Electoral Area A Parks, Recreation, and Culture Services

Winter 2025 programs will be viewable online Friday, November 29.

Registration will open on Tuesday, December 3 at 8 a.m.

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New to Electoral Area A Parks, Recreation, and Culture and not sure where to start? Review some of the frequently asked questions for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions and Important Information

How do I create an account to register for programs?

1. Click the blue Register for Area A Recreation Programs button above.

2. Click Create an Account.

             

3. Enter your email and click Next. 

4. Enter your details and create a password.

5. Under your Account Options, click Manage Family Member to add your family to your account.

           

6. Once all family members have been added, you are ready to register for programs.

7. Click Activities in the blue menu bar and search Area A to view all programs in Cedar, South Wellington, Yellowpoint and Cassidy.

Please don't hesitate to contact the Recreation Coordinator at 250-268-7354 with any questions, or for assistance in creating your account and adding family members.

How do I get access to my online account if it was created by RDN staff over the phone?

To access your online account if a Recreation Coordinator or Recreation Receptionist created an account for you over the phone:

1. Click the blue Register for Area A Recreation Programs button above.

2. Click Sign In.

3. Enter your email and click Forgot your password?

4. Check your inbox or junk mail folder for the email with a link to reset your password.

How do I find out about new programs available?

Typically, programs are released on a seasonal basis however, we may add new programs as they are developed. To find out about new programs available in Area A, click the blue Register for Area A Recreation Programs button above and look for the symbol. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to stay informed about services, program releases, and registration.

 Alternatively, contact the Recreation Coordinator for information by phone at 250-268-7354 or by email at jthorne [at] rdn.bc.ca.

How do I withdraw from a program?

To withdraw, please call 250-268-7354. Alternatively, you may call Oceanside Place at 250-248-3252 or Ravensong Aquatic Centre at 250-752-5014 where a Recreation Receptionist will be able to assist you as well.

Please note our refund policy below. 

Inclusive support in RDN Area A Recreation programs

The RDN Area A Recreation has inclusive support available as needed to support individuals in programs. Contact the Recreation Coordinator at 250-268-7354 to discuss the options. Inclusive support is subject to staff availability. 

 A program session has already started, can I still register?

Yes, if a program session has already started, you may register. The registration system will pro-rate the registration fee to reflect the remaining sessions.

To register, click the blue Register for Area A Recreation Programs button above or call 250-268-7354.

What does a day at Camp Timber or Pro D Day Camp look like?

As RDN camps are new to Area A, you may be wondering what the day will look like. A typical day of camp is structured as outlined below. Timing for activities can vary based on how much fun the camp is having, the weather, or the interests of participants. This structure of the day allows flexibility for families and opportunities for structured and free play for an all-around great day.

8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Drop off and Welcome to Camp Stations

9:30 – 9:45 a.m. Circle time

9:45 – 10 a.m. Snack

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Morning Activities

12 – 12:30 p.m. Lunch

12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Afternoon Activities

2:30 – 2:45 p.m. Snack

2:45 – 3 p.m. Circle Time

3 – 4 p.m. Pick up and Goodbye until next time Stations.

Please pack a nut-free lunch with extra snacks and a water bottle.

Depending on the weather you may need to also pack a hat, sunscreen, bathing suit, and towel for warm weather or a warm hat, gloves, warm jacket, rain or snow gear for cold weather. We love to play outside!

Pickleball Net Rentals

Two Pickleball nets are available to rent from the Cedar Heritage Centre (1644 MacMillan Road, Nanaimo). One pickleball net rental includes:

        Portable Bag

        1 net

        Set-up Instructions

        1 set of court markers

The Pickleball nets are available for residents or community groups to rent. The rental fee is $10 (incl tax) per net/day up to a maximum of 7 consecutive days plus a $300 refundable deposit per net. 

Pickleball nets can be picked up and dropped off at Cedar Heritage Centre by appointment.

Weekend bookings are considered a 3-day rental (Pick-up Friday and Drop-off Monday). Pickleball nets must be booked at least 1 business day in advance by calling 250-268-7354 or in person by appointment. The rental fee and refundable deposit must be paid at the time of booking. The refundable deposit will be refunded once the net(s) have been returned in satisfactory condition.

For more information or to book a net rental, call 250-268-7354.

Pickleball Volunteers

Are you thinking you might want to volunteer?

