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!

Holyrood Cooperative Playschool (HCPS) is a licensed, parent-run, non-profit, cooperative program of the Holyrood Community League (HCL). HCPS is looking to hire an enthusiastic and energetic preschool teacher for our program located at the bright and beautiful Strathearn Community Hall at 9511 90^th Street NW Edmonton, for the 2021-2022 school year. This position will be part-time, and hours of work are Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30-11:30am, with additional preparation hours each week. The position will run from September 2021 to June 2022, as well as some preparation time and attendance at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in August 2021 will be required. With support from both the Holyrood and Strathearn communities we are beginning a new year in September 2021 and we are excited for new changes and new possibilities both in location and learning adventures. 

The person hired for this position must be passionate about working with children, with a desire to support their curiosity, exploration, and discovery, through a variety of intellectual, creative, and physical methods. The ideal candidate will be energetic, innovative, resourceful, and have a love of the “learning through play” style environment.  A passion for nature and the outdoors is an asset to this position as there is ample outdoor space surrounding the Strathearn Community Hall, which can be creatively incorporated into the regular learning routine of the program.

HCPS Teacher role includes:

• Developing, planning, and leading indoor and outdoor activities that support and promote the development of student inquiry, creativity, learning, and curiosity
• Actively supervising all children while providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.
• Ensuring the playschool complies with all licensing requirements.
• Supervising and guiding the teacher’s assistant and parent volunteers.
• Communicating regularly with parents and the parent committee in-person and through email.
• Contributing to the monthly playschool newsletter.
• Attending and participating in the August AGM and February open house.
• Working with a parent volunteer to plan classroom events and in-school and out-of-school field trips.
• Purchasing equipment, toys, and supplies as needed.
• Operating within a budget provided by the parent committee.

Qualifications Required:

1. Child Development Worker certification (formerly Level 2), or Child Development Supervisor certification (formerly Level 3). Applicants with educational equivalencies can apply, but certification must be obtained before being hired
2. Standard First Aid and CPR (obtained before Sept 2021)
3. Criminal Record Check, including a vulnerable sector search (obtained before Sept 2021)

Note: Knowledge of French language is an asset, but not required.

For more information, or to apply with cover letter and resume, please email playschoolholyrood@gmail.com or visit our website at www.holyroodplayschool.ca

Front Yards in Bloom: Winterscapes Photo Contest is back from January 18 – February 28, 2021!

With all the beautiful snow that has fallen in Edmonton, there are a lot of opportunities to have fun and enjoy the beauty outside, just remember to bundle up!!  This contest is a chance to spread the winter cheer to your neighbours by participating in the Front Yards in Bloom: Winterscapes contest.

There are three categories to promote winter engagement in our City. Whether it’s a Winter Garden, Winter Art or a Winter Playscape, let your imagination run wild!

Here is how to participate:
Step 1: Create a Winterscape  
Step 2: Take a photo
Step 3: Submit the photo! You can submit as part of your local school, community league, workplace or solo. You can also submit on behalf of a group or for a neighbour! 

The intake forms will be open from January 18th to February 28th on the Winterscapes website. Prizes will be drawn each week for submissions.  The top Winterscapes winners will be recognized at the Edmonton in Bloom Awards!