4. Parks and recreation
Walking path and accessible washrooms in Saanich. Photos: District of Saanich
See it in action
District of Saanich, BC – Parks and Recreation Older Adult Strategy
Parks and public spaces support mental and physical health, facilitate social connection, and offer important neighbourhood destinations older adults and people living with dementia.
Challenge: Older residents often lack spaces and opportunities for recreation, and want to stay connected and contribute to their wider community. In particular, the District of Saanich heard from older adults that services were often too expensive or difficult to get to and find, with cost being the primary factor behind why older adults were not using recreational facilities.
Solution overview: The District of Saanich developed a Parks and Recreation Older Adult Strategy, aiming to better connect older adults them to parks and recreational facilities. Created after an accessibility audit of their facilities, the plan provides wide-ranging strategies, including developing programming for older adults and improving the physical and visual accessibility of facilities.
The District has since made upgrades to the trail network to improve accessibility and has developed small outdoor walking loops in several parks.
Accessible programming is also core to the strategy. The District offers the Leisure Involvement-for Everyone (L.I.F.E.) program, allowing people with low incomes to access recreation in Saanich and the Greater Victoria area at a low cost, with options for free drop- in programs. There are weekly free walking programs and guided group walks for older adults in local parks, as well as a community gardening program.
Solution overview: The District of Saanich developed a Parks and Recreation Older Adult Strategy, aiming to better connect older adults them to parks and recreational facilities. Created after an accessibility audit of their facilities, the plan provides wide-ranging strategies, including developing programming for older adults and improving the physical and visual accessibility of facilities.
The District has since made upgrades to the trail network to improve accessibility and has developed small outdoor walking loops in several parks.
Accessible programming is also core to the strategy. The District offers the Leisure Involvement-for Everyone (L.I.F.E.) program, allowing people with low incomes to access recreation in Saanich and the Greater Victoria area at a low cost, with options for free drop- in programs. There are weekly free walking programs and guided group walks for older adults in local parks, as well as a community gardening program.
Relevance to the guidelines
Strategy 1.5 Open spaces
Strategy 2.1 Pedestrian paths and sidewalks
Strategy 3.1 Seating
Strategy 3.3 Placemaking
Strategy 3.4 Public toilets
Strategy 3.5 Signage
Strategy 3.6 Ground treatments
Strategy 3.7 Grade (level) changes
Strategy 3.8 Lighting
Strategy 3.10 Vegetation