Find Your Way to Play: Summer Activities and Community Life in Lincoln

Summer is here, and Lincoln is packed with opportunities to get outside, stay active, and connect with your community.

In this episode of The Lincoln Local, Sara Wilde and Stephanie Hicks chat with Shannon McKay, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Community Services, about everything happening across Lincoln this summer. From parks, recreation programs, summer camps, splash pads, and swimming lessons to Seniors Month activities and Canada Day celebrations, Shannon shares how these programs help create healthy, connected communities.

You'll also hear why parks and recreation are about much more than fun, plus get the latest summer updates during Talk of the Town Tea and a lightning round featuring summer favourites, savoury s'mores, and an unexpectedly passionate conversation about oysters.

Episode Highlights

•  Seniors Month and the Senior Showcase 
•  Lincoln Seniors Club programs and memberships 
•  Recreation and Parks Month 
•  Summer camps and swimming lessons 
•  Splash pads and pool openings 
•  Canada Day at Charles Daley Park 
•  How parks and recreation support community wellness 
•  Talk of the Town Tea 
•  Lightning Round: Summer Edition 

Important Dates

Senior Showcase
📅 June 3 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
📍 Fleming Centre & Lincoln Community Centre

Senior Flag Raising
📅 June 8 | 10:30 a.m.
📍 Town Hall

AFG Pool Opens
📅 June 6
📍 4361 Central Ave., Beamsville

Jordan Lions Pool Opens
📅 Late June
📍 793 Fourth Ave., Jordan

Canada Day Celebration
📅 July 1 | 1:30–10 p.m.
📍 Charles Daley Park, Jordan

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Thanks & Credits

With support from:

• Niagara Region Economic Development
• The Watering Can
• Second Chance Decor
• Verhoef Electric

Transcript

Welcome And Sponsorship Invite

Stephanie Hicks 0:02

Welcome to the Lincoln Local, a brand new podcast from the town of Lincoln. I'm Stephanie Hicks, the Town's Economic Development Officer and co-host. I focus on growth, opportunity, and community, helping people stay connected to what's happening and what's next.

Sara Wilde 0:17

And I'm Sara Wilde, the Town's Creative Design and Digital Media Advisor. Behind the camera, behind the design, and now behind the mic as your podcast co-host.

Steve 0:25

Want your business front and centre at two of Lincoln's biggest events of 2026? Sponsor Canada Bay and Fling Off King, reaching over 12,000 event attendees and more than half a million people online. With sponsorship packages starting at just $500, your brand can benefit from social media promotion, event signage, media exposure, podcast features, live recognition, and more. Support local families, celebrate community, and grow your visibility all at once. Interested? Contact Stephanie Hicks at shicks at Lincoln.ca to become a sponsor today.

Why June In Lincoln Is Busy

Sara Wilde 0:59

Summer is officially rolling into Lincoln, and if your calendar is already starting to fill up, you're not alone. June is such a busy and exciting month in Lincoln, recognized as Pride Month, Seniors Month, and National Indigenous History Month to Recreation and Parks Month, summer camps, splash pads, outdoor fun, and Canada Day celebrations just around the corner.

Stephanie Hicks 1:17

Today we're talking all things summer in Lincoln, what's happening, why it matters, and how residents of all ages can get involved. Joining us is someone who helps make so much of that happen behind the scenes. Lincoln's Director of Strategic Initiatives and Community Services, Shannon McKay. Shannon, thanks so much for joining us.

Shannon 1:34

Thanks for having me.

Sara Wilde 1:35

Thanks for coming.

What Play Lincoln Delivers

Sara Wilde 1:36

Before we jump into all the summer events and activities, let's start with the big picture. For people who may not realize just how much your team is involved in, what does your portfolio include?

