UNews - Play Day

Community invited to experience the joy of play as ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge hosts bug-themed Play Day

trevor.kenney — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 18:05:54 +0000

Balls will be bouncing, walls will be climbed and faces will be painted — among many other engaging, entertaining and just plain fun activities at Play Day 2025.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is excited to once again open its doors to the community for a free day of play on Family Day, Monday, Feb. 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Centre for Sport and Wellness.

“It’s become a southern Alberta tradition we’re proud to host each Family Day,” says Kathy Greenwood, ULethbridge vice-president, External Relations. “It’s great to have an opportunity to welcome people to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, have them see and experience the outstanding facilities we have here, and more than anything, it’s just so much fun to have all that energy in the building.”

Play is, of course, at the heart of Play Day, and one of the most important activities in childhood development. Beyond that, it’s essential at any age and when done together, creates meaningful and lasting bonds between family members.

“Play was a big part of my life as a child. Growing up with brothers and sisters, it was always encouraged in our household,” adds Greenwood. “Now with children of our own, we have always prioritized that with our kids, and we all benefit from taking a break and just having fun with one another.”

The bug-themed event features creepy crawly activity zones where families can engage in fort building, rock climbing, swimming, basketball and soccer. As well, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Destination Exploration team, Let’s Talk Science, iGEM and Building Brains Together will offer educational, brain-building activities to challenge and inspire everyone in the family.

Bring a swimsuit, gym shoes, comfortable clothing and be prepared to have FREE fun at Play Day 2025.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s popular Play Day returning as in-person Family Day community event

trevor.kenney — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 22:42:23 +0000

Play Day is officially back — welcome to the jungle!

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will once again host an in-person Play Day community event on Family Day this year, the first time families have been able to gather and enjoy the free festival of play since 2020. Presented by North & Company LLP Law Offices, Play Day takes place Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

Initiated in 2012, Play Day has turned into a Family Day tradition, bringing together families from throughout southern Alberta. In recent years, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has had to hold the event virtually (2021) or cancel it altogether due to public safety measures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s theme — the jungle!

“When we started this as a pilot project over 10 years ago, I’m not sure anybody knew what to expect,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor, the driving force behind the initial event. “The goal was simple — provide an opportunity for families to get together and just spend time playing. In today’s world, there are so few chances for families to be present with one another and just have some fun. I’m proud we’ve been able to present this to our community over the years.”

In 2019, North & Company jumped on board as a presenting sponsor. With more than half of their partners and associates having graduated from the U of L, they have built their practice in the Lethbridge community, while providing services to branch offices in Blairmore, Bow Island, Claresholm, Coaldale, High River, Milk River, Picture Butte, Pincher Creek, Taber, Vulcan and Warner.

“This event is a perfect fit for us and one we’re proud to support,” says Kerry Gellrich (BA '06), partner with North & Company LLP Law Offices. “We are a family-oriented legal firm and Play Day is all about celebrating family and the value of community and togetherness. We’re thrilled to be back in person again and can’t wait to play in the jungle!”

The jungle theme will permeate a full slate of activities spread throughout the 1st Choice Savings Centre. These include the massive cardboard fort building area (led by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association), swimming in the Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre, access to the Ascent Climbing Centre’s climbing walls, gym activities like basketball and soccer, a host of scientific discovery areas, face painting stations and $5 meal packs to energize the whole family.

The call for volunteers has also begun, with positions from setup to face painting, food zone support and cleanup all available. Those looking to help with Play Day 2023 can sign up here.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and North & Company LLP readying to present 10th annual Play Day to community

trevor.kenney — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 21:04:59 +0000

Family Day is just around the corner, which means the annual ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Play Day, presented by North & Company LLP, is gearing up to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

But we can’t have Play Day when we’re shuttered in our houses and unable to gather, can we? That could not be farther from the truth, in fact, the power of play and all its benefits may be more important now than ever.

“For 10 years we’ve been able to provide a venue for families to gather on Family Day and celebrate being together in a play atmosphere,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, U of L president and vice-chancellor. “We obviously can’t supply the venue this year, but the essence of play isn’t confined to a specific place — it’s the act of play that matters, wherever you are.”

