REC Connect
RDN Recreation and Parks offers programs and services year-round.
Details for fall 2026 activities, swim and skate lessons, fitness and more in the oceanside area are online and registration is open. To view a pdf copy of the fall activities click here. Please note that activity details are subject to change. The most up-to-date information is always available online and is updated in real time.
Register to this page and we will email you as soon as the next season of lessons, activities and more are ready to view online.
Stay active and connected:
- Attend an event, click here for all of the details.
- Visit a local RDN park or trail that is new to you,
- Register for the Grade 5 and Grade 6 Active Pass and receive free drop-in to swims and skates.
If you need to reach the recreation department, please visit either recreation office or call 250-248-3252 or email us at recparks@rdn.bc.ca and of course keep following us on Facebook and Instagram.
RDN Recreation and Parks offers programs and services year-round.
Details for fall 2026 activities, swim and skate lessons, fitness and more in the oceanside area are online and registration is open. To view a pdf copy of the fall activities click here. Please note that activity details are subject to change. The most up-to-date information is always available online and is updated in real time.
Register to this page and we will email you as soon as the next season of lessons, activities and more are ready to view online.
Stay active and connected:
- Attend an event, click here for all of the details.
- Visit a local RDN park or trail that is new to you,
- Register for the Grade 5 and Grade 6 Active Pass and receive free drop-in to swims and skates.
If you need to reach the recreation department, please visit either recreation office or call 250-248-3252 or email us at recparks@rdn.bc.ca and of course keep following us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Active Aging Week 2026
Inspiring Community Connections with FREE activities October 5 to 10, 2026.
All activities are FREE — some are drop-in and some are pre-registered.
What is Active Aging Week?
Active Aging Week was initiated by the International Council of Active Aging to celebrate aging and to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle on a national scale. Since 2013, RDN Recreation and Parks along with community partners have been offering FREE activities for our community.
For more information, please contact Rob Brownlee, Recreation Coordinator at rbrownlee@rdn.bc.ca
Not sure where the activities are located? Here are the addresses for the host locations.
- Arrowsmith Hall Coombs Fairgrounds: 1014 Ford Road, Coombs
- Berwick Parksville Fitness Room: 180 Jensen Avenue E., Parksville
- Berwick QB: 120 First Ave W, Qualicum Beach
- Jensen Centre: 132 Jensen Ave E, Parksville
- Lighthouse Community Centre: 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay
- Nanoose Place Community Centre: 2925 North West Bay Rd, Nanoose Bay
- Oceanside Place Arena: 830 West Island Highway, Parksville
- Parksville Seniors’ Drop-In Centre: 144 Middleton Ave, Parksville
- Qualicum Beach Rotary Hall: 211 Fern Rd, Qualicum Beach
- Qualicum Beach Commons: 744 Primrose St, Qualicum Beach
- Qualicum Beach Community Hall; 644 Memorial Ave, Qualicum Beach
- Springwood Park Pkg Lot: 500 Despard Ave. Parksville
- The Bradley Centre: 975 Shearme Rd, Coombs
Inspiring Community Connections with FREE activities October 5 to 10, 2026.
All activities are FREE — some are drop-in and some are pre-registered.
What is Active Aging Week?
Active Aging Week was initiated by the International Council of Active Aging to celebrate aging and to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle on a national scale. Since 2013, RDN Recreation and Parks along with community partners have been offering FREE activities for our community.
For more information, please contact Rob Brownlee, Recreation Coordinator at rbrownlee@rdn.bc.ca
Not sure where the activities are located? Here are the addresses for the host locations.
- Arrowsmith Hall Coombs Fairgrounds: 1014 Ford Road, Coombs
- Berwick Parksville Fitness Room: 180 Jensen Avenue E., Parksville
- Berwick QB: 120 First Ave W, Qualicum Beach
- Jensen Centre: 132 Jensen Ave E, Parksville
- Lighthouse Community Centre: 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay
- Nanoose Place Community Centre: 2925 North West Bay Rd, Nanoose Bay
- Oceanside Place Arena: 830 West Island Highway, Parksville
- Parksville Seniors’ Drop-In Centre: 144 Middleton Ave, Parksville
- Qualicum Beach Rotary Hall: 211 Fern Rd, Qualicum Beach
- Qualicum Beach Commons: 744 Primrose St, Qualicum Beach
- Qualicum Beach Community Hall; 644 Memorial Ave, Qualicum Beach
- Springwood Park Pkg Lot: 500 Despard Ave. Parksville
- The Bradley Centre: 975 Shearme Rd, Coombs
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Water Safety
Check out these water safety tips and resources before embarking on a splashing good summer!
Backyard Pool Safety
We want you to have a splashing good summer in your backyard pool.
Before you jump in, check out these tips to prevent water injuries this summer.