Shannon 1:46

Well, thanks, Sara. You're correct, the team is really involved in a lot, and we like to think of ourselves as the team that loves to play, which ties nicely into our brand, which is Play Lincoln. So we're responsible for everything from recreation programming, which is planning and implementing recreational programming, of course, for all ages, from children and youth learning, life skills to music, arts, STEAM, and other adult activities, creative arts, fitness, wellness. We run our camps, various camps, March break camp, summer camp, winter break camp, PA Day camp programming. We also create and enhance our public and community spaces, our 23 parks and forming facilities. We are activating and optimizing our public and open spaces to ensure that we're creating spaces for connection and wellness with an overarching goal of supporting residents of all ages and all interests. So we're just coming up to completing our first year of programming here at the Lincoln Community Hub, formerly known as BDSS. We've been offering drop-in pickleball, court rentals, other programming, basketball, volleyball. We have a partnership with Niagara Splash. They've opened recently a youth pad for the ages of 12 to 17, where you can find air hockey, pool tables, gym time, games, movies, free snacks. And it's pretty much every day of the week. They have hours posted online. We also have the customer service team. So you'll see our staff who work in all of our municipal facilities. They greet our patrons, they assist with programming, registration, payments, they manage our facility bookings and rentals, and they take care of the spaces for special events and meetings as well as park rentals. We also host a number of community and special events, key events like Family Fun Day in February, activities during National Youth Week, which just finished, movie nights, Discover Your Park, Canada Day. So you're right, we're really broad, we're diverse, and we're ever expanding what we do.

Sara Wilde 3:41

You have an amazing team as well.

Stephanie Hicks 3:43

I do. And it sounds like a lot of fun, and I can't believe how popular pickleball is everywhere. It's true. I see now businesses, maybe it's the economic developer in me, but uh businesses popping up that are teaching pickleball, like selling pickleball, like entire store fronts dedicated to pickleball. So summer really does feel like the season where all of that comes to life across the community.

Seniors Showcase And Seniors Club

Stephanie Hicks 4:09

June is seniors month, and Lincoln has some great opportunities for older adults to stay active and connected. Can you tell us a little bit about Senior Showcase and the Lincoln Seniors Club?

Shannon 4:18

Designated a Seniors Month by the province of Ontario. This year's theme is fit, active, and healthy. And it's really an opportunity for us to celebrate and recognize the contributions and the importance of older adults. It's an opportunity for community partners and businesses to come together. And then on Wednesday, June 3rd, we'll be hosting a senior showcase, which will actually take place in two locations from 10 till 3. So starting at 10 a.m. at the Fleming Center, it's free to drop by and visit. We currently have over 45 exhibitors confirmed. You'll be able to enjoy refreshments generously provided by Tim Hortons. You'll meet local businesses, agencies, organizations, and groups such as the Age-Friendly Active Community Advisory Committee, along with members of the Lincoln Seniors Executive Club. And then the showcase moves over at 1 o'clock to the Lincoln Community Center, which for those who don't know is located at 4361 Central Avenue here in Beamsville. And from one till three, visitors will be greeted by the Lincoln Senior Club, both the executive and members of the membership, who will be on site to tour people through the facility, the community spaces, answer questions, and encourage people to join. So in order to join, you have to be 55 years or older. A membership is $20 annually, and most activities that you're able to participate in are free. There's some key spaces at the facility for those who haven't been. There's a main hall, there's a billiards room, there's an activity room, a lounge, and a kitchen. We create a monthly calendar of events and activities, everything from exercise to pickleball, cribbage and euchre, chess, line dancing, movie, Zumba, bingo, board games, cornhole, and much more. We're also doing a flag raising at our community flag pole located at Town Hall on Monday, June 8th at 10:30. And all are welcome to join us for that.

Stephanie Hicks 6:14

Why is it so important for municipalities to invest in programs and spaces that help seniors stay connected and engaged in the community?

Shannon 6:21

It's a rather simple answer. We're all living longer, and as such, older adults are representing a growing and very important demographic. And these vital investments result in a really strong ROI. So ensuring that we in the public sector especially are investing in healthy aging by providing the opportunities for older adults to be active, to be engaged, to take preventative action. All of this reduces health care costs, it helps to delay cognitive decline, prevent chronic disease. It also enables older adults to age in place longer and contributes to social cohesion.

Sara Wilde 6:58

That idea of connection really ties into another big focus this month, too.

Parks And Recreation Matter More

Sara Wilde 7:02

June is Recreation and Parks Month or JRPM. Sometimes people think parks and recreation are just for fun, but they actually play a huge role in building healthy communities. What do you wish people understood more about the impact of parks and recreation in a place like Lincoln?

