Residents in Beverly Heights are feeling more connected to their neighbours thanks to a Community Safety and Well-being (CSWB) Grant from the City of Edmonton.
In 2022, the Beverly Heights Community League used the grant to develop a project to breathe life into a pocket park located at 11615 36 Street. One of the project’s first objectives was to introduce more positive uses of the park through planned events that would attract more people to the park — part of a larger goal to foster a sense of community among residents.
“The park has been underrepresented and underutilized for far too long. People had safety concerns because the park was associated with public drug and alcohol use, loitering, and camping,” said Chris Keeler, Civic Director, Beverly Heights Community League.
“We wanted to change this narrative, promote inclusion, safety and well-being. The grant helped us organize bi-weekly free and fun events. These events created a lasting impact for community members as we continued to receive positive feedback from community members and see a high turnout as we progressed with each event.”
Community well-being and connection
The grant supported a total of ten events over the summer of 2023, featuring a range of activities such as a parade, live music, Indigenous traditional games, teachings, and an art night.
After each gathering, neighborhood resource teams hosted networking sessions where they shared valuable information and resources available to residents. This was an opportunity for people to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas that actively contribute to the development of programs in the Beverly neighborhood. Approximately 700 residents from Beverly and the surrounding area attended past events held at the park.
The Big Tent Event held on Saturday, August 19, was the highlight of the project. Representatives from various organizations were on hand to share resources and inform community members about their services. There was music, food, dancing, games, prizes and more. The neighborhood came alive as groups from diverse backgrounds came together.
Inclusion: ‘Everyone belongs here’
“When people hear music, see tents, food, and people gathering, they often think something big is going on and are eager to participate,” said Shannon Clarke, Beverly Heights resident, Community League Member, and Volunteer Neighbourhood Connector.
“With so many diverse families from different economic backgrounds living around the park, it is important that we do our best in making everyone feel included so they can feel they belong here. Inclusion is a big part of the programs. When an event starts, we talk to people, listen to how they feel, what they would like to see in the future and the stigma around homelessness. We don’t turn away from those who need help.”
Looking ahead
To help beautify the park and transform the space even more, a mural will be painted on an adjacent building wall in 2024. Planning is underway now — with residents and businesses sharing their ideas on how the mural can celebrate the history of Beverly while also reflecting the values of its current residents.
The community league plans to continue providing free, fun family events to keep the community members engaged, and connected. Private organizations or individuals who are interested in supporting these programs are encouraged to connect with Beverly Heights Community League.
Editor’s note: the pic at the top of the post shows the project steering committee members.