Erin Haluschak
Record staff
You might find Dawn Stevens at the Goose Spit stairs.
Or maybe on a hike. Or a bike ride.
It’s not common for her to stay in one place for too long, as encouraging an active, physical life is not only part of her job, but it’s part of her lifestyle.
Stevens is the co-ordinator for Active Comox Valley, an initiative to promote healthy lifestyles and community spirit through physical activity.
As a college-level volleyball player, Stevens says she’s always had a background in recreation.
“Recreation applies to everyone at every age,” she explains. “With Active Comox Valley, it’s low-to-no cost. Recreation can be very expensive; if we can remove that barrier for people to be active and healthy, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”
Not only does the organization remove barriers for recreation, but it also helps organize a variety of events throughout the year in the Valley - a place Stevens calls “Mother Nature’s playground.”
A free hiking map, Bike to Work Week, the 30-Minute Challenge and the annual Terry Fox Run are just a few of the activities and events ACV helps to organize.
Stevens says there isn’t one season in the Comox Valley where people can’t get out and enjoy recreational opportunities.
With her background in volleyball, Stevens, who is originally from the Okanagan, came to the Valley thanks indirectly to the sport.
Coaching at the time, she met her husband (who is from the Valley) at a provincial volleyball tournament.
She credits the sport for giving her a variety of skills, including confidence, and the ability to work as a team.
“It takes a lot of skill, but it’s the camaraderie that I really like.”
A knee injury ended her college career, but she took the enjoyment of recreation with her to the Comox Valley.
Through the Comox Valley Sports Centre, ACV has created a lending library full for residents to borrow equipment, workout sets and games for free, explained Stevens, with a second location at the Black Creek Community Centre.
“If it’s not something that costs a lot of money, (recreation) becomes second nature.”