LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to recognize the people and land for which this playground site will be located on which includes the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
The new Olmsted Elm Playground will be located where the existing toddler swing set currently stands in the beautiful Royal Sunalta Park; accessible from the main sidewalk path and surrounded by the beautiful existing trees.
BRINGING OUR VISION TO LIFE:
Habitat Systems Inc.
We are happy to announce that Habitat Systems Inc. has created the playground design chosen by the youth and community members. A special thank you to community members who voted and to the local preschool and elementary school who facilitated their students voting on their favourite design!
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ROYAL SUNALTA PARK & FREDERICK OLMSTED
Central Park in New York and our beloved Royal Sunalta Park have something in common —both were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (1822–1903) and his firm. Known as the father of landscape architecture, Olmsted also designed the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Following Olmsted's death, his sons continued their father's work as the Olmsted Brothers. A beloved elm once stood on the Olmsted estate, and inspired the visual concept of the new playground.
On April 26, 2022, Olmsted would have turned 200! Learn more about the celebrations at olmsted200.org.
MEET THE COMMITTEE
Learn more about the residents working together to make this playground a reality:
REBECCA
Rebecca has been a resident of Scarboro for 8 years with her husband, David, and two young sons - Blake, age 6, and Jaxon, age 2. Rebecca has a background in retail design and graphic design. Coming from a small town in Saskatchewan, Rebecca loves the community of Scarboro as it feels like a home away from home - a small, close-knit community.
DESIRAE
Desirae was born and raised in Calgary and has loved living in historic Scarboro for the past 8 years with her husband Justin and 3 children (Theodore 9, Wallace 5, & Esmae 3). In her 15 year career as an engineer, she has gained experience in a variety of roles, including project management and leadership. Her excitement for this project is driven from her passion for continual improvement, community building, and creating positive connections.
SARAH
Coming soon...
NICOLE
Coming soon...
KRISTI
Kristi has lived in Scarboro since 2011, and has been a fixture of fun in her time in the neighbourhood when it comes to her volunteer roles; currently filling the role of social coordinator with Sunalta School, and co-chairing the Scarboro BBQ for many years. A natural connector, Kristi’s background is in communications, ranging from investor relations to publishing. Kristi’s three daughters - Eva, Juliana and Leah - can’t wait to enjoy the final result of this project!
DANIELLE
Danielle has been living in Calgary for 12 years in the Beltline and has been slowly making her way further west, moving to Scarboro in 2020 with her husband Rob and dog Winnie. As an occupational therapist working with children and teens, she values the importance of play and exploring the outdoors and hopes to help create a space for people of all abilities to enjoy.
VITA
Born in Scarborough, Ontario, Vita now lives in Scarboro with Chris, Willy and Kitty. Royal Sunalta Park is right at the end of their street. Vita has volunteered with the Scarboro Community Association since 2017 and is the past president. As a creative strategist who believes in the power of transformation through play, she's passionate about making the Olmsted Elm Playground inclusive and fun all year round!
KATRINA
Coming soon...
PAIGE
Coming soon...
SHARON
Coming soon...
MARIA
Coming soon...