As part of Recreation Professionals Week in Saskatchewan, we are highlighting professionals who help create vibrant, active, and connected communities. Ashley Silvius serves as the Recreation Assistant for the Town of Carnduff, a role inspired by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) Capacity Building Grant to expand recreation opportunities and strengthen community programming.
Since stepping into the position, Ashley has played a key role in securing funding, developing new programs, and bringing residents together through recreation. From organizing major community events to creating opportunities for children, youth, and families, her passion for recreation and community building shines through in everything she does.
Read on to learn more about Ashley’s journey in recreation, the programs making a difference in Carnduff, and her vision for creating active, connected communities through recreation.
What inspired the creation of your position?
The SPRA Grant inspired our town to develop the position as they saw the need for additional recreation staff.
Was there a specific gap in recreation programming or community services that this role was designed to address?
With existing resources stretched thin, opportunities to develop new programs and events in Carnduff had become limited. A key priority of this new position was to identify and secure grant funding, creating the capacity to introduce new programs, activities, and events that would enrich the community and better serve residents.
What do you enjoy most about working in recreation?
I love being active and staying busy, and recreation gives me the perfect mix of both! Whether I’m out at the golf course organizing our junior golf program or helping out during busy lunch rushes, at the rink putting in lines, taking the ice out and making sure everything is running smoothly, or in the office scheduling ball practices and games, applying for grants, and planning future programs, I’m always on the go. I really enjoy how rewarding, diverse and fun my job is. It never feels like the same day twice, and I love that variety.
Can you share a program or initiative that has had a particularly meaningful impact?
One initiative that has had a particularly meaningful impact is the Rural Roots Classic Baseball Game featuring the Weyburn Beavers and Saskatoon Berries which we were selected to host on May 30th. This event brought together people from all over to celebrate our rural communities, local history, and love of baseball. It was more than just a game, it created opportunities for families, friends, and visitors to connect, support local organizations, and take pride in where they live. A few of the ball players attended the school to hang out with the kids for the morning to play games and answer questions which the kids really enjoyed.
What makes it especially rewarding is seeing the community come together to make the event a huge success. From volunteers and sponsors to players and spectators, everyone plays a role. The positive feedback and strong attendance of over 640 spectators shows how much the event meant to people, and it’s exciting to be part of something that strengthens community spirit while creating lasting memories for residents and visitors.
What are some future plans or ideas you’re excited about for recreation programming?
I’m really excited about the variety of recreation programming we have planned for the future, especially the opportunities we’re creating for children, youth, and families in our community.
This summer, we’re offering a week long Adventure Zone Camp for ages 6–12, which will include arts and crafts, games, outdoor activities, and visits with local seniors. It’s a great way for kids to stay active, make new friends, and build connections within the community.
I’m also looking forward to the Multi-Sport Rally Camp, which will run on Wednesdays for six weeks throughout the summer. The program is designed to keep kids active by introducing them to a variety of sports and activities while giving them the chance to socialize and play with other children.
Another exciting event is the visit from the Saskatchewan Science Centre on August 4. It will be a fun and interactive afternoon that brings hands-on learning and science exploration to our community.
In addition, I’ve been busy organizing pickleball lessons, Home Alone courses, babysitting courses, Hunter Education and Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) courses. These programs have been highly requested and fill an important need in our area by providing residents with valuable skills, certifications, and opportunities to learn something new.
What excites me most is being able to offer a wide range of programs that appeal to different ages and interests. It’s rewarding to see community members get involved, learn new skills, stay active, and connect with one another through recreation.
