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Recreation Equipment Marketplace
Introducing a new program to support organizations throughout Nova Scotia in accessing, selling, and trading used recreation equipment. The Recreation Equipment Marketplace will maintain an up-to-date listing of equipment needs and offers throughout the province. Organizations can use this program to post equipment they no longer need, trade equipment or offer equipment for free. Organizations can also list their equipment needs through our Marketplace.
To list equipment, go to the Marketplace Submissions page. Staff will add postings to our Marketplace and ensure information stays up to date. Recreation Nova Scotia will not facilitate equipment deals.
If you have any questions about this program, please get in touch with Kerri Jack.
Recreation Equipment Marketplace Listings
| Organization | Region | Contact | Listing Type | Condition | Description of equipment | Photo if attached |
| Example Organization | Halifax | For Sale | Good | Equipment description would go here. |
Photos are encouraged |
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| Roots and Boots Forest School | Halifax | |
Looking to buy | Looking to buy a shed for storage of our equipment. Ideal size 10x10. Can pick up in HRM. | ||
| LEARNINGO | Halifax | Selling | New |
The Kayak Paddle features a tough PVC construction and is designed for a perfect fit for any kid using your scooters. Scooter paddles are sold individually. Using paddles to move and steer scooters is a fun and exciting way to encourage movement and exercise. Included paddles may vary in color. 8 paddles available $200 |
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Accessibility Awareness Week Videos
Recreation Nova Scotia is celebrating Accessibility Awareness Week from May 26th to 30th by telling stories of accessible recreation throughout Nova Scotia.
The Halifax Lancers
The Halifax Lancers have been in operation since 1930 and have been making horses accessible to people with disabilities with their therapeutic riding program for over 65 years! Take a moment to watch this powerful video highlighting the impact this program has on staff, volunteers and participants. Many thanks to Claire Fraser Photography, who shot and edited this video and the Province of Nova Scotia for their financial support.
Municipality of the County of Antigonish Equipment Loan Program
Recreation Nova Scotia member Municipality of the Antigonish County is breaking down barriers to recreation for people with disabilities by making adaptive equipment more accessible. As we continue our celebration of National Accessibility Awareness Week, we will highlight the County’s free equipment loan program and the impact it has on people with disabilities, their families and community partners.
LEARNINGO
Recreation Nova Scotia member LEARNINGO is a non-profit organization located in Halifax that provides programming for individuals with Autism and those with diverse support needs. This video highlights LEARNINGO’S Peers Learning Together Program, which has been providing after-school support for children, youth and young adults since 2017.
Municipal Guide to Promising and Best Practices for Disability Inclusion in Recreation & Physical Activity
December 3rd is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day to promote an understanding of disability issues and raise awareness for equal access for persons with disabilities.
To recognize this important day, Recreation Nova Scotia (RNS), had partnered with the Active Living Alliance for People with Disabilities (ALACD), to host a one-hour, virtual Lunch & Learn on the draft Municipal Guide to Promising and Best Practices for Disability Inclusion in Recreation and Physical Activity.
Click the link below to view our recent Lunch & Learn webinar to learn more about this important project and how you can provide feedback and comments on the draft document.
Resource and training are essential in supporting anti-racism efforts because they provide accessible, curated materials to help individuals and organizations within the recreation sector deepen their understanding of racism and its impact.
Resource List
This list supports the Charter’s goal of fostering an equitable and anti-racist environment in Nova Scotia by offering tools for education, self-reflection, and practical action.
Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation - Resource List (updated January 2024)
Anti-Racism Training Module
NOTE: To begin your training, you must create an account on the REC Room, RNS' learning platform.
The Anti-Racism Training Module aims to provide individuals and organizations with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to recognize, address, and mitigate racism in recreational environments.
The training aims to increase awareness regarding colonialism and racism and how we can learn and change by reflecting on Nova Scotians' lived experiences. By offering accessible, comprehensive education on anti-racism, the training empowers leaders, staff, and volunteers to continue their learning journey.
