We did it!

It is confirmed, the City of Edmonton will honor their promise, and fund the NPDP and OAS for New Construction. I have personally confirmed this with the office of my City Councilor.

Thank you to everyone that sent e-mails, letters, and made phone calls to the City.

With the approval, we are now left sitting 3 months behind instead of 3 years. It is still unfortunate that politics is forcing these delays and frustrations onto the volunteers that actually want to make the City a better place.

Thank you,

Devin McIntosh

Chair, Hollick-Kenyon Park Society

Hello everyone,

I am thrilled to pass on this exciting news. I received a call from Councillor Gibbons' office moments ago to inform me that both park projects have been approved for funding in the 2012-2014 Capital Budget. This is means that each project will move forward.

Congratulations on all your efforts to voice your concerns and the need for park amenities in your community. I am sure that your concerted efforts had an impact and allowed Council to consider (with confidence) all perspectives as they discern the proposed Capital Budget that was put forth by Administration.

It looks like everything is back on track and 2012 promises to be a very exciting year for your communities.

Again, congratulations! Enjoy!

Norma Lorincz

Community Recreation Coordinator

Neighbourhood & Community Development

East Service Area

Update, November 27, 2011

There are a couple proposals before Council that would result in funding being provided to the NPDP and OAS for New Construction, however, they are just proposals.

We will not know for sure until the Budget is formally approved by the City in mid December, though we are cautiously optimistic that the right thing will be done.

We would like to thank everyone that contacted the Councilors and Mayor to let them know how they felt, and especially the staff and students of Dr. Donald Massey School that provided us with 93 letters from the students letting Council know how they felt about being "unfunded".

Unfortunately there is a Councilor that is telling people that our information is wrong, and that the program is funded. I would like to let you know that our information has been thoroughly researched and confirmed, and I have already proven this Councilor wrong, though they continue to spread mis-information. If you get a response from a Council member questioning the claims, please respond with an inquiry as to the status of "Community Services Project 12-28-7050, Neigh Parks & Outdoor Aquatic Strategy", and ask to see the Council vote that has reinstated funding to it.

Thank you,

Devin McIntosh

Chair, HKPS

We need your help!

The City of Edmonton Proposed Budget has been released, and there has been a drastic cut to new Playground developments. In fact, they have proposed to cut the budget to Zero.

What does that mean for the Hollick-Kenyon Park Society, and all other groups planning and fundraising to build City of Edmonton playgrounds? Well, unless we can convince City Council to change their minds and re-fund the Neighbourhood Park Development Program (NPDP) and Outdoor Aquatic Strategies (OAS) programs, our group will be forced to fundraise the City of Edmonton portion of the funds as well.

Under the current system, the City will pay up to 50% of the cost of a Playground, leaving the neighbourhood volunteers to find other Grants and fundraisers to raise the remaining funds. With this proposed cut, the City will not fund New Park Developments, forcing the Community to fund the entire project; just to turn over ownership of the community fundraised project to the City of Edmonton.

What can you do to help?

Phone and E-mail your City Councilor, Phone and E-mail the office of the Mayor.

This is a citywide issue that will affect every neighbourhood that wants to build a new playground. Please, let City Council know what you think, and forward this to others that care about the future of our city, and the future of our children.

Let City Council know that children deserve the right to have somewhere fun and safe to play, regardless of the age of their neighbourhood. This proposed cut means that there will not be another new playground in the City of Edmonton that is financially supported by the City of Edmonton until at least 2015. This will result in further polarization of wealthy areas building their own playgrounds, and the rest of the neighbourhoods getting nothing. Let City Council know that you do not support the cuts to the NPDP and OAS Programs, and that playgrounds are important to the health and happiness of all residents of Edmonton.

Not sure what Ward you are in? Click here for the City map. http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/municipal_elections/ward-system.aspx

Mayor Stephen Mandel 780-496-8100

Send a message to mayor Mandel - City of Edmonton Website Link

Ward 1 Linda Sloan 780-496-8122