Pearl Lorentzen

Lakeside Leader

Many people are likely aware that the Slave Lake Multi Rec Centre has two ice rinks. They may be less familiar with the fieldhouse and the programs there. One of the new ones this fall is called ‘Play Zone.’ It is every other Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon.

“Eventually, I’d like to see it run every Saturday,” says Laura Grottoli, Town of Slave Lake program coordinator. “It’s to provide a space for young families to come to do something during the cold.”

Play Zone is for toddlers to 12-years-olds.

“The feedback is really positive,” says Grottoli.

The fieldhouse has marking on the floor for various types of sports. During Play Zone, this area is littered with fun toys, which help kids improve their motor skills. This includes scooters, a large multi-coloured parachute, large soccer balls, blue mats, balance rocks, skipping ropes, tunnels, floor hockey sticks, tug-of-war ropes, etc. These are used for Summer Splash and PD Days.

“I want to build on the equipment we have,” says Grottoli. She’ll be looking into new toys and sports equipment in the new year.

Adults or babysitters must be in the fieldhouse with toddlers to seven year olds. For older kids, eight to 12, the responsible person must be in the building and accessible.

For example, they can’t be coaching hockey, says Grottoli.

Parents don’t pay. It is $2.75 for child. It is also covered by monthly (or longer) passes MRC or multi facility passes.

Attendance was low at first, says Grottoli, but is picking up, so there’s enough interest for the program to continue.

The next ones are December 9 and 23. The new schedule will be in the Winter Program Guide which will likely come out the first week in January.

People of all ages use the MRC.

“The big time for teens to come is Monday to Friday,” says Grottoli. From 3:30 to 5:30 or 6:30 p.m., the fieldhouse has drop-in for various sports for all ages.

These are popular with teens, says Grottoli.

There is also all ages sports on Saturdays from 3 to 8. In the evening, Tuesday to Friday, the fieldhouse has other drop-in sports, but the Thursday one is ages 16+. At lunch time, there is drop-in sports for 16+. For details on MRC programs, call 780-849-8028.