Photo: (left to right). Hayley Fawcett of the Kinette Club of Stettler, Stettler Town Mayor Sean Nolls and Coun. Kurt Baker attend the ribbon cutting of the new Stettler Rosedale Park on Sept. 11

Sept. 11 marked the grand opening of Stettler’s revitalized Rosedale Park, where families gathered for a community barbecue and ribbon cutting to celebrate a project two years in the making.

Crowds of residents, children and pets turned out to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs and refreshments as local leaders and service club members spoke about the effort behind the park’s transformation. The celebration marked the completion of a community vision that typically takes five years to bring to life.

The project centred on a new, fully accessible playground designed with the principles of mobility, engagement, diverse play and inclusion for the entire community. Built with a farm theme featuring a chicken barn and farmers’ market elements, the playground provides opportunities for children of all abilities to play together. Picnic tables have been added to encourage families and visitors to gather and enjoy the space.

The Stettler Kinsmen and Kinette clubs spearheaded fundraising and volunteer efforts, supported by Parks and Recreation staff and the Town of Stettler. The service clubs, known for “serving the community’s greatest needs,” emphasized that each community project reflects different priorities in different years. Funding came from grants, municipal contributions, corporate sponsors and community events, with professional contractors and local volunteers working side by side to complete construction.

Along with the new playground, the park features rubber safety surfacing, retains its existing basketball court and will soon see additional landscaping with new trees. Organizers said the revitalization is meant to enhance not only the Rosedale neighbourhood but also the town as a whole by providing an inclusive gathering place.

The project was made possible by a wide network of donors, sponsors and volunteers, whose support helped turn the vision of an inclusive, accessible community park into reality.  ​​Mayor Sean Nolls described the work as “truly a community project” and said it represents the first successful park renewal in Stettler, with more expected in the future.

Photos: Kirk Blake, president of the Stettler Kinsmen, thanked volunteers and donors as Brad Robbins, director of Parks and Leisure Services for the Town of Stettler, shared the ideas behind the park’s design. Mayor Sean Nolls spoke on the success of the project before Kurt Baker, Blake Austgarden, Vaughn Lynn and Hayley Fawcett cut the ribbon to officially open the new park.