File Photo/CHAT News

By Jesse Gill

RECREATION

City of Medicine Hat’s Rec and Ride Youth Pass deemed a success

Oct 3, 2025 | 7:32 AM

The City of Medicine Hat’s Rec and Ride Youth Pass concluded last month with a total of 627 youth purchasing the pass, something they will look to implement again next year.

An initiative that provided a low-cost opportunity for youth aged 13 to 17 in Medicine Hat and the area to access recreation facilities and unlimited transit services over the summer for a $50 fee.

The collaborative initiative between the City’s parks and recreation department, Medicine Hat Transit, and the YMCA of Southeastern Alberta yielded positive results, as observed by each partner.

Significant increases were observed for visits by youth passholders to the Big Marble Go Centre compared to 2023 numbers.

Observed was a 532 per cent increase in total visits by youth pass holders, with 3,121 total.

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Youth holding passes for the facility over these months also jumped to 708, with only 132 in 2023.

The pass was used at the Big Marble Go Centre by 70 per cent of those who purchased the Rec and Ride Youth Pass.

The city chose to compare against 2023 number, as the Kinsmen Aquatic Park was closed for construction over the summer months in 2024.

“It became clear after just one week that this program was going to surpass our already lofty hopes. We’d hoped 200 passes would be a solid mark for the first year – when we quickly passed the 500 mark, we were admittedly stunned,” said Scott Richter, manager of recreation, City of Medicine Hat, in a statement from the city.

“We are grateful for Hatters’ resounding support and interest in this program. It’s apparent that our community values the impacts of affordable, accessible recreational opportunities,” he added.

“We remain committed to exploring these types of opportunities to promote a healthy, active community for all.”

Transit was utilized by 24 per cent, or 150 of the pass holders, with 3,007 total trips.

“We appreciated the opportunity to transport our city’s youth to and from these healthy, engaging summer activities during the program period. Bundling these key services proved to be a great way to expose new and upcoming transit riders to the value and reliability of Medicine Hat Transit,” said Gordon Dykstra, manager of transit operations, City of Medicine Hat, in a statement from the city.

“When youth gain familiarity with transit, they gain access to a dependable, safe and convenient way to navigate our community year-round,” he added.

“We anticipate a great future for this partnership as we work to ensure our community remains accessible for all.”

The YMCA of Southeastern Alberta facilities had 22 per cent of pass holders participate, with 903 visits to the South Ridge facility, and 335 to Downtown.

“This program filled a gap in the community and was a great way for young people to build independence while accessing recreation services throughout the community,” said Sharon Hayward, chief executive officer, YMCA of Southeastern Alberta, in a statement from the city.

“No matter what facility they went to, youth were out and actively engaged,” she added.

“We are pleased with the ongoing collaboration between the Y and the City – we’ve worked together in many meaningful ways for years, but this initiative seemed to shine a light on our vibrant partnership, making it more visible to the community. We are thrilled at the potential to continue this program in the future.”