A regional recreation organization is hoping a visual revamp that includes the launch of social media channels will help get the word out to the community about what it does. The Grande Prairie Regional Recreation Committee aims to highlight the different recreational opportunities that can be found throughout the region.
It has existed since 2017 is made up of six different municipalities in the region, including the City and County of Grande Prairie and the Municipal District of Greenview, along with the Towns of Wembley, Sexsmith, and Beaverlodge. However, Coordinator Helen Garland says that until recently, they were not on any form of social media.
“This is something we thought would be a great way to get our committee out there and let people know what we are because we actually have been around since 2017, but it is getting people to know us a little bit better,” she says. “Our goal is to have one central location on social media where people can find activities and events that are outside of their municipality but still within a short drive, expanding the number and the type of opportunities that exist for them.”
Along with the visual overhaul and the launch of the social media page, the committee also created Recreation Rex, as mascot to serve as the new face of the committee.
“He is a way that people can connect with the committee because, obviously, we are a committee that is made up of government. He was chosen because most people love dinosaurs, he is really easily identifiable, and our region has a very special connection with dinosaurs.”
They are also holding a social media-based scavenger hunt to help acquaint the community with the Rex and the organization.
“They need to find Recreation Rex at one of his various locations, and they can find out where he is that week by following us on social media, and then snap a photo of him either with or without them and then they post it to Facebook or Instagram and tag us @gpregionalrec.”
Rex has been at Grande Prairie Activity and Reception Centre, the Crosslink County Sportsplex, and the Nuvista Energy Centre in Beaverlodge so far. More information can be found on the committee’s website.
