Markham launches new programs to keep you active and offer safe wintertime fun

MARKHAM, ON – December 8, 2020 – Looking for some winter fun? This season, the City of Markham is offering a variety of creative, active and educational recreation and library programs.

Starting December 8, register for new outdoor, indoor and online favourites – each designed to keep you safe as we do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19. Try something new or explore an old passion this season.

New feature programs:

• Outdoor skating lessons
• Snowshoeing
• Campfire songs and marshmallow roasts
• Park Rangers
• Family geocaching workshop
• Virtual library STEAM programs
• Virtual fitness classes and personal training

“Winter is upon us and we are excited to celebrate the season and all its benefits with exciting new programing for all ages to enjoy,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “We recognize the need to provide enjoyable options that respect public health protocols currently in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 and I encourage residents to participate, have fun and stay active.”

Select winter programs will be offered in virtual and in-person formats, depending on COVID-19 safety regulations. Pay-per-play and session-long registered programs require pre-booking (no walk-ins).

There’s no tradition more Canadian than skating. So, lace up and hit the ice at one of our arenas, community ice rinks or at the Markham Civic Centre Outdoor Ice Rink – one of the largest outdoor ice rinks in the Greater Toronto Area!

Pre-booking for public skating at the Markham Civic Centre Outdoor Ice Rink, presented by Kylemore, opens December 14 for skating in late December. More information is available at markham.ca/skating. Always check ice conditions before you go. Skate and helmet rentals are available.

The City of Markham understands the social, physical and mental health benefits of staying active and engaged. During COVID-19, the City will continue to provide a variety of programs for all ages that are adapted to ensure the health and safety of our participants and staff.

The City of Markham continues to monitor and follow advice from public health officials at the federal, provincial and regional levels. The City is taking a responsible and measured approach to reopening, which is guided by the Government of Ontario’s Keeping Ontario Safe & Open COVID-19 response framework and the City of Markham’s Response, Recovery & Reinvention Plan. The health and safety of our visitors, community and staff remains our number one priority.

Related links:

• Outdoor self-guided tours of the historic Markham Museum grounds (pre-booking required)
• Self-guided tours of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham’s current exhibitions (pre-booking required)
• Take a walk on a nearby pathway in your neighbourhood
   

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Markham’s Contact Centre continues to respond to inquiries about municipal services and programs at customerservice@markham.ca and 905.477.5530, Monday to Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM.

For information and updates about the novel coronavirus and affected City services, visit markham.ca/covid19.

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office:
Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff at bfrois@markham.ca or 416.567.1177.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Jennifer Yap, Coordinator, Communications and Media Relations at jyap@markham.ca or 437.229.2450.

For COVID-19 announcements from the City of Markham: 
Visit markham.ca/covid19 or listen to 105.9 The Region – Markham’s information and emergency radio station.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 355,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 corporate head offices and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 240 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. Markham has received the Excellence Canada Gold Award for Organizational Quality & Healthy Workplace, and multiple heritage and environmental awards.  

Stay Connected: Visit our newsroom or search #MarkhamNews and #MarkhamEvents for the latest information on City programs, services and event.