Recreation Programming

We recognize the importance of living healthy, active lifestyles and coming together as a community for fun and recreation. Throughout the summer the municipality offers summer day camp programming at different locations. During winter, public skating is offered at Hensall and Zurich Arenas. Information about these two programs is available on the individual program pages.

Our Programs

Our program offerings change from time to time and from season to season. Make sure to check back often to see what is being offered in Bluewater! 

Registration instructions can be found later on this page, after the program descriptions.

Adult programs

Join us for one of our adult fitness or special interest programs.

Program information and registration links can be found in ActiveNet by selecting "Activities" from the options.

CO-ED badminton (18+) is offered on Mondays from 7:30–9 p.m. at the Stanley Community Centre in Varna.

Cost: $3.54+hst

You must register and pay online through ActiveNet before attending; cash is not accepted.

Let's Dance!

Join us for Beginner Country Line Dancing with Norma the first Thursday of the month in September, October, November and December from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Stanley Community Centre in Varna.

Teaching will be at a beginner level. Learn easy to follow steps, no experience necessary! Expect 50s and 60s music!

Cost: $10/class

Register prior to attending each session on ActiveNet

CO-ED pickleball (18+) is offered Monday to Friday at 1.5 hour blocks with a maximum of 12 players. Rotation amongst courts is required. Please only register for one session per day. If there are openings the day of the session, you may register online prior to attending.

Cost: $3.54+hst

You must register and pay online through ActiveNet before attending; cash is not accepted. The schedule is found in ActiveNet.

Email the recreation coordinator to be added to the pickleball communication thread that includes updates and FAQs.

Elevate your game

Looking to improve your pickleball game? Join us on Tuesday, December 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cost: 17.50+hst

Introduction to pickleball

If you are brand-new to pickleball or just getting started, join us to learn new skills and the rules.

Cost: $10.00+hst

Stay tuned for upcoming dates. Program details can be found in ActiveNet.

You must register and pay online before attending; cash is not accepted.

Drop-in for a free fitness class at the Hensall Arena and Community Centre on Mondays from 1:00-2:00pm! Improve your strength and endurance with Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre team. Exercises can be done sitting on a chair or standing with bands, balls, weights and sliders. All equipment is provided.

This program is in partnership with Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre. Contact Julie Datars if you have any questions at 519-238-2362 ext. 243 or by email.

Join this FREE walking program on Wednesday mornings from 10-11 a.m. Meet at the Hensall Arena and Community Centre at 10:00 a.m. to walk indoors at the Community Centre. Open to all levels of ability. Coffee, snacks and socializing to follow! Everyone is welcome. 

This program is in partnership with Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre. Contact Grace Bonnett if you have any questions at 519-262-3140 ext. 202 or by email.

Join us for yoga on Thursdays starting January 16 to February 20 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Hensall Arena and Community Centre.

Cost: $60+hst for 6 weeks

Drop-in: $12.39+hst for 1 class

You must register and pay online through ActiveNet before attending; cash is not accepted.

Zumba is a fitness class that fuses Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program. Join us on Tuesdays from 7–8 p.m. at the Bayfield Area, 4 Jane St. Bayfield.

Cost: $70+hst for 7 weeks

Drop-in: $12.39+hst for 1 class

You must register and pay online through ActiveNet before attending; cash is not accepted.

Youth programs

We welcome youth to join our youth programs for some fun and fitness! Check back often as programs are added throughout the year.

In fall 2024, we are excited to bring the youth of Bluewater FREE learning workshops, funded by the Huron County SLED Grant 2024.

For youth ages 12 to 18, you can expect to see opportunities to gain hands on experience with Municipal Government 101, Developing and Implementing Community Programs and Fundraisers, Becoming an Effective Leader, acting on a Volunteer Committee and the Various Committee Roles, Youth Volunteer Leadership Program all while having fun with your peers!

Pizza and soft drinks provided. Registration is required and free.

Click on the links for more information on each workshop:

Join us for an afternoon of exciting experiments funded by Scientists in School! Ages 4 to 12.

Parents, guardians, or caregivers are welcome to attend to assist your young one in these experiments.

PA Day Science with Bluewater: Candy chemistry

Join us to discover the surprising science hiding in a bag of Skittles®. Explore solubility, buoyancy, reactivity and investigate the odds of finding your favourite colour. How sweet it is!

Date: November 15th, 2024

Cost: $5

Location: Hensall Arena and Community Centre, 157 Oxford St. W, Hensall

Time: 1 to 2 p.m.

Optional: Go out for a skate before Science with Bluewater! Hensall Public Skating and free hot dogs are being offered 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. sponsored by Queensway Long Term Care

Register for Candy Chemistry

PA Day Science with Bluewater: Shoot, Score, Science and more!

Jump, shoot, roll and glide; can you find the science in sport? Take a test to discover where your dominance lies. Create a sculpture to investigate how throwing a ball affects your balance. Discover physics by engineering a better hockey puck and building a mini golf course. Join us as we shoot, score and explore the science of sport!

Date: January 31st, 2025

Cost: $5.00

Location: Zurich Arena and Community Centre, 15 East St., Zurich

Time: 1 to 2 p.m.

Optional: Go out for a skate before Science with Bluewater! Zurich Public Skating is being offered 11:30-1:00pm.

Register for Shoot, Score, Science and more!

One time events

Additional one time events may be scheduled throughout the year. Make sure to check back often and follow us on social media for updates. 

Calling ages 0 to 12 for the 2nd Annual Candy Cane Hunt in partnership with Bayfield River Valley Trail Association and Huron Area Search and Rescue. The hunt begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 1st at the Varna Nature Trails. Hot chocolate offered at the end of the trail!

Trails are wheelchair and stroller/wagon accessible.

Where: 38594 Mill Rd, Varna, ON N0M 2R0

Cost: Free

Registering for recreation programs

Registration for our programs is done through our online facility booking and registration portal, also called ActiveNet. The first time you use the portal, you will need to create an account.

Follow these steps to create an account.

  1. Navigate to the portal.
  2. Select "create an account" in the top right corner. The view might be slightly different on a mobile device.
  3. Enter your email address.
  4. Fill in the required information for your account (and family members, if applicable). Please list someone other than yourself as an emergency contact. Double check that all members on your account have the correct birthdate.
  5. Activate your account by following the instructions sent in the activation email.
  6. Log in to ActiveNet

Follow these steps to register for a program online.

  1. Once logged in to the portal, select the "activities" tab.
  2. Choose the category you are interested in (ex. yoga, youth sport club, Zumba).
  3. Choose the subcategory you are interested in or select the filters to search by program name/code.
  4. Select "enroll now" on the program.
  5. Enroll yourself and/or a family member in the program. You can register for multiple programs.
  6. Pay online with a credit card or in person at the municipal office with cash, cheque or debit.

Registration can be done in person by visiting the municipal office in Zurich, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by calling 519-280-0103. Pay online or in person.

*Withdrawing online applies to pickleball and badminton programs only.

Up until 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to your registered session, you can withdraw yourself from your registered session through ActiveNet for a credit to your account by following these steps:

  1. Select MY ACCOUNT on the top right corner.
  2. Select TRANSACTION AND PAYMENT HISTORY.
  3. The option to withdraw is there and will show only up until the day before the session. You will not be able to see the withdraw button if it is the day of your session. If it is the day of the session, there are no credits or refunds.

Funding for the recreation coordinator position and some programming activities is provided in part by the Ontario Trillium Foundation Resilient Communities Fund.

Ontario Trillium Foundation logo
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