Coquitlam residents can discover healthy and fun things to do, get support and connect with their community in the new CoquitlamSPIRIT online space.
COQUITLAM, B.C., Apr. 22, 2020 – Coquitlam residents can discover healthy and fun things to do, get support and connect with their community in the new CoquitlamSPIRIT online space.
The City launched the first phase of CoquitlamSPIRIT today with online content designed to help residents continue to stay active, healthy and connected to their community as they deal with the isolation, stress and other pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Future phases rolling out in coming days and weeks will promote acts of caring, connection with others and community spirit.
The initiative will also help the community to continue to meet the challenge to “bend the curve, not the rules” – that is, to continue to physically distance and follow other directives from the Provincial Health Officer to slow the spread of COVID-19.
An Online Toolkit for Getting through the Pandemic
The foundation of CoquitlamSPIRIT is the www.coquitlam.ca/spirit webpage that will share continually-updated content. To begin with, visitors will find:
- At-home fitness, activities and entertainment, as well as ways to safely use Coquitlam’s outdoor spaces;
- Community supports and resources;
- Tips for following the direction of the Provincial Health Officer;
- Ways to show community pride;
- Interactive activities and games; and
- Opportunities to share ideas with others in the community.
Free Content for All Ages and Interests
To kick off CoquitlamSPIRIT, City staff from aquatics, culture, recreation, parks and other areas have developed a library of fun, educational and healthy activities that people of all ages can enjoy at home and outdoors while physically distancing from anyone not from their household.
New content will be added regularly. Examples of planned activities include:
- Fitness videos and tips for all ages;
- Virtual walks showcasing videos of Coquitlam trails;
- Tips for staying physically and mentally well;
- Weekly updates from our 50 Plus Pavilions with information and ideas for seniors;
- Family craft and recreation activities such as window art, online bingo, Minute-to-Win-It challenges, science projects and virtual scavenger hunts;
- Family recreation challenges with activities like baking or a family dance battle;
- All-ages activities such as making bread or learning guitar;
- Bathtub swimming skills for kids and dryland fitness activities related to lifeguarding or lifesaver certifications;
- Garden activities such as building a pollinator hotel, growing new vegetables from old ones, or making DIY lawn games;
- Ideas for showing community pride, such as the 7 p.m. cheer and Hearts for Healthcare; and
- Interactive fun, such as contributing to a City-wide song or story.
The webpage will also highlight supports available through the City, such as seniors’ meal deliveries, the Phone Buddy program and volunteer opportunities.
Bringing the Community Together
Among the underlying goals of CoquitlamSPIRIT are supporting community well-being during the pandemic, and building lasting civic spirit and pride from the new bonds created during this time of crisis.
An interactive component is built into many of the first-phase activities. For example, participants are invited to post photos or videos to social media with the tags #coquitlamspirit and #bendthecurve, and to share their own ideas for activities or ways to connect with others through www.coquitlam.ca/spirit or on social media with those hashtags.
Upcoming CoquitlamSPIRIT activities and content will centre around the themes of caring, connections and community to support residents through these difficult times.
Be Informed
For up-to-date information regarding the COVID-19 impacts to City facilities, programs, services and events:
Coquitlam residents are encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook and Twitter) and download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for up-to-date City information.
For more information on COVID-19, including updates, answers to frequently asked questions, and translated information, please consult the following resources: