Rec and Ride Youth Pass records remarkable debut

The City of Medicine Hat’s Rec and Ride Youth Pass concluded last month, marking an incredible inaugural year for the initiative. A total of 627 youth purchased the pass, which was valid from June 27 to September 5. The pass was a collaborative initiative between the City’s Parks and Recreation department, Medicine Hat Transit (MHT), and the YMCA of Southeastern Alberta.

The initiative provided a low-cost opportunity for youth aged 13 to 17 in Medicine Hat and area to access recreation facilities and transit services. For just $50, youth were granted unlimited transit use, as well as entry to:

• Big Marble Go Centre
• Crestwood Recreation Centre
• Hill Pool
• Strathcona Pool
• Downtown YMCA
• South Ridge YMCA

Visit medicinehat.ca/rec-and-ride for more information on the program.

By the numbers

All three partners involved in the initiative saw significant, positive results through the respective services provided. The addition of the Rec and Ride Youth Pass led to the following statistical highlights during the program period:

Parks and Recreation

• 70% of Rec and Ride Youth Pass holders visited Big Marble Go Centre (441 of 627).
• 532% increase in the total visits by youth passholders to Big Marble Go Centre (3121), compared to the same period in 2023* (492).
• 436% increase in the number of total youth passholders at Big Marble Go Centre (708), compared to the same period in 2023* (132).

*Kinsmen Aquatic Park was closed for construction over the same period in 2024.

Medicine Hat Transit

• 24% of Rec and Ride Youth Pass holders utilized transit services (150 of 627).
• 3,007 total trips made by Rec and Ride Youth Pass holders on transit services.

YMCA of Southeastern Alberta

• 22% of Rec and Ride Youth Pass holders visited YMCA locations (141 of 627).
• 1238 total visits to YMCA locations by Rec and Ride Youth Pass holders (903 to South Ridge, 335 to Downtown).

The City of Medicine Hat thanks the YMCA of Southeastern Alberta for its participation and collaboration in this partnership. The City will be looking to offer the Rec and Ride Youth Pass again in 2026, with an opportunity to enhance community partnerships and pass eligibility.

Quotes

“It became clear after just one week that this program was going to surpass our already lofty hopes. We’d hoped 200 passes would be a solid mark for the first year – when we quickly passed the 500 mark, we were admittedly stunned. We are grateful for Hatters’ resounding support and interest in this program. It’s apparent that our community values the impacts of affordable, accessible recreational opportunities. We remain committed to exploring these types of opportunities to promote a healthy, active community for all.”

— Scott Richter, Manager of Recreation, City of Medicine Hat

“We appreciated the opportunity to transport our city’s youth to and from these healthy, engaging summer activities during the program period. Bundling these key services proved to be a great way to expose new and upcoming transit riders to the value and reliability of Medicine Hat Transit. When youth gain familiarity with transit, they gain access to a dependable, safe and convenient way to navigate our community year-round. We anticipate a great future for this partnership as we work to ensure our community remains accessible for all.”

— Gordon Dykstra, Manager of Transit Operations, City of Medicine Hat

“This program filled a gap in the community and was a great way for young people to build independence while accessing recreation services throughout the community. No matter what facility they went to, youth were out and actively engaged. We are pleased with the ongoing collaboration between the Y and the City – we’ve worked together in many meaningful ways for years, but this initiative seemed to shine a light on our vibrant partnership, making it more visible to the community. We are thrilled at the potential to continue this program in the future.”

— Sharon Hayward, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of Southeastern Alberta

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@medicinehat.ca