Summary of what people told us... |
Focus Group Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Monday Morning Tennis Group
(7 male participants)
This group of older males meet and play tennis regularly at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Q1. What are the best recreational opportunities that are available to you in your community, including outdoor spaces, trails, rec centres, parks?
- Saanich has an excellent trail system that promotes walking and activity for older adults.
-The various gyms throughout Saanich are very Older Adult friendly. The facilities are safe for seniors and the staff are knowledgeable.
Q2. What is working well in Saanich Parks & Recreation for older adults?
Q4. Was there an age when you identified yourself as an older adult?
` what are the words you would prefer to describe “older adults” in a clear and respectful way?
Q5. What is best way to share events, programs and information about Saanich Parks & Recreation with older adults?
Monday Morning Tennis Group
(7 male participants)
This group of older males meet and play tennis regularly at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre
Q1. What are the best recreational opportunities that are available to you in your community, including outdoor spaces, trails, rec centres, parks?
- Saanich has an excellent trail system that promotes walking and activity for older adults.
-The various gyms throughout Saanich are very Older Adult friendly. The facilities are safe for seniors and the staff are knowledgeable.
Q2. What is working well in Saanich Parks & Recreation for older adults?
- Tennis court availability is excellent for senior players (morning & daytime access)
- Payment options such as block booking promote routine and keep older players on a regular schedule.
- Rec centre location and accessibility is excellent in Saanich. Serves the various communities within Saanich well.
- The Cedar Hill Golf Course trail is not wheelchair friendly and the steep hills pose challenges to seniors requiring walking poles.
- The intersection street signs are located on the opposite side of the street and are not always clearly visible- may cause confusion and disorientation to some seniors trying to get to various centers or rec opportunities.
- There is a lack of bike lane at the Mt Doug Park/Ash road area off Shelbourne that poses a danger to cyclists attempting to visit Mt Doug or Cordova Bay. This discourages Older Adults on bicycles from riding in this area.
- Crosswalk signs lack colour and visibility and pose a danger to walkers.
- The removal of the tennis courts at the Pearkes Field House has created a “dead zone” for senior tennis players in that community.
Q4. Was there an age when you identified yourself as an older adult?
` what are the words you would prefer to describe “older adults” in a clear and respectful way?
- At no point is there a clear realization that one is an older adult. The years all flow together.
- The preference is to be described as an “experienced” adult or a senior. “Old man” has a disrespectful manner.
Q5. What is best way to share events, programs and information about Saanich Parks & Recreation with older adults?
- The active living guide is an excellent tool for Older Adults to gather and share information.
- More signage (i.e. Billboards or brightly lit signs) at more of the centres would help promote and share programs, specials and events.
- Word of mouth amongst the older adult community within Saanich is a powerful way to share information
- Positive communication between employees and customers leads to return clients and community promotion.