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2025 Recreation NL AGM & Conference

Annual General Meeting & Conference

This year’s AGM and Conference Agenda will consist of Keynote Speaker Brad Gushue, informative workshops, social events, business meetings, and more. The 2025 AGM & Conference will be held in the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor on April 29 – May 1, 2025.

Detailed information, including full conference schedule and registration links can be found HERE.

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RECREATION NL’S AMBASSADOR PROGRAM IS SUCCESSFULLY PROMOTING HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN THE PROVINCE

St. John’s, NL – Recreation NL has raised the bar on what recreation is in this province! During June is Recreation Month, Recreation NL launched a year-long campaign focusing on the body, mind, and soul and the benefits that come from making ‘you’ time. Recreation NL is pleased with the success of this campaign so far and hopes that with the help of this campaign, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will learn more about recreation.

Recreation NL partnered with community members who serve as wellness ambassadors throughout the year as they showcase the different recreational activities they offer or are found in their region. With a notable 396,000 impressions through social media, the success of this campaign has hit larger numbers than anticipated!

These clips can be found in social media content, paid advertising, and other marketing opportunities throughout the year to promote the wide variety of recreation and wellness activities within the province.

“As part of this program, we wanted to see anything and everything – hiking treks, knitting groups, gardening, music lessons, craft corners, cooking classes, and beyond! Anything that keeps people happy and healthy – That’s Recreation! Showcasing the wellness activities that our recreation members are doing, helps others better understand what recreation really is. We are pleased to see the uptake in social media response to this campaign; the numbers speak for themselves!” says Recreation NL President, Jerry Knee.

Be sure to follow Recreation NL on Facebook, Instagram and X throughout the year to learn more about recreation with our team of ambassadors.

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RECREATION NL LAUNCHES AN AMBASSADOR PROGRAM BY PROMOTING HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN THE PROVINCE

St. John’s, NL – Recreation NL is once again raising the bar on what recreation is in this province! By launching a year-long campaign that focuses on the body, mind, and soul benefits that come from making ‘you’ time, Recreation NL hopes that with the help of province-wide wellness ambassador program, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will learn more about recreation.

Recreation NL has partnered with community members who will serve as wellness ambassadors throughout the year as they showcase the different recreational activities they offer or are found in their region.

These clips can be found in social media content, paid advertising, and other marketing opportunities throughout the year to promote the wide variety of recreation and wellness activities within the province.

“As part of this program, we wanted to see anything and everything – hiking treks, knitting groups, gardening, music lessons, craft corners, cooking classes, and beyond! Anything that keeps people happy and healthy – That’s Recreation! Showcasing the wellness activities that our recreation members are doing, can help others better understand what recreation really is. It’s also fitting that we launched this campaign within Recreation Month.” says Recreation NL President, Jerry Knee.

Be sure to follow Recreation NL on Facebook, Instagram and X throughout the year to learn more about recreation with our team of ambassadors.

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About Recreation NL: A not-for-profit organization established in 1971 to promote the values and benefits of recreation. Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador envisions a province of engaged communities where all people embrace the benefits of recreation to enhance their quality of life.

Media Contact: Pamela Sheppard – Communications Coordinator for Recreation NL, communication@recreationnl.com

 

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Arena Members Meeting

Join us Wednesday, January 31 from 2pm-3pm for an Arena Members Meeting. This meeting will be open to all arena-related discussion including upcoming training.

No registration required, find the meeting link on The Rec Zone Calendar

  • Please log into your account a day or so before, if you have any issues please contact the Rec NL Office.
  • Don’t have an account – contact info@recreationnl.com

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Recreation NL’s New Executive Director

It is with great pleasure that acting President, Jerry Knee announces Steve Martin as the new Executive Director of Recreation NL.

Steve Martin, originally from the Town of Massey Drive on the West Coast, has been immersed in Recreation his whole life and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and relationships to Recreation NL.

Steve graduated from Memorial University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Physical Education and again in 2008 with a Bachelor of Education from Memorial University. After his time at Memorial, Steve started his teaching career in Makkovik. Steve’s interest in recreation grew while working with the Town of Torbay in 2010 as Recreation and Community Events Coordinator.

 

Continuing to grow in his career, Steve began working with the Town of Holyrood in 2012 as Director of Recreation. For the past 11 years, Steve has continued to show his drive and commitment to the recreation community.

