THE City of Surrey has launched a $10-a-month recreation and after school drop-in pass designed to keep children physically active, engaged and connected to community throughout the 2017/2018 school year.

Called “MY Fun Pass,” the new program provides children aged two to 12 with unlimited seven-day-a-week citywide access to drop-in activities, including swimming, skating and gym sports. With the pass, children eight to 12 can also access MYzone, a safe and nurturing drop-in afterschool program offering basic homework help and activities to support healthy social-emotional development, leadership skills, self-confidence and physical activity.

“Accessible high quality recreation has a powerful effect on both our quality of life and ability to build strong and vibrant communities,” said Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner. “Providing safe and affordable programs designed to support physical, social and emotional wellbeing is an investment in our children’s and city’s future.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends children and youth aged five to 17 get at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. Research shows physically active young people are more likely to adopt other healthy behaviours—such as avoidance of tobacco, alcohol and drug use—and demonstrate higher academic performance at school.

“After school is the most critical time of day to keep children physically active, emotionally strong and connected to peers and their local community recreation programs,” said Daljit Gill-Badesha, Healthy Communities Manager, City of Surrey Parks, Recreation and Culture. “MY Fun Pass is an affordable way for kids to keep active and have fun while they learn, explore, grow and develop important social and life skills.”

The pass, which is valid from September 1 to June 30, 2018, costs $100 and can be paid in full or through $10 monthly payments. The cost will be pro-rated if purchased later in the school year. The pass automatically expires at the end of June. For more information on MY Fun Pass and other City of Surrey children’s recreation programs, visit surrey.ca/recreation.