COLD LAKE — The Cold Lake Energy Centre transformed into a hub of activity on June 6 as seniors gathered for a day of games, fitness, and connection in celebration of Seniors’ Week.
“We have pickleball happening this morning in the field house,” said Katie Pankhurst, Community Event Programmer, as the day kicked off.
With ice out for the season, Pankhurst said this year’s programming included new activities.
“We've set up games for the first time this year just because we don't have any ice in, so I’ve replaced our skating time with some games.” Checkers, Connect Four, crib, Uno, and other tabletop favourites filled the Imperial Oil room, alongside ring toss and beanbag toss.
Outside, participants could try their hand at bocce or croquet. “We have two bocce courts out there and then we set up one croquet court for them to play.”
Fitness wasn’t forgotten. “We have chair yoga starting at 11 a.m., that'll be in our fitness room one,” said Pankhurst, followed by one of the week’s highlights - lunch.
Afternoons offered something a little more creative - and more games
“After lunch are our two favourite events. It's the flower arranging with Above and Beyond Florist . . . And then we have our bingo up in our boardroom. So, we got lots of prizes for that.”
The Energy Centre welcomed around 100 seniors last year, and this year, Pankhurst said she was ready for even more this year. “Last year I did run out of food, so this year I am well prepared.”
While the Energy Centre handles the fun side of things, other groups also contributed to the celebration.
“FCSS does some stuff, Age Friendly does a barbecue. It’s just kind of like honouring our seniors and putting that out there for them,” said Pankhurst.
In the end, it’s all about connection.
“It just really gets them out and doing stuff and visiting with each other and maybe meeting new seniors that they haven't met before.”