Shannon 7:16

So I'm not sure if I wish people understood it more, but I think, you know, there have been countless research studies done by industry experts and associations on the importance of public parks, open spaces, and recreation, and especially during COVID and coming out of COVID, and how vital these community assets are and these investments. And so, sort of expanding on my earlier comments about the benefits of park and recreation with the seniors, you know, it strengthens aging population. It encourages physical activity. Open spaces are free and they're accessible, and you can jog and you can cycle and you can play sports, and it's directly related to reducing the rates of obesity and chronic illnesses. It supports child development. You know, when we look at our parks, we have junior play areas, we have senior play areas and natural play areas that stimulate creativity and cognitive development, motor skills in children, and while allowing for safe exploration. Our parks and open spaces foster social cohesion. They're neutral grounds where people from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds can interact, breaking down community barriers. These places and spaces improve mental health, they help us restore cognitive function and provide breaks from the overstimulation of our urban environments, our phones and our laptops and what we seem to be most consumed with. They also help combat social isolation, providing accessible and free gathering spaces, community events, casual meetups, neighbourhood bonding. We see that a lot in the parks that are in our very residential areas where people are literally just coming out of their homes to be in these open spaces. Lower stress and anxiety, regular exposure to nature lowers cortisol levels, helping to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. And what we often like to say, as part of our taglines here in Lincoln, is they create a sense of belonging. Community spaces and gardens and volunteer park cleanups give residents a shared purpose and a sense of ownership over the environment. So they're really important to us, and we like to see that they're heavily used and often activated, and that's a great thing.

Sara Wilde 9:22

We went for a walk at lunch today in one of the parks. But we were along a Konkle Creek, but it's definitely helps with mental health.

How To Find Programmes Fast

Sara Wilde 9:29

For someone looking to make the most of summer in Lincoln, what are some easy ways residents can get involved or take advantage of the spaces and programs available?

Shannon 9:37

So I would encourage people to really drop by, speak to our staff, pick up the brochures, the calendars, the newsletters, things that we have on site in all of our facilities, even here at the Lincoln Community Hub. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Play Lincoln. Subscribe to our Play Lincoln newsletter. We announce when registrations are happening, we announce when it's free swim. We announce when new programs are being added. And visit the town's website. We also have the town's calendar of events, so activities like the Senior Showcase and Canada Day and others will be posted with the details and times on that calendar as well.

Stephanie Hicks 10:17

And speaking of making the most of summer, what are some of the biggest summer highlights families and residents can look forward to this season?

Shannon 10:24

Well, our outdoor pools and splash pads. Our splash pads actually opened just over a week ago on the long weekend. And so they're open for people to use now. Our pools will be opening a little bit later. And you know, one of the things I would like to do is give a plug for swimming lessons. And being that swimming is such a critical life skill for drowning prevention, water safety across many water sports and near water activities. And it's also great physical activity because it's low impact and it's full body exercise. So those are some of the things that I think we'd like to highlight. Visiting the many parks and trails and checking out the community events and activities.

Stephanie Hicks 11:02

Do you personally have a favourite summer tradition or go-to summer activity in Lincoln?

Shannon 11:06

So, in my role, I really take a tremendous amount of joy in going out and visiting the parks and spaces and seeing how others are utilizing them, taking advantage of them, listening to the laughter, seeing the kids, seeing the daycares that go out in groups of children. I'm really proud of everything that we do. I have an incredible team, and I'm even more proud that when we make investments in social infrastructure, we really engage our residents. So we go out to these spaces and we ask our residents what they would like to see. We're inclusive and we look to those that are going to be using the spaces to define what the requirements are and what we're able to build and what programs we're able to offer. In my personal experience, I like to take in the parks as well in the open spaces. And especially in the summertime, I'm a big fan of the local fruit stands, the wineries and patios, and so much so that I've actually gifted these Lincoln experiences to family and friends, and they've been tremendously successful.

Sara Wilde 12:04

So that's actually really sweet. If there's one thing you hope residents take away this summer, whether it's through recreation, events, parks, or community programming, what would you want that message to be?

