION CENTREFAMILY RECREATION CENTRE • 13 regular programs offered • Monthly special events Volunteerism is the backbone of the success of the Society. The volun- teers provide thousands of hours RMSS MembershipRMSS MembershipRMSS MembershipRMSS Membership 2009200920092009———— 1,8001,8001,8001,800 2008 2008 2008 2008 ---- 1,7471,7471,7471,747 2007 2007 2007 2007 ---- 1,8001,8001,8001,800 2006 2006 2006 2006 ---- 1,6581,6581,6581,658 Page 26 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 Pitt Meadows Seniors Advisory Board Arts & Culture—Maple Ridge Arts Council As a community arts service organiza- tion the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Arts Council (MRPMAC) has been pro- moting and supporting arts and culture in the communities of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge since 1971. For the last six and a half years MRPMAC, contracted through a Fee for Service agreement, has managed the Arts Centre and Theatre (ACT) since it’s opening in May 2003. The Arts Council has also taken on the role and risk of a key presenter in the region, bringing a variety of performing arts disciplines for all ages to perform at the ACT. Since 2005 the Arts Council has also taken on the operations of the Maple Ridge Art Gallery, to enable the Arts Cen- tre to continue to service the local visual arts community upon the dissolution of the Maple Ridge Art Gallery Society. Through the Arts Council’s arts pro- grams, presentations and services to the arts community, the District of Ma- ple Ridge and the City of Pitt Meadows have established themselves as the pri- mary arts provider in the region. Presentation Series Highlights:Presentation Series Highlights:Presentation Series Highlights:Presentation Series Highlights: • MRPMAC presented 28 live events including music of all types, dance, comedy and family entertainment. • The 2009/10 season will present 33 performances and includes a new Studio Series and Family Series, as well as school performances and the continuation of the Arts Club series. • Introduction of the ACT After Hours programming, a games night, an Im- prov Night with Ham Awry and Open Mic nights with the United Circle of Arts. Arts Programs HighlightsArts Programs HighlightsArts Programs HighlightsArts Programs Highlights: • Arts Programs presented at the ACT, the Pitt Meadows Recreation Centre and various schools in the region provided a broad range of diverse programs for all ages from pre- schoolers to seniors • Registered arts programs in a vari- ety of artistic disciplines. • Drop-in darkroom and open pottery studio programs were delivered to 2,716 participants. • Home Learners and Educational Arts Programs attracted 1,362 partici- pants and continued to support and provide an invaluable resource for parents and teachers of School Dis- trict No. 42 by offering opportunities for artists to work directly with stu- dents. “In partnership with “In partnership with “In partnership with “In partnership with the community, the the community, the the community, the the community, the Maple Ridge & Pitt Maple Ridge & Pitt Maple Ridge & Pitt Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Arts Council Meadows Arts Council Meadows Arts Council Meadows Arts Council works to develop, works to develop, works to develop, works to develop, promote and celebrate promote and celebrate promote and celebrate promote and celebrate the Arts.”the Arts.”the Arts.”the Arts.” Page 27 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 • Public Art Committee of the District of Maple Ridge; another important service the Arts Council provided through a fee for service agreement with the District of Maple Ridge. • Recruitment of a new Maple Ridge Artist in Residence. • The Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts Council participated in many varying Community Events including; a Dance Recital featuring local dance schools in conjunction with the Ma- ple Ridge Canada Day Celebrations; Pumpkin Painting event held in con- junction with the Downtown Business Improvement District; lantern work- shops in conjunction with the Maple Ridge Festival of Light, and provided box office services for various off site events. The Arts Council sponsored: • MAINSTAGE 2009MAINSTAGE 2009MAINSTAGE 2009MAINSTAGE 2009, the Annual Provin- cial Theatre Festival for community theatre groups throughout BC. Spon- sored by Theatre BC, it is one of the longest-running theatre traditions in Canada. • Hosted an Open HouseOpen HouseOpen HouseOpen House which pro- vided member groups another oppor- tunity to market their seasons along with the promotion of the upcoming season and programs. This event included performances in the lobby, artist displays and demonstrations and back stage tours. • First Diverse Collaborations ProjectDiverse Collaborations ProjectDiverse Collaborations ProjectDiverse Collaborations Project was presented in association with the Canadian C.I.S. Friendship Ex- change Society Multicultural Dance Celebration; the Unity & Diversity Multicultural Society multicultural exhibits; and featured a world music instrument exhibit by Boris Sichon which also offered free school work- shops the following day. The project garnered funding through the BC Arts Council. • Theatre AngelsTheatre AngelsTheatre AngelsTheatre Angels was expanded to in- clude arts program and is now called Arts Angels. Arts Angels. Arts Angels. Arts Angels. This important program continues to provide performance tickets and supports participation in arts programs to local social service agencies who in turn distribute them to individuals or families who might otherwise not be able to attend a live performance event. Maple Ridge Arts Council (cont’d) Page 28 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 Maple Ridge Art Gallery Partial funding for the Maple Ridge Art Gallery is provided to the Arts Council through a fee for service grant from the District of Maple Ridge. The Gallery con- tinues to expand and mature as an insti- tution in the community and within the industry. Staff and volunteer involve- ment play a crucial role in setting goals and providing services through ongoing collaborations and joint activities with community groups and other Arts Coun- cil departments. • Participated in the Celebration of the Arts, which added to the nine gallery exhibits by including both the Maple Ridge and the Pitt Meadows Munici- pal Halls as exhibit locations. • Exhibit by the Garibaldi Art Club as part of their 50th anniversary cele- brations; the Red Dot Affair group exhibit which included 56 artists. • The Art Rental program featured various prominent area artists throughout the year. • The Jack and Jill student exhibit • Over 830 visitors to the gallery dur- ing its exhibition, as well as the in- clusion and support of local busi- nesses. • 115 students participated in the workshops which created the work on display. Page 29 MR/PM Parks & Leisure Services Annual Report 2009 The ACTThe ACTThe ACTThe ACT Arts Centre, Theatre and GalleryArts Centre, Theatre and GalleryArts Centre, Theatre and GalleryArts Centre, Theatre and Gallery 2008 2009 Live Performances 153 180 Non ticketed events 35 Total Theatre Attendance 38,622 41,590 Arts Programs Participation* 3,640 4,078 Maple Ridge Art GalleryMaple Ridge Art GalleryMaple Ridge Art GalleryMaple Ridge Art Gallery Exhibits/Events 27 25 Visitors 7,638 Gallery Gift shop 4,393 4,847 Volunteer Hours 4773 4861 MRPMAC members 133 128 Individual Donors 26 Arts Council Grants & ScholarshipsArts Council Grants & ScholarshipsArts Council Grants & ScholarshipsArts Council Grants & Scholarships Member Group Grants 10 13 Community Initiative Grants 1 1 School District #42 Scholarships Awarded 4 4 The gallery gift shop continues to be seen as a place of interest and unique in the products offered by local and regional artisans.