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By rdnewsNOW staff

4409 58 Street

New Waskasoo natural playground open to the public

Nov 3, 2023 | 12:42 PM

The newly renovated Waskasoo Natural Playground at 4409 58 Street in Red Deer is now open to the public.

Officials with the Waskasoo Community Association say the playground features a twelve-foot-tall elk play sculpture, large sand area with buried bison bones, and baby swings along with a picnic area, benches, landscaped borders, and a meandering pathway. All Red Deerians are invited to come and experience the new park.

Officials say the Waskasoo Natural Playground Project was spearheaded by the Waskasoo Community Association and received major financial contributions from the Province of Alberta Community Facility Enhancement Program, the City of Red Deer, Shunda Consulting and Construction, Central Alberta Co-op, and the Calgary Flames Foundation. Much of the labour was provided by community volunteers.

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The organization further notes that 50 per cent of the funds came from a matching provincial grant. Earlier in 2023, Red Deer North MLA Adrianna LaGrange stated, “The renovation of this playground will be a wonderful stepping stone in the continuation of building community, supporting young people in their play, and offering improvements in quality of life for surrounding residents. I am looking forward to taking my grandchildren to the playground in the future.”

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In 2016, officials say third-party assessments revealed that Waskasoo needs areas that create a sense of place and help foster a healthy, vibrant community. Research also revealed that the neighbourhood has no public amenities for preschool children, the need for which is amplified by the increasing number of young families who are moving to the area.

The Natural Playground is the third and final phase of the Waskasoo Gardens Playground Project. Phase 1 was a community garden and food forest, and phase 2 was a gazebo with water catchment. Officials say a formal grand opening for the natural playground will be held in the spring once construction of the fence can be completed. In the meantime, the play features have been turned over to the City of Red Deer and are open to the public.

Find out more about the playground at www.waskasoo.com.