Instead of southern Albertans coming to the U of L for Play Day, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is reaching out to the world and instigating a Play Week that will run Monday through Friday, Feb. 15-20, offering play activities, suggestions and resources for families to take part in on their own time and in their own spaces.

“The heart of Play Day has always been about bringing family units together through play,” adds Mahon. “You don’t need to be on campus to do that. We’ll supply some ideas and some fun activities as a starting point and after that, families can take it wherever they want. The big thing is doing something together, remembering how to have fun and laugh — something I think we are all looking for these days.”

Imagination is the theme of the week as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ looks to spark creativity, generate ideas and inspire innovative thought. Through imagination, we learn and grow, and we adapt to changing circumstances.

The week will be comprised of three related elements: a series of interactive play videos aimed at children and families; an online community lecture on play and brain development with neuroscientists Dr. Robbin Gibb (BASc (BSc) ’77, MSc ’01, PhD ’04); and a social media campaign enabling families to share in elements of play and to educate everyone on the benefits of play for brain development and healthy communities.

A full list of activities will soon be available on a dedicated Play Day web page, while a specific Play Week Facebook Event will allow everyone to engage with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ by sharing their activities for a chance to win participatory prizes. The U of L Music Conservatory, Art Gallery, Pronghorn Athletics, Destination Exploration and PACT (Philanthropy, Advancement, Communication and Traditions student club) are all taking part.

“This is our third year supporting Play Day and we’re thrilled we’ve found a way to keep this tradition going despite the restrictions we are facing. This is an important community event and one families look forward to every year,” says Kerry Gellrich (BA '06), Partner, North & Company LLP, who confirms their sponsorship will continue forward. “That Play Day will now encompass a whole week and be available to everyone online means we can reach so many more families and keep engaging people in activities that support togetherness and community wellness.”

Annual Family Day Play Day celebration to highlight agriculture themed activities

trevor.kenney — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 20:36:34 +0000

The family farm will come to life inside the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge hosts its ninth annual Play Day on Family Day, Monday, February 17, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Presented in partnership with North & Company LLP, Play Day is a free day of family fun featuring all the amenities of the 1st Choice Savings Centre. Bring a swimsuit, gym shoes and comfortable clothing to take part in a variety of agriculture themed activities. Were you born in a barn? Maybe not, but you can come out and play in one!

“When we started working on this concept for our first Play Day in 2012, I’m not really sure we knew what to expect,” says Kali McKay, manager, Constituent Engagement. “The idea then, as it remains today, was to create an opportunity for southern Albertans to come together and celebrate being a family by simply playing with one another. It has obviously resonated with our communities and I think there’s been a boost in Family Day activities all across the region as a result. Family matters, and we’re proud to keep the tradition going.”

North and Company LLP is back for its second year as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s presenting partner. North & Company LLP has been providing quality legal services to southern Alberta since it was established in 1973. With more than half of their partners and associates having graduated from the U of L, they have built their practice in the Lethbridge community, while providing services to branch offices in Blairmore, Claresholm, Coaldale, High River, Milk River, Picture Butte, Pincher Creek, Taber, Vulcan and Warner.

“We’re a family law firm and many of our associates have young families, so for us, Play Day is the perfect kind of community activity with which we want to be associated,” says Kerry Gellrich (BA ’06), partner with North & Company LLP. “Our people and the work they do is about building community and we do that through our families. We’re excited to be part of Play Day again.”

Activities for the agriculture themed event include the classic Free Build cardboard fort building zone, along with a collection of sporting activities such as basketball, floor hockey and swimming. The U of L’s Ascent Climbing Centre is also available for play, while art activities and science-themed educational areas will be spread throughout the facility. And, of course, the ever-popular face painting zones will be as busy as ever.

The best part about Play Day is the fact that it’s free to everyone, including admission and parking. An added bonus for those who attend Play Day 2020 is 15 per cent off identified regular priced Summer Camp registration fees – Horns Recreation, Destination Exploration, Conservatory of Music.

Check out Facebook for event details.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ excited to welcome North & Company LLP as supporter of Play Day 2019

trevor.kenney — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 16:37:24 +0000

One of southern Alberta’s most established legal firms and community supporters, North & Company LLP, is on board to help deliver one of the region’s most attended family traditions, the annual ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Play Day.

