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Community Services | Recreation Guide
Your Guide to Active Community Living; programs, classes, activities, events, and more.
Winter 2025
December to March
View Winter Programs Online
Get ready to register by creating your program wish list at pickering.ca/active
View/print/download the 55+ Recreation Guide
Program Registration
Winter Break Camps:
- Registration has started and is ongoing as space allows.
Winter Programs:
- Registration starts Tuesday, December 3 for Aquatics programs
- Registration starts Thursday, December 5 for Fitness & Leisure programs (including March Break Camps)
- Registration for non-residents starts December 12
For complete registration details, information, and policies visit the City's Registration page, pickering.ca/registration.
Aquatics
Lessons, Programs, Public Swimming are available throughout the year. Complete pool information, can be found online at pickering.ca/aquatics
| Two Indoor Pools | ||||
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Public Swimming
Is available indoors at both pools. See Public Swim Schedule
Swimming Lessons
The City of Pickering offers the Lifesaving Society Learn to Swim Programs. Swim for Life focuses on the development of fundamental swim strokes and skills for learners of all ages and abilities as well as valuable Water Smart® education that provides information, experiences, and key messages to help everyone make safe choices when in, on, and around water.
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Learn to Swim Class Options |
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Group Lessons These lessons offer a high quality and social learn to swim experience in small group settings. Classes are 30 - 45 minutes in duration. Girls Only Group Lessons These classes are for females only. All Girls Only/Female Only programs take place at Dunbarton Indoor Pool. Semiprivate Lessons Semiprivate classes guarantee a maximum of 3 participants per class, are 1/2 hour in duration. These low ratio classes are offered at both pools. Learners of all ages and all swim levels may take advantage of Semiprivate instruction. Private Lessons Private lessons are a great alternative to group or semi-private lessons. Private classes guarantee a maximum of 1 participant per class, are 1/2 hour in duration. All Lifesaving Society programs are offered as well as Adult and Youth swim levels. |
Swim For Life - Learn to Swim Programs
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Parent & Tot Program 4 mos - 3 yrs |
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The parent & tot programs provide an opportunity for parents and children to enjoy structured in-water interaction in a fun and social setting. Focusing on the importance of play and developing water positive attitudes and skills, children gain valuable exposure to being in and around the water. Parents will learn to be Water Smart to keep themselves and their child safe in any aquatic setting. Activities and progressions in Parent & Tot are based on developmental stages. Register in the level appropriate for your child’s age.
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Preschool Program 3 - 5 yrs |
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The preschool programs provide children with an early start in learning to swim. Children 3-5 years old will have fun while gaining foundational water skills and become comfortable in the water. Water Smart education is incorporated into all Preschool levels to support children in learning how to keep themselves safe in and around the water.
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Swimmer Program 6 - 12 yrs |
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This is a 6-level learn to swim program for children 6-12 years old. There is a prominent focus on in-water swimming practice as swimmers learn fundamental strokes and skills, mastering them as they progress through the program. Swimmers also learn how to be safe in, on, and around the water through Water Smart education incorporated into every level.
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Canadian Swim Patrol 6 - 13 yrs |
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The Lifesaving Society’s 3 level Canadian Swim Patrol program is for swimmers who are ready to focus on developing strength and proficiency while introducing the challenging world of lifesaving. Swimmers will have fun enhancing their capability in the water, increasing their physical conditioning, and learning lifesaving judgment. Each level will continue to develop swimmers’ strokes and provide a skill foundation that will prepare them for success in the Society’s Bronze Medal Awards. Each level of the Canadian Swim Patrol program has three modules: Water Proficiency, First Aid, and Recognition and Rescue.
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Adult Swimmer 16+ |
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Beginners just starting out or swimmers looking to improve their strokes will find that the new Adult Swimmer program will help them achieve their swimming goals. Swimmers will work to gain confidence in the water, develop smooth recognizable strokes, and improve their water fitness. Water Smart education is incorporated into all levels to support the Lifesaving Society’s mandate of drowning prevention.
