INUVIK
It's better late than never for the green shacks of Inuvik.

Summer camp counsellor Rachel Watters mans the Green shack at Ruyant Crescent Park Aug. 23. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo

"We're going to try to salvage what we have left of the summer," said recreation co-ordinator Steve Krug.

"The goal is to enhance the playgrounds in the community."

The shacks, painted green, are set up in the park on Ruyant Crescent and at the Choo Choo Park. They are open Monday through Friday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Lower turnout this year is a result of the shacks being open for fewer hours, but the children using them do so with equal enthusiasm.

"There's all kinds of stuff, scooters, all kinds of soccer balls and footballs," Krug said.

"We're seeing about 30 kids at Choo Choo and 10 at Ruyant."

Last year, organizers estimated the Choo Choo Park saw as many as 55 children out in a day, but that was when the green shack was open for longer hours. The shorter hours this summer were a result of Camp Kivuni being back to its regular full-time schedule.

Krug said it was a function of staffing.

"We're trying to provide a service for everyone," he said, adding that the initiative, based on something similar in Edmonton, is now being touted by the NWT Parks and Recreation Association and gaining steam in other Northern communities.

"We're happy with them, and the staff are energetic."

Part of the draw of the shacks is that they are a happy medium between official programming and free play.

Children can access all kinds of equipment for free and hopefully make better use of the parks. Last year, organizers estimated there were about 600 children in town for whom organized sports and other programs are out of reach.

"They're there for the kids, and are 100-per-cent free," Krug said, adding that the staff on hand are trained in first aid.

"They've been a great success so far."

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