DIDSBURY – Residents, local businesses and other stakeholders have come together to finance and build a new playground in the Valarosa neighbourhood.
Volunteers recently got together to construct the public playground after years of fundraising and planning.
Ben McPhee is one of the project organizers and a Didsbury resident.
“We’ve got the Valarosa Parks Association, a group of five of us that have organized and fundraised for this,” McPhee said at the site. “The total cost is about $150,000.”
The playground includes swings, spring toys, a spinner, and a dedicated area for younger kids. It is located near the picturesque Rosebud Creek on the town’s northside.
“We really wanted it to be an all-ages kids playground. If you wanted to come here with a toddler or come here with your 12-year-old, anyone could come and play.”
Fundraising has been underway for three years, he said.
“It’s a new neighbourhood and it needed a playground,” he said, noting there are lots of young kids in the neighbourhood.
Mayor Rhonda Hunter came out to help with construction. She called the project a great example of community spirit at work.
“It’s pretty cool to see this in the community,” said Hunter.
Many local and area companies donated and otherwise contributed to the project.
