Keeping local recreation programs going while following public health restrictions has been challenging over the past few months with the COVID-19 closures and guidelines.

Kelsey Sagert is the Recreation Director in the Municipality of Louise, in the Pilot Mound area.  She says this year’s Play Group Program will be at-home-based for the next 10 or so weeks.

“Most years we would offer a Play Group program in person, but with the COVID restrictions we’ve decided to provide an at-home and online based program for everyone’s safety.  Our Play Group program is for kids ages 0 to 4 to come out and to enjoy crafts and games and learning activities and then they would get a snack,” explains Sagert.  “So all of that is included in a package that they can pick up each week at our office.”

Sagert says the response from families has been great with close to 40 children registered thus far.  “I think people are just looking for things to do to keep busy and stay active.  It’s nice that people can do this at their leisure, rather than having to come at a specific time.  They can complete their activity bag in their own time, and we also have a private Facebook group so they can connect with their friends and others that way.”

So, I’m happy we are able to offer this to the people in our municipality.”

In other programming for their municipality, Sagert shares they’re still trying to be creative with activities, and the mild weather has certainly been helpful.

“The weather has been so good to be able to do activities like tobogganing, and skating and skiing,” she says. “I see people out on the streets all the time walking.  It’s something that is safe and allowed and then we’re lucky enough to have a cross-country trail at our golf course.  So, that’s keeping people busy too.”

For more information on the Play Group Program, or to register, contact Kelsey Sagert at 204-245-0680 or louise_rec@hotmail.com.