Course Objectives
- Understand the history of the people who make up Nova Scotian communities and our recreation sector.
- Learn key-terms.
- Examine the history of recreation in Canada and understand how colonialism has influenced forms of discrimination.
- Explore how racism looks within Nova Scotia’s recreation sector from person-first perspectives
Course Outline
- Module Introduction
- Colonialism, Canada, and Recreation
- Introduction to Anti-Racism
- Review and Self-Assessment
- Conclusion
Duration
2-3 hours
Evaluation
There will be break check-ins, self-reflection, and information review throughout the course. Participants must successfully complete activities before continuing to the next section. Upon successfully completing all modules, a printable certificate will be made available.
Use these resourcse from the book as handouts, info sheets, or for workshop delivery. Click the image to download.
English Resources
Land Acknowledgement Indigenous Values The Adult's Role Safety Why ages 0-5 matter
Physical Literacy Activity per age Play Patterns Your Role in Guiding Play Risks
What to Say Mud Kitchens Loose Parts Play Dress for Outdoor Play How Much Should We Move
References Your Comfort Zone Outdoor Play Types Children's Development
French Resources
Advocating for the receration sector, it's vital RNS remains as thought leaders in the industry. We value the views and opinions of others that lead to healthier lifestyles through recreation for all Nova Scotians.
Recreation Nova Scotia is committed to maintaining relationships with recreation practitioners, community organizations, government officials, students, the business sector and other professionals in the recreation field to ensure that all Nova Scotians have access to recreation activities that contribute to an improved quality of life and healthier communities.
These articles are meant to give you a different perspective on our sector, highlight it, and inspire you. We hope they will help form a stronger recreation sector and get you thinking about how you can contribute to your own communities.
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EDIA Highlight Story: Halifax Central Library Receives Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certified Gold Ranking
Kerri Jack
The Halifax Central Library celebrated a major accessibility accomplishment this past August, achieving the highest level of accessibility possible for the built environment. The library has earned 'RHF Accessibility Certified Gold,' the top accessibility rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ program.
pdf
Read the article here.(282 KB)
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EDIA Highlight Story: Yarmouth Recreation's "She Got Game" Program
Kerri Jack
November's EDIA Highlight features Yarmouth Recreation's free "She Got Game" program. This youth, female-only program is tailored specifically for girls ages 11- 14. It empowers young girls by introducing them to various sports in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.
pdf
Read the article here.(151 KB)
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Building Resilience in Times of Crises
Rick Gilbert
In recent decades, the recreation sector has experienced more change than we are used to. We’ve taken on new imperatives, new partnerships with different sectors, and traditional allies. For the first time, our long-term direction has been articulated through a National Recreation Framework. Just as we were tapping into the power and potential of that movement, we were hit with the COVID-19 pandemic, which sent our society and our sector into a tailspin.
This article includes the evolution of recreation's role in crisis mitigation, balanced with a focus on resilience as a means for individuals, families, and communities to cope with the realities of the times.
pdf
Read the article here.(4.94 MB)
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EDIA Highlight Story: Municipality of Clare Pride Month Event
Kerri Jack
In June, the Municipality's Recreation Department planned and hosted its first full-day Pride event in the community. The event was a new addition to the Municipality's Pride Month activities. Though attendance at the event was low, this is an excellent example of how organizations commit to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, even when experiencing challenges and hardships.
pdf
Read the article here.(171 KB)
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EDIA Highlight Story: Richmond County's Point Michaud Accessibility Project
Kerri Jack
Richmond County is working with its recreation department to make Point Michaud an accessible beach for anyone with mobility issues by purchasing two Mobi-Chairs and Mobi-Mats. A project like this doesn't come without its challenges, and Sharla Sampson, Richmond County Active Living/Community Engagement Coordinator, offers some advice.
pdf
Read the article here.(337 KB)
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EDIA Highlight Story: NSORRA - Women in Moto Event
Kerri Jack
Nova Scotia Off Road Riders Association (NSORRA), which is making progress toward increasing gender equity in dirt biking, is preparing to host an event for women by women. The Women in Moto event will provide a safe, relaxed environment for women to try the sport while supporting each other, celebrating their shared passion, and understanding their challenges.
pdf
Read the article here.(243 KB)
Want to contribute your own EDIA success story? Fill out the form here!
