With your Saanich Access Pass in hand, the doors open to so many fitness and recreation possibilities: hundreds of hours each week of drop-in fitness classes and sports, weightroom times, plus swimming, skating and more.
And while all of those are key Access Pass features, the “hidden benefits” are just as vital to many pass holders, says Lisa Banks, Saanich Recreation Programmer, Health Services.
Access to knowledgeable staff who are keen to help recreation centre visitors succeed is especially rewarding. Weightroom schedules identify times when an attendant can explain equipment and offer valuable tips, for example, while at fitness or waterfit classes, experienced instructors share the latest tips, trends and techniques.
“We have some incredibly skilled staff at all the centres who are committed to helping participants find the right programs for their needs and goals,” Banks says. “The Saanich staff have such wide areas of expertise and we’re really invested in helping you succeed.”
‘Value added’ with each pass
Beyond its staff, each recreation centre also has its unique features – the pools at Gordon Head and Saanich Commonwealth Place, the ice rink at Pearkes and the racquet sports and Arts Centre at Cedar Hill. It’s a diversity you won’t easily find elsewhere.
“With the kind of variety Access Pass holders enjoy, the ‘value added’ is amazing,” Banks says, noting that even the four weightrooms have their own individual feel and some specialized equipment.
And then there’s the hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas. “So many people love to soak in the hot tub after a tough workout or a trail run – it’s very soothing and they leave refreshed. The Access Pass makes it so easy to do that!”
The social equation
The social benefits of the Access Pass often surprise people, too, Banks reflects.
Saanich Recreation is founded on the principle of providing a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for all, so people who drop in regularly build connections with their class-mates. “It really is a nice environment. There’s a real sense of community that people enjoy and come to count on – you show up, you feel welcome, and you’re missed when you don’t make your workout.”
Get your Access Pass today!
Your Saanich Access Pass offers 31 different drop-in activities weekly at four centres, including fitness, sports, swims and skates. Check out the activity calendars online, then buy your pass online or at any Saanich recreation centre. Find a good selection of passes to choose from, with something for every budget, including a monthly payment plan for some passes. Learn more at saanich.ca/recreation
