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

The recreation and special interest programming we offer changes 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.

Join drop-in CO-ED badminton group play to boost cognitive function, improve bone density, reduce stress and anxiety and encourage balance, coordination and agility. This is a great way to get involved in the community and meet more people! All levels are welcome! If you are just beginning badminton, you can expect a quick rundown on rules and tips before diving into the games from the badminton volunteer facilitating the session.

Online registration is required, so we can communicate to registrants if there are any changes. Register online.

Fall schedule starts Monday, October 21st, 2024 at 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Cost: $4

Email the Recreation Coordinator to be added to the badminton communication threat that includes updates, cancellations and FAQs.

We are excited to partner with Heather Winter, National Coaching Certified, to offer Introduction to Pickleball sessions. If you are brand-new to pickleball or just getting started with the game, we encourage you to join us!

In this program, you will learn new skills, improve current skills, learn the rules, some tips and tricks of the game, and have fun!

  • Friday, October 18 2:00-4:00 p.m. or 6:00-8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, November 1 2:00-4:00 p.m. or 6:00-8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, December 6 2:00-4:00 p.m. or 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Registration is required and spaces will be limited! It is recommended that you only attend one 2-hour session.

Cost: $10 (hst included)

Register prior to attending each session on ActiveNet

Please bring proper running shoes, comfortable attire, and a water bottle. Equipment will be provided unless you prefer to use your own.

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

Join drop-in CO-ED pickleball group play to stay active, reduce blood pressure, improve hand-eye coordination and have fun with others during your games of pickleball!

Registration is required. Register online through ActiveNet to attend the pickleball sessions.

Cost: $4

The schedule through ActiveNet's facility schedule is the most up to date. Registration opens every other Saturday for the following two weeks, starting Saturday, September 7th at 9 a.m. You can register up until the session as long as there are spots available. Please join the waitlist if the session fills up.

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

Game format

  • Maximum of 12 players, four players per court
  • Games are played on 2 courts
  • Players get 1 hour and 30 minutes of rotational play. Rotation amongst courts is allowed. 

Please only register for one session per day. If there are openings the day of the session, you may register online prior to attending.

Mondays

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

  • All levels 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (12 spots)
  • All levels 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. (12 spots)

Tuesdays

Location: Stanley Community Centre, 38594 Mill Rd, Varna

  • Beginners 6 to 7:30 p.m. (12 spots)
  • All levels 7:30 to 9 p.m. (12 spots)

Wednesdays

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

  • All levels 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (12 spots)
  • All levels 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (12 spots)

Thursdays

Location: Stanley Community Centre, 38594 Mill Rd, Varna

  • All levels 9 to 10:30 a.m. (12 spots)
  • All levels 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (12 spots)

Fridays

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

  • All levels 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (12 spots)
  • All levels 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (12 spots)

This 6-week Pilates Foundations class aims to teach you the basic principles of Pilates, such as core stability, proper breathing techniques, alignment, mobility, precision of movement, and flexibility. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate-level practitioner, this class provides a balanced experience and challenges you to work your entire body from head to toe. Building a strong foundation is essential for gaining awareness and fully experiencing the mindful benefits of Pilates. The class is conducted slowly and steadily, allowing you to pay close attention to the finer details. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of Pilates and support a healthy back and body. This class is also an excellent opportunity to enhance your practice and achieve a more profound level of relaxation.

When and where: Wednesday nights from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Zurich Arena, 15 East St, Zurich starting Wednesday, September 11th until Wednesday, October 16th.

  • September 11 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  • September 18 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  • September 25 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  • October 2 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  • October 9 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  • October 16 7:15-8:15 p.m. Please note time change.

Cost: $60 plus HST

Register for the full 6-week Pilates class.

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.

Drop-in to learn to play shuffleboard or keep your shuffleboard skills sharp! Join us Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. to meet new people, exercise indoors and have fun!

Recommended age: Older Adult (50+)

When: Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Where: Hensall Arena, 157 Oxford St. W., Hensall

Cost: $2.00

Join this FREE outdoor walking program on Wednesday mornings from 10-11am. Meet at the parkette beside the Hensall Health Centre (116 King Street) at 10:00am, various walking routes available and open to all levels of ability. Coffee, snacks and socializing to follow! Everyone is welcome. In the winter months and on days where the weather is not cooperating, walking group will be indoors at the Hensall Arena and Community Centre.

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.

Zumba is a fitness class that fuses Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program. Inspired by Latin dance and music, Zumba uses a variety of styles in its routines, including cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, mambo, rumba, flamenco, and hip-hop. You can expect to get a step-by-step tutorial to easy-to-follow movements. This class will get your heart rate up, improve coordination. Best of all, it assists with de-stressing! All levels are welcome!

Drop-ins are welcome, but you must register online before attending the class as spaces are limited.

Where and When: Tuesday nights from 7:00–8:00 p.m. at the Bayfield Arena, 4 Jane St. Bayfield.

  • Tuesday, September 10th
  • Tuesday, September 17th
  • Tuesday, September 24th
  • Tuesday, October 1st
  • Tuesday, October 8th
  • Tuesday, October 15th
  • Tuesday, October 22th
  • Tuesday, October 29th

Cost: $80 plus HST

Register for the full 8-week Zumba class.

Register for single class.

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.

Bluewater Day Camps now has an excellent opportunity for youth, ages 13 to 18 to gain hands-on experience with program planning, building leadership skills and instructing games/crafts during day camp. Volunteer for up to 7 weeks of day camp. Volunteers can use day camp hours to contribute to their mandatory community service hours.

Alongside Bluewater Day Camp Staff, volunteers will learn basics of being a camp leader and be introduced to the policies and procedure of Municipality of Bluewater over 2 full days of training. This training will prepare the volunteer for their assigned volunteer week(s) at day camp. Volunteer camp hours are between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. This provides excellent experience to lead to employment opportunities.

Requirements:

  • Submit resume to Recreation Coordinator
  • Ages 13 to 18 (must have completed grade 7)
  • Participate in an interview with Municipal Staff
  • Complete required online training prior to the first day of camp
  • Complete 2 full days of training (dates to be determined)
  • Volunteer 1 to 7 weeks of day camp

Applications will start to be accepted February 28th, 2025 and close at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025 to the Recreation Coordinator via email or in-person at 14 Mill Ave, Zurich.

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:

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.

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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