Shannon 12:14

I would say explore, experience, and connect to find your way to play. So explore our parks, get out there. If you haven't been to all 23 parks across Lincoln, please do. Visit our facilities. Even if you're not registered for a particular program, drop in to watch it. Drop in to watch pickleball at the Lincoln Community Hub, or drop in to watch activities that take place at the Lincoln Community Center. Participate in the program. And the final thing I would say is really connect with us. Offer us your feedback on what we do. Share your ideas and suggestions for new programs, events, and activities, and really get to know the team better.

Pools, Camps, And Canada Day

Stephanie Hicks 12:58

Okay, it's time for Talk of the Town Tea. This is where we spill the tea on what's happening around Lincoln. So Shannon, give us some tea.

Shannon 13:07

Outdoor pools and splash pads. So our three splash pads located at Hillary Bald Park, Angelina Prokich Park, and Jordan Lions Park all opened the Victoria Day Long weekend. Our pool, Allan F. Gretsinger, more affectionately known as AFG, located right here on Central Avenue, 4361, opens June 6th. And interestingly enough, it's also celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. So more details to follow soon on how we plan to celebrate this milestone. And finally, located in Jordan is our Jordan Lions Pool, located at 793 Fourth Avenue, which opens at the end of June. We also have summer camp. So we have three sites, one in Jordan to here in Beamsville. And preparations are in full swing. We have our camp crew hired and we're working on training and preparing for the summer. There are still spots available at the Lincoln Community Hub and our fun crew, ages 7 to 12, and our sports camp, also ages 7 to 12. And these are fun-filled days of exciting games, creative activities, and memorable adventures. Campers will also enjoy daily swimming. And then the third thing is really Canada Day. So sharing that our free family celebration is happening again this year. It's an annual event that takes place on July 1st at Charles Daley Park, located on the North Service Road in Jordan. It's from 1.30 till 10 p.m. with our opening ceremonies at 3 p.m. We have children's areas and activities which start at 1.30 but wrap up around 8 o'clock. We have daytime and evening music performances and entertainment, lots of food and beverage vendors, and then the evening fireworks, which get underway really at the end of the event, closer to 10. And with limited parking on site, I would encourage people to take advantage of the free shuttle that we run from Town Hall to the park.

Lightning Round And Food Talk

Sara Wilde 15:03

Okay, so now it's time for a lightning round, this or that. So whatever comes to mind first, we are gonna give you options or first word that comes to your mind for a question and whatever you resonate the most with. The first one is splash pad or swimming pool.

Shannon 15:18

Splash pad.

Sara Wilde 15:19

Yeah. I don't know. What would you think

Stephanie Hicks 15:21

is it for me personally or like

Sara Wilde 15:23

I actually like a splash pad because you just run through and I like swimming though too.

Stephanie Hicks 15:28

I would as an as an adult,

Sara Wilde 15:30

yeah,

Stephanie Hicks 15:31

with

Sara Wilde 15:32

be fun. So be play ful.

Stephanie Hicks 15:34

Pools are fun. So I would say pool as an adult. However, raising my children, splash pad, 100%.

Sara Wilde 15:43

Yeah. Okay. Summer concert or outdoor movie night.

Shannon 15:46

Summer concerts.

Sara Wilde 15:47

I agree with that. Early morning park walk or evening trail stroll.

Shannon 15:51

Evening trail stroll.

Stephanie Hicks 15:53

Canada Day fireworks or live music.

Sara Wilde 15:57

This is a tough one.

Shannon 15:58

That's a tough one.

Sara Wilde 15:59

That's not even like a

Shannon 16:00

I love fireworks.

Sara Wilde 16:01

Yeah.

Shannon 16:02

I would say both.

Sara Wilde 16:03

Yeah, you're allowed.

Shannon 16:04

Fireworks with live music.

Sara Wilde 16:06

Oh, yeah. There you go.

Stephanie Hicks 16:07

There you go.

Sara Wilde 16:07

I like that.

Stephanie Hicks 16:08

Campfire snacks, so s'mores specifically. Or roasted marshmallows.

Shannon 16:14

Roasted marshmallows. I'm a basic girl.

Stephanie Hicks 16:18

I'm totally adding to this because last summer we did the savoury s'mores. Have you ever done that?