Steve has worked with Staff, Council, and various stakeholders to inspire a diverse and comprehensive based programming in Holyrood and elevated the needs of the community through the enhancement of festivals, events, developing programs, and infrastructure improvement. Steve continued to champion, promote, and advocate for recreation as an essential element in building a healthy, caring, and vibrant community. One of his greatest achievements in the Town has been working with staff to complete the Salmonier Line Recreational Park Plan, a plan currently in motion to develop and upgrade facilities in a hub location in Holyrood. Steve is a familiar face to Recreation NL serving more than 9 years on the Board of Directors as President, Vice-President, and an Inclusion Rep. Steve has already made a mark within our national stakeholders sitting on the Canadian Parks and Recreation Board of Directors for a total of 4 years.

Steve is proud to call Holyrood home with his family of 4. He enjoys time on the trail, coaching and playing basketball, and continuing to assist groups, volunteers, or practitioners with recreational opportunities.

Welcome to the Recreation NL staff, Steve!

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Media Release: June is Recreation Month

St. John’s, NL – The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, recently joined Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador (RNL) in proclaiming June as Recreation Month.

Celebrated annually, Recreation Month is dedicated to reinstating the importance of actively participating in recreation throughout the province. It is a fun and exciting way to celebrate recreation and promote its many benefits to individuals, families, and communities.

“Today we recognize June as Recreation Month. Every year we like to remind people that recreation includes all the activities that bring health and wellness to our lives,” said Steve Martin, President of RNL.

Recreation Month portrays recreation as more than just physical activity. It also encompasses all aspects of social, intellectual, creative, and spiritual pursuits that enhance individual and community wellbeing. “Through this new understanding of recreation, people have access to countless recreational opportunities,” said Martin.

“Recreation is a vital component of overall physical and mental health and well-being,” said Minister Crocker. “Whether it’s through physical exercise like walking, hiking or playing sports, or creative pursuits like crafting, music and art, recreation is a wonderful way for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians of all ages to relax, refresh and revitalize their lives, During Recreation Month I encourage everyone to find new ways to incorporate recreation into their everyday lives and continue to reap the benefits all year round.”

To get involved in Recreation Month, please visit www.recreationnl.com and follow us on social media for great Recreation Month prizes!

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Media Contacts:

Pamela Sheppard – Communications Coordinator for Recreation NL, communication@recreationnl.com
Gina MacArthur – Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca

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Statement from ARFC Planning Committee

The statement below is from the Atlantic Recreation and Facilities Conference planning committee. It is in reference to delaying registration for the in-person conference due to a COVID-19 environment.

Please click here for full statement.

 

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Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador announce its Annual Award Recipients

St. John’s, NL – Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador (RNL) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2021 Provincial Awards. The awards were celebrated in an online week-long event on November 22-26.

“These awards recognize the contributions of professionals, community groups, volunteers, and service groups who improve recreation in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Gerry Hall, President of RNL. “It is an honour to celebrate those individuals and their contributions. Without such hardworking folks, we wouldn’t be able to engage our communities like we do. Or help our fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians live healthy and active lifestyles.”

RNL committees selected award recipients from many nominees. There were 6 awards presented this year and they include the following:

  • Bridging the Gap Award: TA Loeffler

This award recognizes an individual, group, program or facility that has furthered the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the area of recreation, sport and active living.

  • Active Communities Award: Town of Peterview

The award recognizes the achievements of communities that have worked to identify and create facilities, open spaces and opportunities for people to be active and engaged in their communities.

  • Community Healthy Living Award: Open Door Community Youth Network, Gander, NL

This award recognizes the achievements of communities or organizations that have worked to create a healthier food environment in their facilities, programs and events.

  • Cy Hoskins Memorial Award of Merit: Norm Hill, Bay Roberts, NL

This award is presented to a full-time recreation practitioner who has made significant contributions to the growth and development of recreation.

  • Volunteer(s) of the Year Award: Kelly & Rodney Joyce, Bay Bulls, NL

This award recognizes a volunteer for outstanding efforts and invaluable contributions to the development of recreation.

  • Volunteer Group of the Year: Kinsmen Club of Witless Bay & Area

This award is presented to a volunteer group in honour of their outstanding efforts and invaluable contributions to the development of recreation.

“Our 2021 award recipients are an outstanding group of individuals and groups who are making a positive impact on the health and well-being of Newfoundland and Labrador through recreation,” said Hall.

Congratulations to all recipients on their hard work and dedication.

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