Fall Into a Season of Fun at MacDonald Island Park

Whether it is the perennial favourite Red Cross swimming lessons or fitness classes, sport leagues, dance classes or visual arts programs, MacDonald Island Park hosts a variety of amenities and skilled professionals ready to engage participants in an array of exciting and skill-building activities.

“Programming at MacDonald Island Park is created and delivered with respect to both the many incredible amenities we have available as well as ensuring we are meeting the needs of community residents,” says Rachel Orser, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo, operator of MacDonald Island Park. “We seek to meet the fundamental program needs such as swimming lessons, but we also offer programs like babysitting courses and First Aid Certification courses through our professional Syncrude Aquatic Centre staff. Given the broad demographic of our community, we look to develop programming that covers that wide range as much as possible, meaning that when the kids head back into fall programs at the Island their parents will have options in which they can participate, too.”

Fitness classes for adults are offered through the MacDonald Island Park Fitness Centre, and the enthusiastic, skilled and encouraging fitness specialists work to develop programming that is both challenging and satisfying for program participants looking to improve fitness levels, engage with other members of the community and reach their own personal health and wellness goals.

Amenities that are unique in the community, such as the rock climbing wall, offer the opportunity for innovative programming that not only develops skills but builds confidence. Learning the ropes on the rock climbing wall prepares both children and adults with the attitude and skills needed to tackle new tasks of all kinds, and fosters the development of confidence in achieving new heights.

Sport leagues of various kinds are also available at the Island, providing the opportunity for youth and adults to not only enjoy their sport of choice but to connect with other individuals in the community, building new relationships and making new friends. The leagues, while competitive, focus on a fun-first style of competition and promote community cohesiveness through a shared love of sport and recreation.

Arts and culture are not forgotten at MacDonald Island Park, with a bustling dance academy filled with students of all ages and skill levels, and visual arts classes and workshops available for members of the community to explore and expand their creative skills.

Right down to the youngest and oldest family members, MacDonald Island Park has programs, classes, and activities designed to encourage an active, healthy lifestyle. Programs such as “Walk on the Island” encourage activity in senior citizens, and thus MacDonald Island Park truly embraces the concept of lifelong health and wellness, with an emphasis on having fun and enjoying the experience.

“We are tremendously proud to offer a wide variety of programs, classes, and activities to the community,” says Orser. “One of the benefits of the variety of amenities located at the Island is the opportunity to take full advantage of everyone and utilize it to the full extent in order to provide new experiences for our members and visitors.”

Orser says: “The long summer days may be ending, but at MacDonald Island Park the next season of programs is just beginning. From aquatics to arts and everything in between, it’s all here at the Island. We will say farewell to summer and dive into fall and winter with an exciting new line-up of programs, classes, and activities with something for everyone to enjoy!”