Sara Wilde 16:22

No.

Stephanie Hicks 16:23

With like they sell little uh bries now and like so it's a savoury s'mores. So you roast basically a hunk o' cheese instead of a marshmallow. Oh and then you have some meat and you put it on a cracker, and then you put the melty ooey-gooey cheese, maybe some um

Sara Wilde 16:38

red pepper jelly.

Shannon 16:38

Red pepper jelly, something from Provisions right on there, and just make it. Definitely savoury.

Stephanie Hicks 16:45

Right? Yeah, that you don't have a sweet tooth. So like no savory s'mores. Savory and dry savory s'more.

Sara Wilde 16:52

So that should have been the question. More than the s' marshmallow s'mores or savoury. Sweet or savoury. I like that.

Stephanie Hicks 16:58

Mine is both. I like the savoury and then the dessert portion of it. Um lobster or oysters?

Shannon 17:07

Oysters, 100%. I love both, but if I had to pick, it would be oysters.

Stephanie Hicks 17:13

I've never had an oyster.

Sara Wilde 17:16

We're going right now, everyone.

Shannon 17:19

Oyster virginity.

Sara Wilde 17:23

You do. Have you had mussels?

Stephanie Hicks 17:26

Yes.

Sara Wilde 17:27

Okay. I mean it's not something.

Stephanie Hicks 17:30

I am a texture person.

Sara Wilde 17:31

I know, me too, me too. But I I just tried escargot for the first time, guys.

Stephanie Hicks 17:36

I had that a long time ago, not knowing what it was.

Sara Wilde 17:39

Oh. I was trying to convince myself it's mushroom, actually.

Shannon 17:42

Is it in a mushroom cap?

Sara Wilde 17:44

No. Well, that's what it seemed like. So it was like covered in garlic and cheese.

Stephanie Hicks 17:47

I do like seafood and I like sushi and I like button. I don't know about oysters. Now are you a flavoured oyster person? What is your ideal oyster flight? I'm really straying here, but

Shannon 17:58

definitely East Coast oysters, which are going to be more difficult this year because there is a shortage, because the oysters have got a disease, and it's bad for the oyster, but not bad for the person who was to eat the oyster, but you're just not going to be oysters.

Sara Wilde 18:17

So does this break your heart?

Shannon 18:19

It does break my heart. It really breaks my heart because my daughter and I went out to the East Coast last year and for a week and traveled three provinces, including PEI, and consumed between us in a week 186 oysters.

Sara Wilde 18:34

That's amazing. That's amazing.

Shannon 18:35

And kept track of what we had. So I to back to your question, I like a salty briny oyster. Interesting.

Stephanie Hicks 18:44

And what do you like to wash that salty briny oyster down with?

Sara Wilde 18:47

That's what she's more concerned about.

Shannon 18:49

A glass of bubbly is usually perfect.

Stephanie Hicks 18:51

Yeah.

Sara Wilde 18:52

I like these choices.

Stephanie Hicks 18:53

Yeah.

Shannon 18:54

Try bubbly.

Sara Wilde 18:54

I feel like you need to do that. We need to buy it.

Shannon 18:56

Now you do it.

Sara Wilde 18:57

Yeah, you do.

Shannon 18:58

Now you

Takeaways And How To Share Ideas

Shannon 18:59

do.

Sara Wilde 18:59

I think one of the biggest takeaways from today is that recreation and community services are about so much more than just activities on a calendar. They're about creating connection, supporting wellness, and giving people opportunities to come together.

Stephanie Hicks 19:10

And summer in Lincoln really is one of the best times to experience that. Shannon, thank you so much for joining us and giving us a behind-the-scenes look at everything residents can look forward to this season. Thank you both. This was a lot of fun. That's all for today's episode of the Lincoln Local. Thank you to our sponsors Niagara Region Economic Development, The Watering Can, Second Chance Decor, and Verhoef Electric.

Sara Wilde 19:31

New episodes drop twice a month and will be shared through the town's social media channels.

Stephanie Hicks 19:36

And if there's a topic or local business you'd like us to feature, visit speakuplincoln.ca backslash podcast. Don't miss the next Talk of the Town.