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Abbey Centre Newsletter April 2023

Your monthly news & updates



We hope you are surrounded by sunshine, flowers, chocolate, and family throughout Easter!

Good Friday and Easter Monday holiday hours are 11 am - 5 pm.

Transition from Red Cross to Lifesaving Society Swim Lessons

 

As of January 1, 2023 the Canadian Red Cross discontinued their Swimming & Water Safety classes as well as their lifeguard training to focus on surging humanitarian demands in a variety of areas. Pools across Canada have transitioned to swimming, lifeguarding and aquatic leadership programs of the Lifesaving Society.

 

The Town of Blackfalds will now be offering the Lifesaving Society Swimming Programs; Parent & Tot, Preschool, Swimmer, and Canadian Swim Patrol. We will still offer quality instruction with certified instructors and staff will be happy to assist in navigating from the Red Cross Swim Lessons to the Lifesaving Society Swim Programs.

 

We look forward to continuing the development of swimming skills and water safety knowledge within our community and detailed transition charts are available on page 22 of the Spring/Summer Program Guide.


Swim lesson registration opens May 1.

Camp Curious Volunteer Program



The Abbey Centre is offering volunteer opportunities for ages 16+ to help with our Camp Curious summer camps. If you or someone you know can help plan and partake in camp activities while maintaining a clean, safe, and fun atmosphere, we need you!


This is a great opportunity to see Day Camp Leaders in action and gain valuable experience. To learn more, click here or email the Guest Services Team Lead.

Aquatics Volunteer Program



The Abbey Centre Aquatics team is always looking for mature, passionate, energetic teens who want to experience the aquatic environment firsthand! We are specifically looking for individuals who have started their advanced courses in the aquatic industry.


Volunteers will get firsthand experience lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons as they work with a certified staff member.


To learn more, go here or email Aquatics.

Save More on Thrifty Thursday!



Each month, we offer cost savings on different Abbey Centre services available only on the first Thursday of the month.

Please check Facebook page, or posters around the Abbey to check out what service we are showcasing and where you can save!


April 6th Thrifty Thursday

Bring a friend or family member for FREE.

Members or day admissions included

Please visit Guest Services to purchase.

Thank You!


The Blackfalds & District Agricultural Society is an important, reliable contributor to the efforts of the Town of Blackfalds.


The Ag Society has sponsored the Amphitheatre since 2014 and has graciously agreed to sponsor one of our permanently placed picnic tables! These tables will help increase the enjoyment for those using our beautiful green space and our facility. We look forward to installation this spring!


Our sincere appreciation to the Blackfalds Ag Society!



Registration for Spring Fitness, FCSS, Arts & Culture is now open!


Our Fitness, FCSS, and Arts & Culture programming registration is now open. Camp Curious and swim lesson registration will open May 1st.


Please visit our programs page at www.blackfalds.ca/programs to check out our Program and Activity Guide for more details, and to register before spots fill up.


Limited hard copies of our Spring/Summer Program Guide are now available at the Abbey Centre!

Town of Blackfalds Rental Spaces


The Town of Blackfalds has many different rental spaces available in several different facilities. Information for each space can be found on our website.


To start the booking process or make inquiries, all you have to do is submit a Facility Booking Request Form found on the same webpage. Guest Services will then reach out to you for more information and availability. Each month we will be highlighting one of our available rental spaces so you may get to know your choices better!


Abbey Centre - Fitness Studio 1


This is an ideal space for fitness and dance classes, meetings, seminars, workshops, birthday, anniversary, or as a break-out room for athletes (tournament/sport competition-related events). Further info is here.

Abbey Centre Sponsorship Opportunities

Are you an individual, business, or industry that would like to support your community while promoting yourself or your business and receiving lasting recognition?

We have various sponsorship opportunities available that will allow you to show your community commitment to 150,000 + users a year!

Spotlight on Safety - We Take Your Safety Seriously!


April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a united nationwide effort to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and eliminate preventable deaths and injuries on our roadways.


The Abbey Centre parking lot can be a very busy place with a lot of people (kids!) on foot. Please make sure to drive in and out at the posted speed limit (20 kph) and pay special attention while backing up.

Get to Know Our Staff!

Name Carol S.

