Health and Wellness: Recreation Services
The provision of accessible recreation services by area municipalities is a priority for watershed residents. Both formal and informal recreation activities can reduce the number of employment days lost, and improve the overall health and well-being of residents.
In the Severn Sound watershed:
- Area municipalities are responsible for recreation and library services.
- Municipalities and non-government organizations manage a variety of recreational programs for all ages. Many libraries offer leisure and educational programming as well.
- Other jurisdictions support and encourage the volunteer sector to provide programs and activities for community residents.
- Four municipalities in the watershed have Parks & Recreation Master Plans* in place:
- Georgian Bay
- Springwater
- Midland
- Oro-Medonte
- *Tay has a Culture and Recreation Master Plan that includes programming
- Land area includes land classified in the Simcoe County Forest (SCF), which has become the largest municipally-owned forest in Ontario with nearly 30,000 acres under active management as of 2006. The Simcoe County Forest is not considered parkland, but recreational pursuits are allowed as a privilege. In order to ensure the continued enjoyment of the forest by all responsible users, reduce conflict and minimize environmental impacts, a Recreational Use Policy was developed to direct allowable activities within Simcoe County Forests.