As February break nears, parents may be looking for options to keep their children busy during the days and thanks to the City of Martensville, there is an opportunity to keep kids active, despite the cold weather!
Kicking off the February break will be “Family Fun Day” on February 19th at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP) from 1pm-6pm. This marks the third year this event has been held. Court #1 will feature family badminton and basketball, while Court #2 will have laser tag available and Court #3 will be the toddler play area. “We want to be able to provide a nice option for people to get out of the house and do something together as a family on Family Day. There is something for everyone to do,” Angie Reddekopp, City of Martensville Program Coordinator said.
After receiving requests from parents looking for something to occupy their children on days when there is no school, the City of Martensville is now hosting a ‘School’s Out!’ program at the MAP from Tuesday, February 20 to Friday, February 23. Each day will feature a different theme and runs from 10am-12pm for Grades 1-4 and from 1pm-3pm for Grades 5-8 and will cost only $5/day, which includes a full day pass to the MAP. “This program is a good alternative to sitting around over the break. That’s the basic intent of it. It is not intended to be a babysitting service, but instead, something to get the kids moving and having a blast,” Reddekopp noted. Reddekopp also added that this program would be perfect for those running a daycare, as the younger kids could partake in Toddler Time, while the older kids can participate in the School’s Out! Program.
A “kick off” to this program was held on January 31st, and saw a great response from both parents and their children. The program themes throughout the February break were designed by Ryan Desjardins, a Prairie Spirit School Division substitute teacher who has been contracted by the City of Martensville to run the School’s Out! programming. “Being a substitute teacher, Ryan has the same days off from teaching as the kids do from school, so it works out perfectly. He has experience working with kids and planning fun learning options as well,” Reddekopp added. Each day will consist of its own theme; however, all days will consist of activities to get the kids moving and thinking. “We have had a cold blast lately, so people are staying inside and not getting out and about. This is the perfect chance for them to do that,” Reddekopp stated.
For those interested in this program, you are required to pre-register, so Desjardin can prepare in advance for each child. You can register by contacting the MAP at (306) 683-5576. The program will continue throughout the winter, and possibly into the spring months.
In addition, the City of Martensville will also be offering additional public skating and shinny times throughout the February break. Times can be found by visiting www.martensvilleschedules.ca/public_skate_shinny.