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Aquatic Leadership Programs |
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The path to an exciting and rewarding career in Aquatics starts here! The following courses are offered...
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Aquafit Programs |
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Participants must be 15+ Take advantage of the unique benefits of water exercise to create a low impact program that appeals to a wide variety of abilities. Classes are offered at both CHD Rec Complex and Dunbarton Indoor pool. |
View ALL Aquatics Program listings
| What do I need to know when signing up? |
| Please ensure that you read the course description and prerequisites before enrolling. If you are still unsure of the appropriate level, we can arrange for an assessment by one of our aquatic staff. Refunds are not issued for enrolling in the incorrect level or a level that was not recommended.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s lessons, please do not hesitate to talk to the on-deck supervisor immediately. We appreciate your feedback and can usually solve your concerns as soon as we know about them. |
| What should I bring? |
| Just a swimsuit and a towel. All children who are not toilet trained are required to wear a plasticized bathing suit or plastic pants over their bathing suit - no disposable diapers. |
| Can I make-up a missed lesson? |
| Plan your schedule carefully. There are no make-up lessons or credits for missed classes. If we need to cancel a class due to inclement weather, pool fouling, etc., we will do our best to reschedule it at the end. If we cannot reschedule the class, you will be credited for the missed lesson. |
| Can I watch my child during lessons? |
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Experience has shown us that your child is better able to concentrate on lessons without additional on deck distractions. Viewing is available in the area upstairs at the Recreation Complex or the foyer at Dunbarton Pool.
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| I'm not sure what level to enroll my child for... |
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If your child is returning to swim lessons but you are not sure what level to register them for you can stop by during public swim times to get an evaluation. Evaluations are free and are approximately 15 minutes in length. All pool admission policies apply. See the Aquatics Page for public swim times and information. |
Registered Recreation Programs
Our programs are intended to promote physical, mental, and social health through recreational experiences for all ages and abilities.Search and register for programs by age group, interest, activity type, or location.
View ALL Registered Recreation Programs
Camps
Day camp programs are offered for children throughout the year including PA Days, Winter Holidays, March Break, and Summer.
| Upcoming Camps | |
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| Winter Break Camps |
Dec /Jan 2,3 |
| PA Day Camp |
January 24 |
| March Break Camps |
Mar 10-14 |
Visit our dedicated camps page at pickering.ca/camps
Fitness Programs
Group Fitness Programs, Pre/Post Natal Fitness Programs, and Small Group Personal Training is available starting for participants from 13 years of age, with specialized programming available for Adults 55+.
View ALL Registered Fitness Program listings
Non-Registered Group Fitness Classes are available as drop-in or with membership.
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex
Health Club, Pool, Fitness Classes. Squash, Racquetball, Tennis Courts, Arena
1867 Valley Farm Road, Pickering | 905.683.6582 | pickering.ca/fit
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Membership |
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CHD Recreation Complex offers both Seasonal and Annual Memberships. Complete Membership options and information can be found on the Recreation Complex webpage. |
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Health Club |
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Access to the health club equipment and services is available via membership or pay-as-you go options.
See the Recreation Complex webpage for complete details. |
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Group Fitness Classes |
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7 days a week • 3 dedicated fitness studios • Fit For Everyone Classes are available through membership, as a registered program, or pay-as-you-go basis.
