SPRINGDALE, N.L. — The Town of Springdale was recognized by Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador as this year’s Active Communities Award winner.
The award, presented at the organization’s annual awards banquet in Gander this past weekend, recognizes the achievement of communities who have worked to create places, spaces and opportunities for people to be active and engage in their communities.
“I think it is excellent,” Shauna Hewlett, Springdale’s director of recreation, tourism and heritage, said of the recognition. “We are really proud of it. We are honoured they decided to recognize us this way, and I think it is well deserved.”
The town of less than 3,000 people has a lot happening in terms of being active, according to Hewlett. The outlook on recreation has changed in most communities, she said. It is not just sports — although they are important as well — but activities and events that engage people and keep them active to spur a positive environment.
“I think it is very important for mental, social and physical well-being of all residents,” she said. “It is really important, especially now with mental health and seeing the benefits of being active.”
To ensure an age-friendly community, the Town of Springdale has partnered with the Life Unlimited for Older Adults and other community agencies and groups. This group was awarded funding from the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development for their Age Friendly Care 2 Ride Program, and also had an individual complete training in Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador’s new older adult physical activity program, Active for Life.
The Town of Springdale has many outdoor facilities and spaces to provide healthy and active living to residents. From walking and skiing trails to the playground, pool and George Huxter Memorial Park, there are many opportunities for residents to participate in recreational activities.
There are also a variety of organized activities and special events available in Springdale to go along with the outdoor spaces. Springdale’s available sports includes volleyball, soccer, softball, hockey and figure skating.
There are many special events throughout the year such as Canada Day activities, tournaments, Winter Carnival, an annual figure skating ice show, and most recently the town hosted a Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador “Play Days” event in partnership with local schools.
