Grade 5 students in North Durham are invited to get active

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

NORTH DURHAM: Grade 5 students across North Durham can hit the ice, make a splash at the pool, and discover new recreational activities, all for free, through the Durham Region Grade 5 Action Pass.

The program offers all Grade 5 students in Durham free access to public swimming, public skating, and select drop-in programs at participating recreation facilities, including locations in Brock Township, Scugog Township and Uxbridge.

“This is a great chance for local youth to be able to enjoy all of the amazing recreational opportunities available across Durham, including several right here in Brock,” said Tamra Kaiser, communications and tourism co-ordinator for the Township of Brock.

For families in Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge, the pass offers an opportunity to explore local facilities while encouraging children to stay active and try new activities.

In Brock, students can use their passes at the Foster Hewitt Memorial Community Centre, in Beaverton, the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre, in Cannington, and Sunderland Memorial Arena.

Scugog students can access the program through the Scugog Community Recreation Centre, while Uxbridge students can use their passes at Uxpool. Availability varies by facility, and activities are offered seasonally.

The pass can also be used at participating recreation centres throughout Durham Region, including facilities in Ajax, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering and Whitby.

Students in Brock can request a pass by emailing recreation@brock.ca. Scugog residents can contact the Scugog Community Recreation Centre, at 905-985-8698, while Uxbridge residents can contact Uxpool, at 905-852-7831, for information about obtaining a pass.

To use the pass, students must be accompanied by an adult and bring proof of address, proof of date of birth, and a digital or printed copy of their Grade 5 Action Pass.

The initiative comes as concerns continue about declining physical activity among children and youth. According to the program information, only 39 percent of Canadian children and youth meet the recommendation of at least 60 minutes of heart-pumping physical activity each day.

Physical activity levels also tend to decline as children get older, including after Grade 5. By offering free access to recreation, the program aims to help young people develop healthy habits and maintain active lifestyles as they grow.

For North Durham families, the Grade 5 Action Pass provides a chance to take advantage of local recreational facilities, whether that means spending an afternoon at the pool, heading out for a skate, or trying a drop-in program.