The Meadow Lake Co-op Centre is about to once again become a one-stop shop for people looking to be a part of a variety of community activities. The annual community registration night is scheduled for Wednesday (Sept. 9) from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Co-op Centre lobby and will once again provide an opportunity for Meadow Lake and area residents to not only learn more about the various groups and clubs offered locally, but to also sign up to be a part of everything from dance to indoor soccer, as well as skating to jiujitsu, and everything in-between.
“We took community registration night over about five years ago,” explained Regan Beck, the City of Meadow Lake’s parks and recreation manager. “It was ran for a long time by Gateway Middle School. We took it over and run it every fall, and it’s open to community organizations and groups looking for either registrants and members. They come here and they show the public what they’re all about. We’ve been happy to host this the last five years and we’re very excited to have it again.” This is the second year the registration night will take place at the Meadow Lake Co-op Centre. “We usually get in the neighbourhood of 25-30 organizations who set up a booth,” Beck continued. “What we did last year was have them all around the lobby, all throughout the main entrance as people enter the building. It was nice because it gave them a little more space and allowed the groups to set up some interactive booths. It seemed to work very well here and we look forward to doing it again.”
Beck went on to note the community registration night is not a money-making endeavour for the city, but rather an opportunity to provide a way for people to become a bigger part of the community. “I can speak as a parent on the convenience of having a one-stop shop for something like this,” Beck said. “It’s fantastic, and what’s neat is people may come in for one specific thing and then learn about something else they never knew was offered in Meadow Lake. It allows them to possibly explore something different, and it’s nice to have all the groups here. It helps with the search somewhat, and I found it to be super impressive. I watched from the upstairs balcony last year and it was awesome to see how many people came out.”
Beck also said the activities offered are not necessarily sports related, as among this year’s organizations scheduled to be on hand are the Meadow Lake Junior Forest Wardens, the Northwest School Division and People Advocating for Children with Exceptionalities (PACE) along with many others. “People are going to find the sports they want because they know what they’re looking for,” he said. “When it comes to different organizations, say like the Meadow Lake Junior Forest Wardens, those are the ones always looking for members. This is an opportunity for people to discover groups like this.” For inquiries regarding the upcoming community registration night, call 306-236- 0253 or email recmanager@meadowlake.ca. To register, visit meadowlake.ca/community-registration. “We’re super excited about this event and are happy to host again this year,” Beck concluded.