What began as a pilot project in 2012 has grown into a Family Day mainstay, as the eighth annual Family Day play event will take place Monday, February 18, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

“We are a family-oriented legal firm with deep ties to both the community and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, so we’re very excited to partner with the U of L to present this wonderful event,” says Kerry Gellrich (BA '06), partner with North & Company LLP. “Play Day is a celebration of family and community and embodies the values of the people in our firm and the work we do here in southern Alberta.”

Play Day 2019 is following a Winter Wonderland theme and while winter is sometimes fleeting in our ever-changing climate, the fun that families will experience while at the U of L is a given.

“It’s hard to believe we are already in our eighth year, it seems as though it was just yesterday when we were dreaming up ideas for the first event,” says U of L President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon. “That the event has become so popular tells me that southern Albertans understand the importance of family and how simply spending time together and playing together strengthens those bonds. The investment in quality family time is something our community really appreciates.”

Play Day activities for the Winter Wonderland include the classic Free Build cardboard fort building zone, along with a collection of sporting activities such as basketball, floor hockey, swimming and fitastic play. The U of L’s Ascent Climbing Centre is also available for play, while art activities and science-themed educational areas will be spread throughout the facility. And, of course, the ever-popular face painting zones will be as busy as ever.

North & Company LLP has been providing quality legal services to southern Alberta since it was established in 1973. With more than half of their partners and associates having graduated from the U of L, they have built their practice in the Lethbridge community, while providing services to branch offices in Blairmore, Claresholm, Coaldale, High River, Milk River, Picture Butte, Pincher Creek, Taber, Vulcan and Warner.

“We’re thrilled to welcome North & Company LLP as our new community sponsor,” says Mahon. “Their commitment to the southern Alberta area and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is well established, and their willingness to give back to our community through these types of endeavours is greatly appreciated.”

Perhaps the best aspect of Play Day is that it’s free to everyone. There is no charge for admission or parking and people are encouraged to bring gym shoes, comfortable clothing and a swimsuit to enjoy all the activities. An added bonus for those who attend Play Day is 15 per cent off regular priced Horns Summer Camp registration fees.

Check out Facebook for event details.

U of L ready to welcome community, celebrate family with Play Day 2018

trevor.kenney — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 17:46:53 +0000

Beach weather in southern Alberta certainly feels as though it’s a long way off so the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is bringing the beach indoors, as the theme for Play Day 2018.

The seventh annual Family Day play event takes place Monday, February 19, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness. Initiated in 2012 as a way to celebrate family and the benefits of play, the U of L is keen on promoting community wellness through this fun, family event.

“It’s exciting to us that this has become a Family Day tradition in southern Alberta,” says U of L President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon. “When we first developed the concept, I don’t know if we anticipated it being this successful, but it speaks to how much our community values family time and the opportunity to spend quality time together.”

Play Day activities for the beach-themed event include the now classic Free Build cardboard fort building zone, which will be offered in partnership with Rotary Lethbridge as they celebrate their 100th year of community service. Various sporting activities such as basketball, floor hockey, swimming and fitastic play, and access to the Ascent Climbing Centre’s climbing wall are offered thanks to Horns Recreation, while an art and creative activity zone is made possible by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Art Gallery. As well, Destination Exploration and Let’s Talk Science sponsored areas include learning about the formation of tornados, constructing balloon-powered boats, creating interactive games with Scratch technology and more.

Play is essential for physical and emotional growth, for mental, intellectual and educational development, and for acquiring social and behavioural skills.

“We so often get consumed by the responsibilities we face in life that play can either be put off or even forgotten, and it’s essential that we take time for ourselves and engage in play activity,” adds Mahon. “Bonding time is a key factor in maintaining healthy families and healthy communities, and that stretches far beyond Family Day. Play Day is a reminder that wellness begins through balance.”

The best aspect of Play Day is that it’s free to everyone. There is no charge for admission or parking and people are encouraged to bring gym shoes, comfortable clothing and a swimsuit to enjoy all the activities. An added bonus for those who attend Play Day is 15 per cent off regular priced Horns Summer Camp registration fees.

UNews - Play Day

Community invited to experience the joy of play as ��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge hosts bug-themed Play Day

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