There is free animation in local parks, a new water equipment rental centre at Confederation Park, various water-based activities during the Ottawa River Festival and Boogie Wonder Band to kick-off the summer!

The Recreation and Tourism Department of the Town of Hawkesbury is announcing its 2018 summer program. The recreation department team has stepped up efforts to offer a wide range of activities and events, many of which are guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

The Club

For a second season, the Town of Hawkesbury is pleased to bring back the ever-popular park animation program affectionately known as The Club, whose councillors will provide activities in Old Mill and Larocque Parks from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. As an essential element in the development of neighbourhood life, The Club offers free drop-in activities in the park for youth who do not attend day camp, but who would still like to be active and take part in a variety of activities that will keep them moving. For 4 to 13 year olds, the free activities take place from July 2 to August 24, however, the schedule may be modified due to participation or inclement weather. Note that the youth are invited to participate on a voluntary basis, may come and go as they please, and is not a babysitting service. Registration is not required, so there is really no reason to stay home this summer!

O’Shack, the New Water Equipment Rental Centre

The summer of 2018 is off to a great start thanks in part to a new partnership between the Town of Hawkesbury and CSurf Board Shop, which has created ‘’O’Shack’’, the brand new rental centre! Citizens and tourists alike can enjoy the summer sun with friends and family on the Ottawa River. From July 5 to September 2, rent a pedal-boat, double or single kayak or even a Stand-Up Paddle board for as little as $10 to $15 per hour. Situated at Confederation Park, O’Shack, the water equipment rental centre will be open Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Ottawa River Festival

Celebrate the grand opening of O’Shack, Hawkesbury’s new water equipment rental centre during the Ottawa River Festival! What better way to explore our river! Activities include: rental of single or double kayaks, Stand Up Paddle boards (SUP) and pedal-boat, as well as wakesurf initiation, personal watercraft tours and a man-made pond with mini pedal-boats for the younger ones. In collaboration with Maximum PowerSports and CSURF Board Shop. All activities and rentals are free for the day! Enjoy all of the Ottawa River Festival activities, with friends and family June 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Confederation Park!

Reservations for wakesurf initiation, personal watercraft tours or kayak, pedal-boat and SUP rentals can be made by contacting the Robert Hartley Sports Complex (425 boul. Cartier, Hawkesbury) at 613 636-2082.

Canada Day

The Town of Hawkesbury is once again happy to offer the 2018 version of Canada Day! Sunday, July 1, 218 festivalgoers will get together at Confederation Park from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. to be entertained while taking part in a variety of activities. This year, at 4 p.m., Jacques le Pétard and his 12’ pet dinosaur will entertain the children while adults will get their groove on with Boogie Wonder Band. Re-live the Disco Era of the 70’s for two hours starting at 7 p.m.! The events of the day will be capped off with fireworks under the stars as of 9:30 p.m.

Swimming lessons & free activities at the sports complex

Once again this summer, the Recreation and Tourism Department will offer a variety of activities at the Robert Hartley Sports Complex pool. Children’s swimming lessons will be offered as of July 2, in an intensive format over two weeks, as will a multitude of aquafit activities throughout the summer. New this year, the outdoor tennis courts as well as the afternoon public swims from 1 :30 p.m. to 4 p.m. are offered free of charge! Visit our Website to find out more.

The details of the summer program is available at www.hawkesbury.ca. For exclusive information and to make sure you don’t miss out, follow us on Facebook @HawkesburyRec