8.1. SR 12-01-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Initiative 5: Provide Engaging Recreational Programming for the Entire Community Just as residents may associate emotionally with their neighborhood park, favorite hiking spot, or frequent bike ride, they are just as attached to their classes, farmers market, concerts, sports teams, and recreation program instructors. Elk River provides a wide selection of offerings to community members ranging from youth and adult athletics, to one -time events, classes, and facility rentals. Recommendations: 1. Provide high quality, diverse recreation program offerings for all ages Strategies: • Provide high quality early childhood recreation programs. • Hold multi -age recreation programs so siblings can attend programs at the same time and location. • Provide for families with events, drop -in activities, and intergenerational activities. • Focus adult programs on fitness and wellness. • Increase focus on teen activities. Consider: ► Developing a volunteer program where teens are offered natural resource based learning experiences which foster land stewardship. ► Holding an annual special event for grades 9 -12 with music and games. ► Engaging youth in the program design to ensure it is relevant, well attended, and high quality. ► Recruiting a teen to participate on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission or creating a Teen Advisory Board. ► Foster relationship with baby- boomers and collaborate on activities. ► Feature youth artists in a concert series. 2. Expand senior programming as the baby- boomers age. Strategies: • Provide low impact opportunities for fitness, health, and wellness. • Evaluate need for expansion of programming at the Activity Center. • Continue to evaluate Activity Center financial and use needs to ensure sustainable operation. • Develop events and clubs such as bike groups, volunteer opportunities, and social opportunities. • Foster relationships with teens and collaborate on activities. Draft 11.25.14 Chapter 5: How We Get There 52