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Monthly Archives:

December 2020

Roundel Lake Play Area: What We Heard

Background

In 2017, the Griesbach Community League conducted a survey of residents to determine the priorities in a number of areas for our community. The resulting analysis was delivered as the 2018 Cultivating Community Spirit report. Residents clearly asked the Community League to “develop more playgrounds and activities in other areas (outside of the structures developed close to Major General Griesbach School)”.

In 2019, the Community League felt that we were in a position to explore building a playground in another area of Griesbach and struck a committee to lead our efforts. After discussions with the City of Edmonton, a proposed site in the North West corner of Roundel Lake by the RCAF Park was identified. 

Engagement Process

Purpose

Before the Community League committed financial resources to this project we wanted to engage with our community to ensure a play area in this location was still seen as a high priority. We also wanted to identify how residents would use this new play area.

Process

Provincial restrictions to combat the pandemic have curtailed the channels that could be used to engage our residents. The Community League opted to conduct an online survey in October of 2020 and let the community know about the survey in a number of different ways. We placed several notifications in our social media channels as well as on Griesbach’s more general Facebook pages. We also featured the survey in our newsletter and hand-delivered 100 paper notices to homes in the immediate vicinity of the proposed play area.

To extend our reach, we also had an in person meeting with representatives from the RCAF Park project. We wanted to hear how our proposed play area would be received by the RCAF and how it would fit in with their original design.

What We Asked

The survey was intended to gauge the level of support for this project and where that support would come from. It was also designed to provide feedback on what types of activities residents would like to see in a new play area and how they would like to interact with those elements. Determining the preferred uses will help us in the overall design and cost of any potential park area.

Participation

We met 2 representatives of the RCAF Park design team at the proposed site and discussed the project with them. 

The online survey received 135 responses:

  • 80% had children aged 12 and under, 
  • 79% lived within a few blocks of the new proposed play area, while
  • 75% say that they visit the existing RCAF Park at least every 2 weeks if not daily.

What We Heard

Residents were overwhelmingly in favour of developing a play area at Roundel Lake.

  • 76% or respondents saw a small park as a priority for the Community League, and
  • 87% said that they would support this new play area.

The existing area around Roundel Lake is mainly used for walking and cycling (87% of respondents), while 43% say they use it as a play area. Most residents see the area as a quiet place to walk and enjoy the flora and fauna around the Lake. It is seen as a place that all ages can enjoy but would benefit by including activities specifically for children.

When asked about what a new play area could look like we received a wide variety of responses and fairly even split in how residents would use it.

  • 76% wanted some form of play structure
    • 51% looking for conventional playground equipment
    • 49% preferring a natural play area with trees and rocks
  • 50% to 60% were looking for seating and shade space where they could meet and socialize with friends and neighbours.
  • The RCAF representatives were supportive of a more natural looking area that could accommodate the physical activities of children while providing a place for all ages to gather and socialize. 
  • Respondents also referenced the quiet nature of the current area and the amount of seniors that visit Roundel Lake to enjoy the scenery.

Final Thoughts

135 respondents tend to have 135 ideas of how this underused area by Roundel Lake could be developed but it is clear that the overwhelming majority would like to see the Community League create a play area here. The challenge will be designing something that will enhance the current park, provide a play area for children, combined with a meeting area for residents and friends, while not detracting from the aesthetics of the RCAF monuments and the natural beauty of the Lake. 

The site that is being proposed is located away from the lake and very accessible to the rest of the neighbourhood. It is not currently developed and, with the proper placement of trees and benches, would enhance the park and provide a gathering space for residents of all ages to enjoy and create new bonds.

New Year’s Eve Salsa

The Griesbach Community League is hosting a live-streamed salsa class on New Year’s Eve at 9pm. Join the neighbourhood in taking a live-streamed salsa class led by a professional instructor from ETOWN SALSA.

Register on Eventbrite to reserve your spot and you will receive the link!

For questions, email social@griesbachcommunity.com

Will you expand your circle of giving this season?

Some people have reached out to our community league, asking if in what way they can help out those in need. What thoughtfulness during the holiday season–especially given the unforeseen collective challenges of this year!

One of the best ways to help is to volunteer your time or to donate money to already-established charities and organizations that better the community.

This list, though not exhaustive, includes organizations that are accepting help, as well as a list of resources for you or loved ones impacted–in a multitude of ways–by the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Mental Health Resources: available to individuals who are seeking help or wanting to talk to someone:

Call 911 if in immediate danger

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

Distress line: 780-482-HELP (4357)

Call 211 for information and referrals to connect to social, health and government services

Alberta Health Services Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642

Alberta Health Services – Addiction and Mental Health

Community Urgent Services and Stabilization Team: 780-342-7777

Children’s Mental Health Crisis Line: 780-427-4491

AHS Addictions Helpline: 1-866-332-2322

Visit Canadian Mental Health Association or AHS Help in Tough Times for additional resources.

Financial Aid Resources:

You Can Benefit is an online tool that provides citizens with easy web and mobile access to information on local, municipal, provincial and federal benefits. Check to see if you qualify for any of these benefits. To get started, visit youcanbenefit.edmonton.ca

You may also wish to sign up to receive information on financial resources and the latest updates on the current COVID-19 municipal, provincial and federal emergency support. To subscribe to the Earn Build and Save newsletter, visit edmonton.ca/financialempowerment.

Edmonton Financial Empowerment Collaborative provides information about resources and supports to help visitors to the site earn, save and build towards a stable and secure financial future.

https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/emergency_preparedness/edmonton-gives.aspx
Will connect you with local charities needing help or donations

For Those Wanting to Help (donating time or resources):

  • Edmonton Community Foundation
  • Edmonton Food Bank
  • Homeward Trust (the Mustard Seed, e4c, Boyle Street Community Services, Bissell Centre, YESS)
  • Meals on Wheels
  • United Way
  • Alberta Cares Connector (for volunteering)
  • Reach Edmonton (for financial donations)

Volunteer Connector – COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities

Canada Helps: COVID-19 Charity List – A list of charities fighting COVID-19 across the world

Alberta Non-profit Network (ABNN) COVID-19 Resources – Advocacy and fundraising resources

ECVO COVID-19 Resource Portal – Advocacy and sharing resources

Canada Revenue Agency – Information on donating and charities

Alberta Bits and Pieces Program – equipment, manufacturing, or service provisions to support the public health response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

And in our own community, offering to run errands or pick up groceries for the time being while cohorts are not allowed.

Federal Resources:

Support for businesses, including non-profits, including wage subsidies and access to credit

CRA information for charities

Employment and Social Development Information

Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) FAQ

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations

Provincial Resources:

211 Alberta –  List of COVID-19 Related Resources is a provincial directory of community, health, social and governmental organizations and services.

COVID-19 Information

Child care during COVID-19: Information on child care closures, and options for essential service workers and home-based child care providers.

Student Learning during COVID-19: Guidelines for continuing K to 12 student learning while in-school classes are cancelled due to COVID-19. 

Emergency funding for charities and not-for-profit organizations: emergency funding from the Alberta government as part of the COVID-19 response. 

Utility payment deferral: Individuals, families and businesses can defer utility payments until June 19, 2020, to lessen the financial burden associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Provincial supports for employers – Includes information on funding and supportive measures for local businesses, employers and employees.

Consumer Protection: If you see prices for products or services in Alberta skyrocket because of COVID-19, you can report it through our Report-a-Ripoff submission form or by calling 1-877-427-4088.

Landlords and Tenants in Alberta: COVID-19 Information for Alberta Landlords and Tenants Rent Payment Plans