Growing up in Regina, and now having my own children, I have found there are a ton of activities for children to get involved in. From indoor and outdoor sports to art and music camps, the options are endless. While prices may range from affordable to quite expensive, I'm grateful for the existence of these programs. They play a vital role in our community by providing valuable resources for our youth.
However, I may be in the minority, but I hope for something more for our adult community. In Saskatchewan, the winter season felt never-ending, and life can become monotonous. I have watched seemingly everything on Netflix and Bravo, and to be frank, my hours spent scrolling through TikTok are somewhat embarrassing.
So what can adults do here in the Queen City in those winter months? Many moons ago, I joined a mixed 10-pin bowling league at the Glencairn Bolodrome. During those cold winter months, it has been a great escape from the Groundhog Day routine that can happen. We get out of the house, get some exercise, and have some fun. This is the most active team sport you will catch me in. I am not going to go play basketball, pickleball, or soccer.
If you were to compare the health benefits of sports versus doing visual arts- I wonder what the results would be? While both sports and visual arts can be beneficial for overall health and well-being, they offer different advantages. Both highlight how they assist with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Regina has one City run community center that provides creative arts classes ranging from woodworking to photography and jewelry making. These classes are affordable and have been enjoyed by members of my family. However, there is a limited number of spots available, so securing a spot can be difficult. If you compare the City of Regina sports facilities VS creative arts facilities - how would they fare?
Did you know we don't have any pottery classes available through the City? We do not have a single open studio hour, not to mention even one potter’s wheel available. Why the heavy emphasis on sports? In my opinion, we need to think about this when we continue to build city facilities and consider where the priorities lie. Who is influencing the decisions?
Has Regina really done a good job providing the same level of service to people interested in arts versus sports? It is important to recognize the value of creative arts in a community. Pottery classes, for example, can provide a unique outlet for artistic expression and creativity. When I posted on Reddit to see if there were any hidden potters’ studios in the city, I had 15 people following my post for updates within 24 hours. Understanding the demand for such programming, how can we come together to advocate for more resources and support for arts programs in the city?
Ultimately, city decision-makers need to consider a variety of factors when planning and allocating resources for community programming and facilities. By taking a holistic approach that considers the needs and interests of all community members, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive city for everyone. I'm tired of living in a city where the emphasis has been on sports. Fine arts have been left as a second-hand thought, people need these types of facilities just as much!
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Kathy Sabo
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