The RM of Ritchot has a recreation equipment lending program where residents of the RM as well as surrounding communities can borrow equipment at no cost.
Coordinator of community engagement for the RM of Ritchot, Danielle Peters, says the Ritchot Recreation Department created the program to help eliminate barriers by providing free recreation equipment to residents.
“It's also about creating opportunities for people to connect with families and friends, as well as give them the chance to try new activities that perhaps they wouldn't typically have access to.”
They have a large variety of equipment such as cross-country skis, snowshoes, lawn games, disc golf kits, and their newest addition, nature backpacks.
She says the lending program is very popular among residents, especially the snowshoes.
“Of course, this winter that we just had wasn't as popular because there wasn't any snow to go snowshoeing with,” she says. “This past winter was our first season with the skis, and we had quite a few people borrow them when they went out to Hecla or Gimli where they had a little bit more snow.”
Last summer they launched their lawn games equipment.
Peters says they have quite the extensive list, and they are always adding to it.
“We have giant Jenga, giant Connect Four, giant checkers, lawn darts, bocci ball, crossnet volleyball, spike ball, bottle bash, washer toss, and can jam. That's been pretty popular, especially with the warm weather.”
She says a lot of people borrow the equipment for events.
“Birthday parties, wedding receptions, corporate events, family gatherings, you name it.”
They are going to be launching their disc golf kits in the next couple of weeks which will include a driver, an iron, and a putter.
“We just got our nets in last fall, so we have a disc golf course here in St. Adolphe.”
They most recently launched their nature backpacks, which come with a variety of supplies.
“We have binoculars, bug nets, resource manuals, so how to spot different trees and different birds and different aquatic species. There's a compass, collection jars, just a bunch of awesome stuff that you can go out and explore the various parks and wilderness areas with.”
She says this project was made possible due to the Healthy Together Now grant through Southern Health.
“These nature backpacks are community-driven initiatives aimed at fostering meaningful interactions between community members while reconnecting with nature. Individuals are encouraged to appreciate the beauty of nature, engage in sustainable practices, and build lasting connections within their communities.”
They currently have six backpacks, but Peters says if they are in high demand they will be getting more.
To check out the lending program, visit ritchot.com and fill out a lending form.
Once you fill out the form, Peters will gather all your equipment and then all you have to do is visit the office and pick it up.
With files from Carly Koop
Thu, Jun 27, 2:00 PM
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