COQUITLAM, B.C., May 15, 2024 – Celebrate National AccessAbility Week with free and low-cost activities at Coquitlam recreation centres all week long.
Second Annual AccessAbility Resource Fair
The AccessAbility Resource Fair is an opportunity to learn and connect for people of all abilities and ages.
Local organizations will be sharing information about accessible programs and services available in Coquitlam:
- Watch floor curling demonstrations and explore wheelchair tennis equipment.
- Try out the giant Plinko game for fun prizes and experiment with different colouring techniques like a loofah dipped in ink.
- Take a break in one of the low-sensory spaces.
- Participate in an accessible transit workshop with TransLink.
- Learn about Coquitlam’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and the Universal Access-Ability Advisory Committee.
The event is fragrance-free and close to transit. Pinetree Community Centre has accessible door openers, parking stalls, washrooms and an elevator. Curb letdowns from the sidewalk to the parking lot and a drop-off loop allow for easy access to the front door. Visit coquitlam.ca/aaw for more information.
AccessAbility Week Activities in Recreation Centres and Parks
Try out accessible sports, take part in an adapted swim program, drop in for a group gardening session or join a kids’ activity. Highlights include:
- An all ages, free, drop-in Boccia Try-it (a game similar to bocce) at Centennial Pavilion (620 Poirier Street) on Sunday, May 26, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
- An all ages, $2 inclusive sports drop-in at Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier Street) on Tuesday, May 28, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- A free, low-impact soccer session for adults at Maillardville Community Centre (1200 Cartier Avenue) on Thursday, May 30, 9 – 10 a.m.
- A $2 adapted aqua movement drop-in for adults at Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex on Thursday, May 30, 10:15 – 11 a.m.
- An all ages, $2 inclusive drop-in skate at Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex on Saturday, June 1, 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.
- Free gardening drop-in sessions at the Inspiration Garden (3091 – 3099 Guildford Way) in Town Centre Park
Find a full listing of activities and details at coquitlam.ca/aaw.
Promoting Recreation Access
Coquitlam strives to provide welcoming and inclusive recreation opportunities, with programs and resources such as:
- Financial Assistance for Recreation program, providing each eligible family member 50 free drop-in visits plus a $225 credit to use for admissions, passes, programs, lessons, exam fees, supplies, rentals and more.
- Free and low-cost swim times and recreation programs, including the Summer Child and Youth Pass ($25, including tax), and Grade 5/6 Active Passes (free for eligible students)
- Free admission to caregivers providing one-on-one support to patrons.
- Free menstrual products at City facilities.
- Recreation inclusion programs providing extra supports for program registrants.
- Virtual facility tours for City Centre Aquatic Complex and Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex.
- A Recreation Accessibility Resource Guide summarizing the different equipment, supports, programs and services available with Coquitlam recreation.
Go to coquitlam.ca/RecAccess for information about these programs, or contact the Community Services team at 604-927-6076 or CommunityServices@coquitlam.ca.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Coquitlam
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is about breaking down barriers to ensure that everyone—regardless of age, ability, race, culture, gender, sexual orientation and other diversity characteristics—is able to live, work and thrive in a safe and welcoming environment. As an organization, Coquitlam is on a journey to better serve our vibrant and diverse community by applying EDI and accessibility principles to all City work, policies, operations, language and services. Equity, diversity and inclusion is a top organizational priority that guides decision-making across all lines of business. Learn more at coquitlam.ca/EDI.
Media contact:
Jim LaCroix
Community Recreation Manager
City of Coquitlam
604-927-6076
CommunityServices@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.