SECLA launches GoFundMe to bring the Fulton Ravine South Park project to its final stages

The Fulton Ravine South Park is located along the Fulton Ravine in the heart of residential communities, near local businesses and the Capilano library, and is a unique park that incorporates the existing Capilano skatepark. The skatepark has an innovative design that is enjoyed by the community, including many families who bring their young children to use scooters here. Unfortunately, the skatepark is currently the only amenity in the park. There is nowhere to sit, and no shade or any other features. The South East Community Leagues Association (SECLA) conducted a formal community survey in 2016 to ask what would be needed in the park, and the design plan reflects what we heard from you. Some of the key features include:

  • A paved walking loop – the paved walkway connects all the features of the park and allows accessibility for all ages and abilities, as well as being a fitness feature in itself. The walkway also connects to the north edge of the park and leads to the Capilano library and 101 Avenue beyond.
  • A water fountain/water bottle filling station was also requested in the survey and while it was not financially feasible to place this next to the skatepark, SECLA funded the installation of the water fountain near the entrance to the Capilano library, a mere few steps away.
  • Adult/youth fitness equipment will be included in fitness pods along the walkway. The equipment will be multipurpose pieces that focus on balance and strength.
  • The benches which are included in the design will have arms to improve accessibility for sitting down and getting up, especially for those who are elderly or with mobility issues. Most of the benches are placed in groupings of two or more to make it easier to chat with your neighbor.
  • Tables for seating and to enjoy picnics in the park.
  • A half-basketball court.
  • Shade elements were strongly requested in the survey, and this is captured in the design by the inclusion of shade trees and a shade structure.
  • The community also asked for native planting and edible plantings and the plan is for future naturalized plantings along the north edge of the park. We will be working with Root for Trees to add native plants and edible plants in this area by community planting projects; however, the planting can only begin after a one to two-year period during which the area is undisturbed. This future planting area will be fenced off once construction begins on the rest of the park.

Now more than ever, we understand that small neighbourhood parks are essential for health and well-being. SECLA is working with the City on this project to add amenities in the park, but we need your help to get us over the finish line. We have launched a GoFundMe for this project.

The preliminary estimated cost for these improvements is $550,000. The good news is that SECLA has already raised $500,000+ thanks to hard-working volunteers and caring residents. We estimate that we have an additional possible $25,000 in funds we are likely to receive.

Could you please help us with the $25,000 shortfall? Donations of ANY size would be appreciated.

Construction is slated to begin this spring regardless of the shortfall. However, if we cannot make up the shortfall or if there are significant cost overruns, then we will have to remove some of the features from the concept plan.

Donations can be made through the GoFundMe or via cheque. Donations of $20 or more by cheque are eligible for a tax receipt. The donor’s complete name and mailing address must be provided, and the cheque should be made out to ‘The City of Edmonton’. Please let us know and we can arrange pickup and/or you can mail cheque to the SECLA address (PO Box 38025, RPO Capilano, Edmonton, Alberta T6A 3Y6) so we can ensure donations are allocated for this project. We will post periodic updates on cheque donations since they will not be included in the GoFundMe tracker. For more information or to assist with funding, feel free to contact us at: projects@secla.ca.

Thank you to the following donors who have already contributed to this project, we are so grateful for your support:

  • The following community leagues: Avonmore, Capilano, Forest Terrace Heights, Fulton Place, Gold Bar, Holyrood
  • Jim Hawkins & Sheila Thompson

Please stay tuned to SECLA’s website (secla.ca), Facebook page (@SECLAEdmonton) or Twitter (@SECLA_yeg) as new details will be posted as well as on the GoFundMe page. You are all welcome to the opening day celebration, hopefully planned for fall 2021!