Recreation Gathering 2024

The 2024 Yukon Recreation Gathering in Whitehorse, themed ROAR: Reimagining Outdoor Active Recreation, brought together recreation leaders, volunteers, and advocates from almost every Yukon community. This gathering was all about making connections, sharing knowledge, and finding new ways to strengthen recreation across the territory.

A Hub for Learning and Collaboration
One of the most valuable aspects of the gathering was the opportunity for participants to meet face-to-face, share their experiences, and gain new insights. Participants from different communities shared ideas on everything from youth engagement to accessible programming, and many left with fresh strategies and friendships to support their own work back home.

Celebrating RPAY Recognition Award Winners
At the gathering, we celebrated the RPAY Recognition Awards, which honour people who go above and beyond to bring recreation to their communities. This year’s winners have shown dedication and creativity in making active, inclusive spaces for all Yukoners.

Recognized were Cain Miller and Will Quarton of the Watson Lake Disc Golf Club. Cain and Will designed and built a new 18-hole disc golf course in Watson Lake—a true labor of love that people of all ages can enjoy. Since starting the project, they put in countless volunteer hours clearing brush, installing nets, mapping the course, and getting funding for materials. And now, through the Town of Watson Lake, disc golf sets can be rented at the Recreation Centre. This project is a big win for Watson Lake, welcoming lots of locals and visitors alike.

Grant Dunham, was also presented with the RPAY Recognition Award. For more than 10 years, Grant has generously volunteered countless hours to set up and manage RPAY’s website and provide email support for RPAY staff. Grant also provides the technical support for the Recreation North Training Program, making sure the Learning Management System, website and emails are hosted securely and maintained. Grants dedication and behind-the-scenes support keeps all “tech” running smoothly. 

These award winners truly embody the community spirit that RPAY celebrates!

Looking Forward
The 2024 Yukon Recreation Gathering showed that collaboration and community spirit are the foundation of strong recreation programs. By learning together and celebrating each other’s work, recreation leaders across the Yukon are ready to make a lasting impact on health and wellness for everyone in the territory. Congratulations to the RPAY award winners and to all who continue to build brighter, more active communities across The Yukon!