City unveils new Rec and Ride Youth Pass
Medicine Hat – The City of Medicine Hat’s Parks and Recreation department is pleased to introduce a new Rec and Ride Youth Pass for the upcoming summer season. The pass is a collaborative initiative between the City of Medicine Hat’s Parks and Recreation department, Medicine Hat Transit (MHT), and the YMCA of Southeastern Alberta.
Youth aged 13-17 are eligible for a Rec and Ride Youth Pass. For $50, passholders are granted unlimited transit use, as well as entry to six total City and YMCA recreation facilities in Medicine Hat when valid:
- Big Marble Go Centre
- Crestwood Recreation Centre
- Hill Pool
- Strathcona Pool
- Downtown YMCA
- South Ridge YMCA
Rec and Ride Youth Passes go on sale Monday, June 23 - they are valid from June 27 to September 5, 2025. Passes are available to all youth, regardless of physical address – not just Medicine Hat residents. Passes are available for purchase at the customer service desk at Big Marble Go Centre.
The Rec and Ride Youth Pass aligns with the vision of the City’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, while harnessing several of its guiding principles. The pass promotes accessibility, recognizing that transportation and recreation are not always readily available to everyone—this program helps bridge that gap by expanding access to vital public services like transit and recreational spaces.
Visit medicinehat.ca/rec-and-ride for more information on the Rec and Ride Youth Pass.
Quotes
“We are committed to creating avenues for youth to thrive and participate in recreation opportunities by reducing financial barriers. Additionally, we prioritize active living, encouraging physical activity among residents, especially youth, to foster better overall health and well-being. These formative years are highly influential, making it essential to invest in opportunities that support their growth, connection, and overall well-being.”
— Scott Richter, Manager of Recreation, City of Medicine Hat
“We’re excited to give our youth riders an extra opportunity to fully enjoy the summer, by safely and reliably getting where they need to go – whether accessing these recreation facilities, or any other major destination in Medicine Hat. Taking advantage of this low-cost transit option in the summer should also help students transition naturally to school travel in the fall. When youth gain familiarity with transit, it allows them dependable transportation year-round.”
— Gordon Dykstra, Manager of Transit Operations, City of Medicine Hat
“The YMCA of Southeastern Alberta is proud to partner with the City of Medicine Hat to provide health and recreation opportunities for youth in the community this summer. The Rec and Ride program is a natural fit with our Y Connect Financial Assistance program that removes financial barriers to health, fitness, and aquatics activities. Rec and Ride lets youth try multiple facilities in the city with the freedom to get to them independently, building the foundation for an ongoing healthy and active lifestyle.”
— Sharon Hayward, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of Southeastern Alberta
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For media inquiries, please contact:
media@medicinehat.ca
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