City of Prince Albert parks manager Tim Yeaman, Coun. Blake Edwards and resident Karen Pikaluk stand on the redeveloped AC Howard Park that reopened on Wednesday. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D’Andrea

AC Howard Park redeveloped and reopened

Local resident ‘persistent and passionate’ about restoring AC Howard Park, enjoys its reopening

Jul 21, 2021 | 5:37 PM

Karen Pikaluk has lived on Bliss Crescent in the southeastern part of Prince Albert for the better part of 40 years. She raised her children there and had them play on the AC Howard Park, the neighbourhood park that Bliss Crescent circles around.

Around 15 years ago, the park’s playground had become outdated and much of the equipment was removed. The absence of a playground in the area hit home for Pikaluk when any of her eight grandchildren would come to visit. There weren’t slides or monkey bars or swings for the little ones to play on.

“I just decided it was going to be my mission to get something back into the park for all the neighbourhood children. I’ve noticed [people] my kids’ age in their 30’s moved away and now they’re moving back with their kids. So this park is very special to them.”

Pikaluk then worked with the City of Prince Albert, specifically parks manager Tim Yeaman and Ward 6 Coun. Blake Edwards to redevelop the playground. After years of work, planning and countless emails, the AC Howard Park officially reopened on Wednesday.

“It took a lot of work, and with Blake and Tim to get it to where we are today. I’m very excited about it,” said Pikaluk.

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Yeaman credited Edwards for his backing of the project, and Pikaluk for identifying the need in the area.

A boy swings around on the newly opened AC Howard Park. (Jeff D’Andrea/paNOW Staff)

“Karen certainly has been very persistent and passionate about this project,” Yeaman said. “Those conversations took place two years ago. It’s taken a long time to get to this point, but I’m certain that this is something the community is going to be proud of.”

The upgrades made to the park cost $130,000, with $100,000 coming from the Playground Replacement Program and the other $30,000 from other areas of the city budget.

“The funds that were needed were allocated from the previous budget, and we were able to add some nice amenities to the park,” Edwards said.

The playground features some equipment that can be used by children with accessibility issues that are on or near the trail that surrounds the park. There are also various climbers, ladders, slides, spinners, and a sand digger to explore.

Yeaman added there will be further upgrades made to the park, including three picnic tables, two benches, lighting, as well as garbage and recycle bins by August.

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Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW