PARC (Physical Activity Research Centre)

parc@icord.org / 604-675-8814

We are happy to offer these virtual exercise options:

About the Yuel Family Physical Activity Research Centre

The Yuel Family Physical Activity Research Centre (PARC) is a community-based research facility that is led by ICORD researchers and a PARC Advisory Committee made up of members from ICORD, Spinal Cord Injury BC, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, and the UBC School of Kinesiology Outreach Program.

The facility is committed to providing opportunities for the local spinal cord injury (SCI) community to participate in research on exercise and physical activity. We envision that the PARC will nurture an active exchange of ideas between the community of individuals living with SCI and ICORD researchers. Most of the exercise equipment at PARC can be used directly from your wheelchair or are easily transferable from your wheelchair.

The Yuel Family Physical Activity Research Centre (PARC) is a fully accessible exercise facility, located within ICORD at the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre. PARC is committed to providing opportunities for the local spinal cord injury (SCI) community to participate in exercise and physical activity. PARC is led by ICORD researchers and staff, members of the UBC School of Kinesiology, and Community Engagement Committee (PARC members with lived experience with SCI or related impairments).

At PARC, we provide high quality opportunities for individuals to engage in exercise. We engage ICORD researchers and fitness and exercise professionals to ensure that the services and programs we deliver are research informed and based on best practice. Individuals working in the facility are Kinesiology students working towards careers in the fitness industry and healthcare.

If you would like to make a donation to support PARC, click here.

Location

PARC located on the ground floor of the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre (BSCC), 818 West 10th Avenue. Click here to learn about visiting the BSCC, including transit and parking information.

Hours

Monday 10am – 6pm

Tuesday 10am – 7pm

Wednesday 10am – 6pm

Thursday 10am – 7pm

Friday 10am – 6pm

Saturday 11am – 3pm

We Also Offer Virtual Exercise Options

Get Started

If you are interested in joining PARC, please check out Getting Started in PARC. You can also contact us at parc@icord.org or call us at 604-675-8814 for more information. Please also see our FAQ page.

Acknowledgements

PARC is generously supported by Canada Foundation for Innovation, BC Knowledge Development Fund, Rick Hansen Foundation, UBC, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, and private donors.

Accessible Media visits PARC

In 2017, PARC won a City of Vancouver Award of Excellence in the Accessible City category. Accessible Media visited PARC to learn how its volunteers and participants are making Vancouver healthier and more accessible.

In 2017, PARC was renamed the Yuel Family Physical Activity Research Centre.

Greg Yuel and his family have been donors of the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) and Rick Hansen Institute (RHI) for over 20 years. Greg is also a board member of the Foundation. Their extraordinary contributions have helped advanced spinal cord injury research and improve quality of life for people with disabilities. The Yuels share RHF’s commitment to equal accessibility and inclusivity for all, and want their philanthropy to contribute to the greater good and development of the community. Greg is an avid athlete and when he saw the amazing people working out in PARC and the generosity of the volunteers, he knew immediately this was the room he wanted his recognition to be associated with.