Learn to Swim
Learning to swim is an important life skill that can play a key role in helping to prevent drowning. Plus it is fun.
Swimming lessons are offered at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Register online or call 250-752-5014
Unable to attend swim lessons, here are some tips to practice your swimming on your own.
- Check your last report card and see what swimming skills you can work on. Try some new ones and show them off to your parents, grandparents and friends.
- PLAY! Playing in the water is the best way to build endurance and develop water skills. Practice at the beach, the lake, backyard pools and even in your bathtub. Blow bubbles, dunk your head, splash, float and kick.
- You can practice your swim skills on land too. Try the at home dryland swim lesson
- Attend an Everyone Welcome Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. View swim schedule online or call 250-752-5014.
Are you looking to hire a Lifeguard or Swimming Instructor?
There are a few important things to consider before hiring a lifeguard or swimming instructor for your backyard pool or local swimming spot.
Is the person certified and authorized to provide swim lessons or guarding? The Lifesaving Society provides certification for lifeguards and swimming instructors. RDN recommends only hiring certified instructors to ensure they are providing you with a safe and quality service.
Are they prepared for an emergency? Certified instructors should be trained to handle emergency situations like injuries or drowning. Make sure they are prepared and that there is equipment available to handle emergencies (first aid kit, phone, rescue devices, backup person).
What about insurance? Ensure you and your instructor have the necessary liability insurance coverage. Your house insurance policy may not cover this. Lifeguards and swim instructors should also have their own insurance to cover liability for themselves or their business.
For more info check out Lifesaving Society BC
Lifejackets
As the weather gets warmer and we head outdoors to kayak, SUP or boat, please make sure you have your lifejackets/pdf. Did you know it's the law? Transport Canada requires a lifejacket and a sound signaling device (ie a whistle) when on the water. Plus, if you are heading out after sunset or before sunrise you are also required to have a watertight flashlight. Find out more.
Check out these water safety tips and resources before embarking on a splashing good summer!
Backyard Pool Safety
We want you to have a splashing good summer in your backyard pool.
Before you jump in, check out these tips to prevent water injuries this summer.

Learn to Swim
Learning to swim is an important life skill that can play a key role in helping to prevent drowning. Plus it is fun.
Swimming lessons are offered at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Register online or call 250-752-5014
Unable to attend swim lessons, here are some tips to practice your swimming on your own.
- Check your last report card and see what swimming skills you can work on. Try some new ones and show them off to your parents, grandparents and friends.
- PLAY! Playing in the water is the best way to build endurance and develop water skills. Practice at the beach, the lake, backyard pools and even in your bathtub. Blow bubbles, dunk your head, splash, float and kick.
- You can practice your swim skills on land too. Try the at home dryland swim lesson
- Attend an Everyone Welcome Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. View swim schedule online or call 250-752-5014.
Are you looking to hire a Lifeguard or Swimming Instructor?
There are a few important things to consider before hiring a lifeguard or swimming instructor for your backyard pool or local swimming spot.
Is the person certified and authorized to provide swim lessons or guarding? The Lifesaving Society provides certification for lifeguards and swimming instructors. RDN recommends only hiring certified instructors to ensure they are providing you with a safe and quality service.
Are they prepared for an emergency? Certified instructors should be trained to handle emergency situations like injuries or drowning. Make sure they are prepared and that there is equipment available to handle emergencies (first aid kit, phone, rescue devices, backup person).
What about insurance? Ensure you and your instructor have the necessary liability insurance coverage. Your house insurance policy may not cover this. Lifeguards and swim instructors should also have their own insurance to cover liability for themselves or their business.
For more info check out Lifesaving Society BC
Lifejackets
As the weather gets warmer and we head outdoors to kayak, SUP or boat, please make sure you have your lifejackets/pdf. Did you know it's the law? Transport Canada requires a lifejacket and a sound signaling device (ie a whistle) when on the water. Plus, if you are heading out after sunset or before sunrise you are also required to have a watertight flashlight. Find out more.
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Fitness Walking Handbook
Congratulations on taking the first step to a healthier you. The Fitness Walking Handbook will help you make walking a part of your everyday life. Download it today
If you would like to track your progress, consider downloading the Participaction App. It's free and also a great resource to help you meet your fitness goals.
Congratulations on taking the first step to a healthier you. The Fitness Walking Handbook will help you make walking a part of your everyday life. Download it today
If you would like to track your progress, consider downloading the Participaction App. It's free and also a great resource to help you meet your fitness goals.
- How can I make registration day easier and get the programs we want?
- How do I know when programs and activities are available for registration?
- How can I get an email when programs can be viewed online before registration opens?
- How do I find recreation programs in South Nanaimo - Area A?
- Do I need an Emergency Information Form for Summer Camps?
- How do I access inclusive supports to participate in recreation programs?
- What are Automated Waitlists?

Terry Fox Run
Join us for the 46th annual Terry Fox Run taking place on Sunday, September 20 at Rathtrevor Provincial Park at 10 a.m. Join your community to run, walk, bike or volunteer.
Registration: 9 a.m. onsite or online
Rathtrevor Provincial Park 1240 Rath Rd, Parksville - Picnic Shelter #1
Volunteers needed, contact RDN Recreation and Parks via email: kaddison@rdn.bc.ca or call 250-248-3252
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Click here to play video
Meet the Summer Leaders 2026
This summer, we flew in the best camp leaders around โ and theyโre ready to welcome you to a season full of fun, friendship and unforgettable memories. Whether you're into adventures, creative crafts, sports or just making new friends, there's a camp for everyone with RDN Recreation.
๐ Learn more and register at getinvolved.rdn.ca/rec-connect
๐ Call us at 250-248-3252 or 250-752-5014
Community Directory Sports, Arts, Groups,and Services
A free resource with sports, arts, groups and services available in the Oceanside Area. Want to join this directory? See a wrong number or website? Call 250-248-3252 or email recparks@rdn.bc.ca to let us know.
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Superintendent, Recreation Program Services
Email jhopewell@rdn.bc.ca






