Ponoka citizens are invited to attend the grand opening celebration of Old Hospital Rotary Park on Thursday, Sept. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Residents are welcome to come and enjoy a free community barbecue, live music from 4 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m., and a celebration ceremony at 5 p.m.
During Coffee with Council, citizens will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the 2022 budget with members of town council.
If the weather is poor, the grand opening celebration event will be moved indoors at the Ponoka Civic Centre.
Amphitheatre, labyrinth and edible gardens
Old Hospital Rotary Park is located at 5609, 51 St. next to the Ponoka Civic Centre and the Ponoka Jubilee Library.
The new park offers a beautiful new green space that includes two sheltered outdoor classroom areas equipped with picnic tables which serve as an extension of the Library and the Ponoka Learning Centre (located inside the Ponoka Civic Centre).
The park also features an amphitheatre, labyrinth, edible gardens, paved walking paths, benches and outdoor lighting.
“This new park is an important addition to the Town’s outdoor recreation facilities and our ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life that is enjoyed by citizens in our community,” said Ponoka Mayor Rick Bonnett.
“The new park offers a dynamic new gathering space that provides our community with more opportunities for live music and special events.”
“Having this beautiful new park located next to the Library is fantastic,” said Dan Galway, Ponoka Jubilee Library Manager.
“It allows us to incorporate more outdoor activities into our regular programming and take advantage of Alberta’s beautiful weather. Our Summer Reading Club was held almost entirely outdoors this year and our Fairy Tale Picnic program will be held outside for as long as the weather allows,” he said.
Development partners
Old Hospital Rotary Park was developed in consultation with community volunteers who sat on the town’s former Heritage and Downtown Revitalization Committee and the former Recreation, Parks and Culture Advisory Committee.
The Rotary Club of Ponoka and Landrex Inc. donated land and funding for the new park.
The new park is available for public use. The amphitheatre can be booked by community groups through the Aquaplex by phoning (403) 783-0131 or emailing recreation@ponoka.ca.
- Submitted by the Town of Ponoka