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EDIA Highlight Story: Town of Kentville
Kerri Jack
The Town of Kentville's Inclusion and Accessibility Advisory Committee has established a Diversity and Belonging Task Team (DBTT), an ad hoc investigative/research group comprised of African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, and racialized Kentville citizens and partners tasked with bringing first-voice and cultural representation to the municipality at its fundamental core.
Read about the DBTT's efforts to build strong relationships with African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, and racialized citizens and its successes and challenges.
pdf
Read the article here.(81 KB)
Want to contribute your own EDIA success story? Fill out the form here!
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On Track for Change: The Upsides and Downsides of BIPOC-focused Recreation Programming
Fawn Logan-Young
On March 11, 2024, RNS, in solidarity with the Anti-Racism Charter, supported Electric Wheels Jr. Roller Derby Team to offer an introduction to roller derby for BIPOC folks ages 8-17, followed by a free open skate for all.
Read "
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The Upsides and Downsides of BIPOC-focused Recreational Programming(176 KB)
" by Fawn, our Anti-Racism & Equity Coordinator. It highlights the pros and cons of initiatives like this event and their impacts.
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Working in and outside of the box
Fawn Logan-Young
Volunteering at the third annual Freedom Day March in Sipekne'katik (Shubenacadie) showed me the power of leadership that stems from within the community because of local knowledge and self-determination. The ability to be present, listen and learn was a privilege.
pdf
Read the article here.(280 KB)
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Can public recreation do more to promote happiness and reduce social isolation and loneliness?
Rick Gilbert
Evidence from various credible sources indicates that a lack of social connection can lead to isolation and loneliness, reducing happiness—a concern that calls for a social policy response.
pdf
Read the article here(1.86 MB)
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Project Branch Out
Nova Scotia Outdoor Network
In the Summer of 2021, Fawn Logan-Young, a Youth Ambassador with Parks Canada, delivered an initiative called ‘Project Branch Out’. The program was designed to offer unique experiences for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) youth in camping, hiking, and paddle sports. Project Branch Out offered these guided sessions for free, partnering with various leaders and organizations to deliver the activities.
Read as Fawn reflects on the project itself and what lessons may apply to other recreation practitioners looking to engage youth in the outdoors.
Read the article here.
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South Shore Art on the Trail
Nova Scotia Outdoor Network
In 2018, Britt Vegsund, the Active Living Coordinator for the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg at the time, embarked on a mission to bring exciting art to the trails of Lunenburg County. The goal was to encourage outdoor physical activity and invite more people to connect with nature and their communities via the trail networks.
Read about the project and where its evolution three years later.
Read the article here.
pdf NOW AVAILABLE IN FRENCH!(8.13 MB)
Playing outside is one of the best ways for children to be healthy their whole lives. Yet, for many reasons, adults sometimes find it hard to get children outside or need more confidence in their abilities to get the most out of playtime.
Because outdoor play is so wonderful, Recreation Nova Scotia has produced a new resource for parents, caregivers, and staff who deliver children's programming. This booklet is entitled: Why Outdoor Play Matters: A practical guide for Parents and Caregivers. The content includes topics like what to say instead of "be careful," the adult role in outdoor play, nine common play patterns, how to dress children for different seasons, the joy of mud kitchens, and much more! We hope this booklet provides valuable tips on how to get started and support more outdoor play in all seasons.
RNS is also working with partners in education and early childhood development agencies to get a copy of this book into the hands of each household/family/caregiver in the province.
Parents and caregivers can use the information and ideas in this booklet throughout childhood from ages 0-12.
Get your copy today and explore the ideas and new ways to play, enjoy playing yourself, and celebrate your successes as a play leader!
pdf Download your digital copy here!(8.10 MB) ____________________________________________________________