Job Title: General Manager

Hometown: Stettler

How long have you worked at the Abbey Centre? 9 years

What is your favorite program/part of the Abbey Centre? I love the third level. Spin bikes, running, TRX, kettle bells and the view from the SW corner is great.

Best movie ever? Shawshank Redemption

Favorite holiday destination? I love Vancouver Island but can't wait to go to Ireland.

The best part of my job is…the bustle of busy days - kids in the play space, walking club on the track, the field house full of pickleballers and the fitness centre rockin'. It means people are having fun, being active and being with other like minded people. Its why we, the staff and the centre are here!!

My favorite sport or hobby? Hockey and baseball. Go Bulldogs Go!!

Recycle for Reward

Congratulations to Dan O., the March Recycle 4 Reward winner of a $75 gift card sponsored by Focus Family Chiropractic.


Learn how you can win a $75 gift card from Barbenders, the Recycle 4 Reward sponsor for April.


Interested in being a Recycle 4 Reward sponsor?

Email the Guest Services Team Lead to book your spot!

Sports, Leagues & Tournaments

Intro to Pickleball


Interested in trying out pickleball? Register to learn the basic rules and techniques from a certified instructor.


Ages 14+ | $10 + GST


Apr 17 | 6 - 8 pm

Field House 3 | Abbey Centre

4500 Womacks Rd


Register here!

Blackfalds Co-Ed Slo Pitch League


Players and teams of all abilities are welcome! Get out twice a week to socialize, meet new people, have fun, and play some ball!


Registration now open!



  • Preseason meeting April 13 at 6:00pm in the Servus Program Room
  • 21 Games
  • Registration includes balls, scorebooks & SPN Insurance, and year-end tournament
  • Year-End Tournament Aug 12-13


Mon & Wed | Tue & Thurs

May 1 - Aug 3 | 6:00 - 9:30pm

All-Star Park | 4800 Leung Rd

$925/team

Upcoming Events

SuperKids is Back!


The 2023 SuperKids Triathlon, a sanctioned Triathlon Alberta event, will be happening on July 8, 2023 in Blackfalds!


Avengers: Ages 5-7

25m Swim • 1km Bike • 500m Run | $20 Registration

Justice League: Ages 8-12

50m Swim • 2km Bike • 1km Run | $25 Registration


*Registrants must have TriAB Memberships*


Registration opens May 1, 2023!

We are excited and grateful to welcome our title sponsor for SuperKids 2023: Eagle Builders!

Visit our Events Calendar at www.blackfalds.ca/events

Programs & Classes

Camp Curious Summer Camps


Back for the months of July and August the Abbey Centre welcomes youth to an action-packed summer for fun!


Registration opens May 1st!

 

See more info at www.blackfalds.ca/camps.

Get Amped for C'AMPED


Every PD day, kids ages 6 - 11 can join us for games, crafts, sports, and adventures that will keep them active throughout the day.


C'AMPED is home away from home on School Professional Development (PD) Days and Spring Break. Synchronized with the Wolf Creek school calendar, the Abbey Centre is the place to be!

Camps are jam-packed with games, crafts, sports, and adventures to keep kids active and stimulated throughout the day.


For dates or more information, please click here!

$2 Track-Only Option

This option gives members and guests access to the running track for the entire day for only $2!


Ask Guest Services about the

$20 track-only punch-pass!

Abbey Centre Services

Meet Our Fitness Instructor - Jillian Lewis

1.     Years teaching fitness?  ​

10 Years (Gymnastics 6 years, Yoga 4 years)


2.     What do you teach/certifications? ​

200hr YTT Certified, Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Pre & Post Natal Yoga

3.     Why is fitness one of your passions? 

I believe that connecting to your body and your breath through movement of any kind helps settle the mind, gets the heart pumping and blood flowing, allows us to connect to ourselves and others, helps with sleep and stress management and so much more!


4.     What do you want to help your clients achieve? 

With Yoga specifically, I just want people to leave class feeling better than when they came in!

With time, I hope they build strength, connection, flexibility, and confidence.


5.     A fun fact about you.

I LOVE FOOD! I LOVE to travel! 

Food Services

Our Food Services is now closed for season and will only be open for select events through out the remainder of the year.


Only Mobile Meals & Munchies patrons will have access to the outdoor eating area during the pool season, however, members and guests are welcome to bring their food from home or bring in food from other restaurants, but it must be eaten within the Abbey Centre itself (common/public areas i.e. tables or field house bleachers) or outside in the green space.


