The responsibilities of the Recreation Services Department extend to a lot more than operating the seasonal pool and summer camps. As Director NIcole Cooper describes it, it’s a combination of creative work, physical work, paperwork, and municipal administration that keeps her busy year round. Even the pandemic doesn’t slow it down, since most of the work and planning goes in before a program is ultimately cancelled due to health orders.

Specifically, the role requires someone to plan and execute recreational planning for all aspects of recreation for the Town of Neepawa, not just sports but arts and creative endeavours, festivals, and just about anything else that people do in their leisure time. It’s a broad responsibility, which Cooper has been handling for several years now - everything from arranging babysitting courses to planning a new signature summer festival for the town.

While big projects requiring additional budget items go back to the Town Council before she can carry them out, for most activities Cooper has the autonomy to deliver the programs she chooses. As well, the town is far from the only source of funding for the department. For projects such as the multi-use trail park, or even regular programs like the Winter Wonderland Festival and staffing for day camps, Cooper turns to grantwriting to source funds to complete the projects or programs.

Partnerships can be  a big part of carrying out projects such as the Canada Day celebrations or the annual Chamber of Commerce Town Fair, which has been on hiatus for the past two years but which she hopes to see the return of in 2022. In a time when volunteerism can be scarce, working with other organisations such as Settlement Services or local service clubs can help with new ideas and an influx of bodies to get the work done.

Cooper frequently solicits requests from residents about the programs they’d like to see, and has seen a shift in demand over the past few years. Where once sports like hockey reigned supreme, now many people are looking for more family-oriented activities where everyone can participate. With new facilities already in progress around the town and others in the planning stages, the department is working hard to fulfill requests and keep the Town of Neepawa active and vibrant.