With restrictions easing up a little, and some events returning to the pre-pandemic times, families in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows will get a chance to do a lot more than just explore the beautiful outdoors, in the two cities, for Family Day this year.
In the city of Maple Ridge, on Monday, Feb. 21, a wide variety of free activities will mark the day and help families come together to celebrate either at the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre, Greg Moore Youth Centre, or Planet Ice in Maple Ridge.
Maple Ridge Mayor Mike Morden noted the importance of celebrating family year this year, especially with how things have changed over the past two years.
“Over the last two years the importance of family connections has been front and centre as we’ve all worked together to keep those we care about safe. Family not only includes those who you are related to, but also those who you choose to spend time with, and those that bring you friendship, love and support,” he said.
The city will be hosting a Wheelchair Sports Try It and Open play event at the Leisure centre, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is open to everyone, with all abilities and would include a variety of sports such as Wheelchair Basketball, Boccia, Power Soccer and Para-Ice Hockey.
People will however need to register by visiting mapleridge.ca/1484 or by calling 604-467-7422.
The city will also have a free Family Day Open Gym from 2 to 4 p.m., free indoor bouldering, skateboarding and scootering and free Parent & Tot Skate, Family Day skate, Hockey Try It and Ringette Try It activities. There will also be a 50 per cent off regular drop-in admission for activities at the indoor pool, group fitness, aqua fitness, indoor sports courts gymnasium and fitness centre.
Details on all these events, can be found on: https://mapleridge.ca/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1174.
“I hope you are able to spend some time with those you care about. From my family to yours, I wish all a safe and enjoyable Family Day,” said Morden.
The City of Pitt Meadows will also be hosting a free Family Day skate event from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Pitt Meadows Arena. Information is available on page 13 of the city’s winter brochure here: https://user-fk0ab4w.cld.bz/Winter-Jan-Mar-2022-Pitt-Meadows-Guide/12/.
“Spending time with our families helps to build stronger relationships and lifetime memories, while also contributing to personal and community health and well-being,” said Mayor Bill Dingwall. “This Family Day we invite our community to join us for a Family Day Skate with free admission. We look forward to families joining us for this fun activity.”
Libraries in both cities are encouraging residents to take advantage of the various Take n’ Make craft, kids podcasts, movies and books with the library. Heather Scoular, the director of customer experience said that FVRL celebrated families every day and an official Family Day is a good opportunity for families to enjoy the local libraries.
“Family Day is an excellent opportunity to plan ahead for some library fun! Our staff will be spending time with their families, and we encourage customers to do the same by visiting the library before-hand. FVRL offers a wide variety of reading material, movies, resources, services, lending items, and online programs. Supporting and celebrating modern literacy in all its forms is what we do,” said Scoular.
The Alouette River Management Society will also be hosting a event in honour of Family Day. The society has partnered with UBC’s Wild and Immersive to host the first Watercourse Warrior Challenge, a virtual distance challenge where people can walk, run, bike, hike, ride, paddle, or wheel any or all the challenges, all while exploring the Alouette Watershed.
To register people can go to https://events.eply.com/WatercourseWarriorChallenge3365341.
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Unlike other years, this year, the Maple Ridge Museum however, won’t be hosting any Family Day activities.
“Even though the PHOs will be loosening up, we feel it’s best to delay anything that would promote gathering at this time,” said Shannon Macelli, the community engagement coordinator with the museum.
“However, Family Day does also coincide with our National Heritage Week. Again, keeping things simple with the covid restrictions, we are planning to go ahead with two activities, two historic walking tours - one of Downtown Maple Ridge and one of the Maple Ridge Cemetery, and the opening of our newly retrofitted archival research space.”
The staff at the Maple Ridge Museum and Community Archives recently undertook the task of cleaning out and converting the Brickyard Office on the museum site into a fully functioning and accessible community archives space. Once the archives opens, community members will be able to come to search the archives, get the help of archives professionals, and interact with the archives itself. The space will operate by appointment only until COVID restrictions lift and then it will be drop in during open hours, she said.
The details of the event will be available on the museum’s Facebook page and on its website.
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