No outside food will be allowed in the Outdoor Aquatic Centre other than water/sports drinks in non-breakable containers. Thank you for your cooperation.

Children's Services Kids Corner


What's the Easter Bunny's favorite sport?

Basket-ball!


Tie Dye Easter Egg


Supplies

  • harboiled eggs
  • paper towel
  • food coloring
  • vinegar
  • spray bottle
  • plastic ziplock bags
  • rubber bands
  • disposable pans (for easy clean up)


1. Split your paper towels into 2 pieces. Lay flat inside the disposable pan. You will need a piece for every egg you would like to make.

2. Use the food coloring to make a design to your liking on the paper towel. You can completely cover it or leave some white between.

3. Mix a few teaspoons of vinegar with water inside your spray bottle and spray the mix evenly over the paper towel.

4.  Place your egg in the middle and gather the paper towel around it tightly. Use a rubber band to secure it. Then place into a plastic bag and secure that around tightly with a rubber band.

5. Let them soak for 4 hours or more.

It's Always Fun in Child Minding!

Children aged 3 months to 10 years can be dropped off to receive quality care by our friendly and professional staff.

Spots are limited to 3 hours/day. We are now operating under our winter hours.

 

Please note that we no longer offer off-site care.

 

Click here to learn more about Child Minding Services.

Drop - In Fitness Classes


Our Drop-In Fitness Classes are in full swing with fitness instructors Chantelle and Diana!


To see our schedule, please click here.

Fitness Focus - Atlantis Seated Crunch


We highlight one of our equipment pieces each month to help people familiarize themselves and get some pointers on its use.


This month we are showcasing the Atlantis Seated Crunch.


Read more about it here.

Book Your Free Fitness Centre Orientation Today!

We offer FREE Fitness Centre orientations.


Youth 12 - 17 years of age are required to have an orientation before accessing the Fitness Centre or Running Track. 

Youth 12 - 13 must be accompanied by an adult.


To book an orientation call 403.885.3176 or email trainer@blackfalds.ca.n

Personal One-on-One Training Available

Looking for a personal trainer to get you going or keep you on track? The Abbey has a number of certified personal trainers who will work with you to develop a fitness program that is just right for you!


One-on-One Rates

1 Session $50.00

3 Sessions $142.50

5 Sessions $225.00

10 Sessions $425.00

20 Sessions $800.00

*GST is included in the rates

 

Please purchase your session prior to scheduling training times.

We recommend you meet the trainers prior to purchase so we can match you with the best trainer possible.


For terms & conditions, please refer to our website www.blackfalds.ca/abbeycentre.


Call 403.885.0183 or email trainer@blackfalds.ca for more information. Group Training is also available.

Abbey Membership and Admission
With the purchase of a membership, or 10-punch you will be granted unlimited access to the Fitness Centre, Outdoor Aquatic Centre, Running Track, Indoor Play Space, Drop-In Fitness Classes, Registered Fitness Classes (with drop-in option) and daily (M-F) drop-in activities in the Field House.

Perks of Being an Annual Member
Annual members are eligible to register early in Town programs and classes, receive two (2) complimentary day passes upon membership activation or renewal and have the ability to place their membership on hold (certain restrictions do apply).

Membership forms are available at the Abbey Centre or can be downloaded here.

Online Registration

Online Program Registration & Memberships

Our online registration system is a fast, easy and convenient method of viewing and registering for Town of Blackfalds programs.


To register online you must have an online account. See the Abbey's online program registration for more information.


Problems logging in? Contact Guest Services at 403-885-4039.

Mon - Fri | 5:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sat - Sun | 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Important Reminders
Statutory Holiday Hours
For Stat Holiday hours visit the Abbey Centre on the web.

Field House Drop-In Schedule
Daily drop-in activities (which may include badminton, pickleball and basketball) are set up daily. See Field House Drop-In Schedule

Clothing & Clean Shoes Policy
All Fitness Centre/Track users are required to wear athletic gym apparel. No bare chests. Clothing must be free of inappropriate or offensive language/graphics.
Clean, dry shoes are required in the Fitness Centre/Track and Field House.
Abbey Centre | 4500 Womacks Rd | Blackfalds, AB
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