The job of a Pickleball Volunteer:

• Attend orientation and first aid training with the RDN. 
• Commit to a flexible schedule of 1-2 days a week.
• Check the facility, set up/take down nets, take attendance.
• Facilitate gameplay and make adjustments as needed for the number of players.
• Attend to any incidents or first aid.
• Answer questions and listen to "passionate comments", no one complains at Pickleball.

The pay:

• Play pickleball during their volunteer sessions as a regular rotating player.
• FREE registration at other RDN Pickleball sessions
• High fives from the Recreation Coordinator and all the happy players. 

There are two volunteers per session scheduled in advance based on each volunteers availability.

If you think you would like to volunteer, contact Jessie Thorne, Recreation Coordinator at jthorne [at] rdn.bc.ca or 250-268-7354 for your name to be added to our interest list.

 

 

Winter Weather and Program Cancellations

If bad weather occurs, we will reach out to registered participants to let them know if a program needs to be cancelled.

Above all else, if you are uncomfortable or it is unsafe for you to travel, please stay home. 

Watch RDN social media for the most immediate service notices; Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram or subscribe to RDN alerts to stay informed on all RDN services. 

If schools are cancelled, community recreation morning programs will also be cancelled. Check the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools website for any school cancellation notices.

If conditions at a specific site are compromised due to power outages, ice or snow removal, emails will be sent to program registrants as soon as possible. 

Anything that is scheduled after 12 p.m. will be reassessed by 11 a.m. and updated on social media and by email, if possible.

What is your refund policy?

Withdrawal from camps (partial or full day) requires seven (7) days' notice before the start date.

Withdrawal from programs and activities requires 72 hours' notice before the start date. If less than the required amount of time is provided, no refund or credit will be issued.

To withdraw from a program, please call 250-268-7354.

Regrettably, if a minimum number of registrants is not met, we may have to cancel or combine classes due to low registration. These decisions are made prior to the program start date. Please register early and spread the word to avoid disappointment. A 100% refund is granted when we cancel a program.

Extended illness/injury: In case of extended illness or injury, a prorated refund or credit may be granted upon the provision of a medical note.

Missed Classes: Classes missed due to illness, vacation, or other reasons will not be refunded or credited. 

My child is not attending a program today, how do I let the leaders know?

If your child will not be attending a program, please call or email the Recreation Coordinator as soon as possible at jthorne [at] rdn.bc.ca or 250-268-7354. 

Informing us your child will be absent from the program helps us ensure we know who to expect at the program and to adjust planned activities as necessary.

How do I view a schedule of my family's upcoming activities?

Your My Account feature allows you to view a weekly or monthly schedule of your family's upcoming activities. This is the quickest way to double-check what days you or your child are registered in activities or programs.

1. Click the blue Register for Area A Recreation Programs button above.

2. Click Sign-in to access your online account. 

3. Click View Family Members Schedule.

            

4. Select the Family Members you wish to view.

           

5. Select the Schedule Type. We recommend that you select all so you don't miss an activity or FlexReg program. You can also search by Center and Facilities.

6. Select the Week or Month view.

7. If you wish, click Print or Add to your calendar.

Have questions?

Contact the Area A Parks, Recreation, and Culture Services Team.

The Electoral Area A Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee plays a key role as an advisory body to the Regional Board regarding the administration and operation of the RDN service functions related to parks, recreation, and culture for the electoral area. Although the Committee is involved with community parks services, regional parks services are maintained under a separate function which can be found in the links below.

In consultation with local community organizations and the RDN Board, the Committee identified a need for a Recreation Coordinator to contribute to the planning and implementation of recreation and culture programs within Cedar, Cassidy, South Wellington and Yellowpoint.

The Electoral Area A Recreation Coordinator will offer direct recreation and culture programs for all ages; develop a sense of community, foster partnerships, and create opportunities for individual growth.

General Information

What does the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Committee do?

Recreation and Culture Services

1. Make recommendations and provide advice to the Regional Board and staff regarding a wide range of Electoral Area A recreation & culture program issues including planning, development, and implementation of recreation and culture services.

2. Liaise, provide leadership and work with community and neighbourhood groups on a wide range of Electoral Area A recreation and culture programs and services.

3. Play a leadership role and provide a focal point for cooperation between community interests and the Regional District on Electoral Area A recreation and culture programs and services. Provide community input into planning documents including the development and updating of Electoral Area A recreation and culture services master plans.

Electoral Area Community Parks

1. Make recommendations and provide advice to the Regional Board regarding a wide range of Electoral Area A parks and open space issues including:

• the acquisition or tenure of community park sites as per RDN Policy A1-21 (Land Acquisition Process)
• subdivision park land dedications as per RDN Policy C1-05 (Review of Consideration of Parkland - Subdivision Application Process)
• the development and maintenance of community park sites
• priorities for expenditure of community park operations and reserve fund

2. Liaise, provide leadership and work with community and neighbourhood groups on a wide range of Electoral Area A parks and open space matters including:

• volunteer park development projects
• obtaining input regarding park planning and acquisition priorities
• trail system planning and development
• Ministry of Transportation waterfront accesses

3. Play a leadership role and provide a focal point for cooperation between community interests and the Regional District on Electoral Area A parks and open space issues.

4. Provide community input into park planning documents including the development and updating of the Electoral Area A community parks and trails master plan and specific community park development plans.

5. Work within the objectives and policies of the Regional Growth Management Plan, the Electoral Area Official Community Plan, the Area A Community Trails Study, the Regional Parks & Trails Plan and any other statutory plans that are applicable to Electoral Area A.      

Committee Members and Meetings               

Electoral Area A Parks Services

Electoral Area A hosts several beautiful parks and trails including Thelma Griffith Community Park, South Wellington Community Park, Nanaimo River Trail and Morden Colliery Regional Trail. 

Visit the  Parks Services page for more information on the parks, trails, and current projects within Area A.

Recreation Grants Program

The Electoral Area A Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee has a grant program targeted toward local community organizations providing recreation and culture services within Electoral Area A.

For more information on the application process and to download the application forms, click here.

Local Organizations with Recreation Opportunities

Local groups and organizations also offer recreation programs and facility rental services. 

For a listing of local groups that may be offering community recreation programs, please visit Community Links.

Program Proposal

Do you have an idea for a program or workshop you'd like to offer through the RDN Recreation and Parks department in Yellowpoint, Cedar, Cassidy, or South Wellington? We'd love to hear about it. 

For more information on the program proposal process, click here.

Area A Recreation Services Inventory  

The purpose of this project was to develop an inventory of recreational services in Electoral Area A for the Area A Parks, Recreation, and Culture Committee (the Committee). Ultimately, the inventory will be used by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) and the Committee to inform future needs assessment discussions.

Click the link to view the final report: Area A Recreation Services Inventory - 2019

Electoral Area A Recreation and Culture Services Master Plan

On June 26, 2007, the Regional District of Nanaimo Board adopted the Area 'A' Recreation and Culture Services Master Plan. The Master Plan defines direction, philosophy, policies, priorities, and actions regarding the development and provision of Area A recreation and cultural services. It is a strategic plan that provided the basic framework to shape and guide recreation and cultural services administered and operated by the Regional District of Nanaimo Recreation and Parks Department in conjunction with other key community organizations over ten years (2007-2016).

To view the 2007 Master Plan in full, please Click Here.

The Master Plan process was initiated following the approval in 2005 of an Electoral Area 'A' referendum, which includes the communities of Cassidy, Cedar, South Wellington and part of Yellowpoint. Residents were asked if they were in favour of adopting "Electoral Area 'A' Recreation and Culture Services Bylaw No. 1467, 2005", which would establish a service to provide recreation and cultural services, and acquire, construct, and operate recreation and culture facilities in Electoral Area 'A'.

The first, four of twenty-six key recommendations referred to Governance and Administration of the services. As an outcome of these recommendations, a Committee was established to advise the Regional Board on the development and delivery of the recreation and culture services. The current Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee also advises the Regional Board on parks services.

Sports Fields and Recreation Services Agreement

It is important to note that in addition to the provision of localized recreation and cultural services, Electoral Area A is included in the District 68 Sports Field and Recreation Services Agreement between the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) and the City of Nanaimo. The Agreement was renewed in 2005 as an outcome of Phase One of the RDN Regional Service Review and provides local taxes from Electoral Areas A, B, and C and, the District of Lantzville to the City of Nanaimo for operational costs of City recreation services based on usage by each community.

To view the Services Agreement, please Click Here.