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Personalized Training Services |
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Our trainers are CSEP Certified Personal Trainers who work with individuals to meet their healthy lifestyle goals. The following services are available:
See the Recreation Complex webpage for complete details. |
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Swimming Pool |
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Public Swim is offered at both CHD Recreation Complex and Dunbarton Indoor Pools. See the Aquatics webpage for details and schedules. |
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Courts: Handball, Racquetball, Squash, Tennis |
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Handball, raqquetball, squash and tennis courts are available for booking via membership or pay-as-you go. Visit Racquet Sports at pickering.ca/fit for complete details |
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Handball and Racquetball Lessons |
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Lessons, clinics and tournaments are held throughout the year. Visit the Racquetball Page for upcoming opportunities. Contact Susan Philips @ susan.philips@racquetballontario.ca for more information. |
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Squash Lessons & Services |
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Squash Pro: Nicole Pirko Lessons
Squash Lesson details are online at pickering.ca/fit Services
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Tennis Lessons |
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Tennis Pro: Dave Ochotta Lessons
Services
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Arenas
Public skating, skating lessons, and private ice rentals are offered during the skating season.
Visit pickering.ca/skate for complete arena information.
| Two Indoor Arenas | ||||
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Pickering Museum Village
3550 Greenwood Rd.
Think History is boring? Think again! Nestled on the banks of Duffins Creek, Pickering Museum Village is the largest community museum in Durham Region. Discover interactive, hands-on exhibits in our heritage buildings, such as the Greenwood Blacksmith Shop or Fun on the Farm Combination Barn. Explore the museum on your own or learn a skill in one of our unique heritage programs. Pickering Museum Village is fun for the whole family.
905.683.8401 | pickeringmuseumvillage@pickering.ca
City Services
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Accessibility |
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We are committed to meeting the needs of our growing community and providing accessible programs, services and resources to all of our residents. |
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Customer Care |
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The Customer Care Centre provides an important link between members of the public, the Mayor, Members of Council, and City of Pickering municipal departments. Our main priority is to ensure that you, "the customer" receive prompt attention and service regarding any municipal concerns you may have. Visit us online to see how you can Connect with Your City |
Recreation Services
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Facility Rentals & Children's Parties |
| Facility Rentals are available throughout the year and include Arena Rentals, Pool Rentals, Rooms & Halls, Historic & Natural Spaces. See the Facility Rental pages Children's Parties are available at various community centres and Pickering Museum Village. Our awesome themes and fantastic staff will help make your party a great event. See the Children's Party pages Additional information and booking details can be found on our website. pickering.ca/facilitybooking |
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Pre-teen Social Events (exclusively for grades 5 - 8) |
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Safe, Supervised, Fun Preteen Social Events are held seasonally at George Ashe Community Centre. These special events offer a fun night out that features music, games, dancing, activities & prizes!
Tickets are $14.00 and must be purchased online at pickering.ca/active See webpage for complete details on pre-teen social events. |
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Free Teen Stuff - Pickering Teens 13 - 19 yrs |
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Membership is required (it’s free) and you can get it online or at select programs. See website for complete details, activity schedule, and more. pickering.ca/teen905.420.6588 | freeteenstuff@pickering.ca |
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Aging Well Together - Adults 55+ |
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Spotlight Series Seminars (free presentations by local guest speakers)
Exclusive Events Visit our website or give us a call to find out more! pickering.ca/adults55plus905.420.4620 | communityservices@pickering.ca |
Available to all Pickering Teens 13 - 19 yrs of age. Free Teen Stuff offers a wide range of free recreational opportunities, activities, events and more to local youth. 
Free or low-cost recreational and social opportunities for older adults including...Culture Services
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Pickering Events |
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Visit the City's event calendar to see a full list of upcoming events with details.
pickering.ca/events905.420.4620 |
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Pickering Culture |
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Heritage & History | Public Art & Placemaking | Tourism Creating a vibrant community; Discover Pickering's vision for arts, culture and heritage. |
Community Recreation Links
| Dunmoore Tennis Club |
| Programs and competition for all levels of tennis enthusiasts. Inter-club teams, fun tournaments, family oriented, welcoming environment at the border of Petticoat Creek Conservation Area. |
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Pickering Swim Clubs |
Pickering Master Splashers Swim ClubSee website for information and membership Pickering Swim ClubSee club website for information |
Click here for a full list of community links.