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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
