Parents won't have to dip into their wallets as much this summer when their kids want to take a dip.
That's because the cities of Coquitlam and Port Moody launch their unlimited child and youth passes next month.
The new $20 swipe cards will be sold starting next May 13 and will allow kids from newborns to 18-year-olds to drop into any sport and arts program between June 21 and Sept. 6.
Best of all, anyone can buy a card not just Coquitlam or Port Moody residents.
The two pilot initiatives mean kids will have unlimited access to any indoor and outdoor pool, civic fitness rooms, and sports and arts sessions during scheduled drop-in times; the cards won't apply to registered programs.
Among the drop-in activities available this summer in Coquitlam are:
Pinecones Active Adventure: open to families with children aged one to five years; play with giant building blocks, climb in tunnels and ride the tricycle racecourse (Fridays at Pinetree community centre);
Park Play: for kids aged six and up; join crafts, games and stories with park leaders (Mondays at Panorama, Tuesdays at Blue Mountain, Wednesdays at Galloway, Fridays at Cottonwood);
Basketball: for youth 11 to 18 and parents; practise on a side hoop or join in on a game on one of the six courts (Friday nights, Centennial Activity Centre);
Teen Indoor Cycling: for teens 13 to 18; workout on a stationary bike (Mondays at Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex);
and Poi Spinning: for teens 16 and up; learn about a less-intensive martial arts (Thursdays at Spirit Square).
As well, teens wanting to know how to work out safely in a weight room can get a break in the cost of an orientation session. Youths aged 13 to 18 can tour a city workout facility with a certified weight trainer and pay only $2; after that, with the Child and Youth Pass, there's no charge.
The Coquitlam pass can be purchased at Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex, City Centre Aquatic Complex, Pinetree community centre, Dogwood Pavilion and Glen Pine Pavilion.
Meanwhile, the Port Moody Drop-in Pass gives kids unlimited access to all recreation facilities, including Rocky Point and Westhill outdoor pools.
"I think this is a great summer initiative that we're rolling out for the kids and we hope it will be well used," Mayor Mike Clay said.
The city of Port Coquitlam isn't offering such a pass this summer.
For more information, visit coquitlam.ca/summerpass or portmoody.ca/summerpass.
@jwarrenTC
