SPARC team members at the new Kindness Rock Garden, found at Oxbows Dog Park. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

AN INITIATIVE OF SPARC

New rock garden at Oxbows Dog Park emphasizes positivity

Jun 5, 2024 | 9:44 AM

A happy little rock garden is aimed at putting big smiles on the faces of visitors to Red Deer’s Oxbows Dog Park.

The Kindness Rock Garden, an initiative of Strengthening Positive Assets & Resiliency in Communities (SPARC), is part of that organization’s various Paint the Town Positive (PTTP) program.

“SPARC supports youth to give back to their community by doing kind acts. ‘Community Values Youth’ is one of the 40 Developmental Assets, which youth rate low as one of the assets they possess, across North America,” says Rania Page, SPARC co-chair.

“By engaging youth in our community, and having them viewed positively by our community, this creates an atmosphere where youth are valued and feel valued.”

Some of the youth that helped put fill the garden up with fun rocks were the 13U AA1 Red Deer Northstar Braves baseball team.

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“As privileged athletes, these players have been afforded numerous opportunities to excel in their sport. However, they’ve also embraced the chance to give back to our community,” says Chelsea Richer, team spokesperson.

“As they continue playing, the Braves’ off-field efforts remind us of the power of teamwork and community spirit. Each rock painted isn’t just art; it’s a symbol of their commitment to spreading kindness in our community.”

SPARC started in 2017, and also has a rock garden in Capstone.

For PTTP, it has also done kindness ornaments for Capstone trees during the holidays, handmade bookmarks left in various locations, messages of hope and warm winter wear for those in need, and the Caring Adult Nominations Campaign.

(Supplied)

To contribute to the rock garden, simply paint a happy rock and leave it there, or you’re encouraged to take one if you see one you like.

More about SPARC is at sparcreddeer.ca.

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