Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne was among the invited speakers for Friday's event, and Rotary Club President Austin Atchison looks on. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Events

‘Today is a celebration’: Rotary Adventure Park celebrates grand opening

Sep 15, 2023 | 3:30 PM

The sound of children’s laughter provided suitable background noise for the official grand opening of Prince Albert’s Rotary Adventure Park.

Over 100 children were bussed in for Friday’s event and wasted no time running to the various play structures throughout the park including a massive climbing structure, swings, zip lines, and slides. The entire park spans over four acres and looking out at the children playing, Prince Albert Rotary Club President Austin Atchison had a big smile on his face.

“This is such a great opportunity for the community, for the Rotary Club, and everyone involved. We are looking at the future and kids are our future so it’s just amazing just to see everyone out here having fun,” he said.

The idea for the project dates back to 2018 and over the past five years, a total of $1.2 million was invested with the Rotary Club contributing $500,000, the Malcolm Jenkins Family Foundation donating $400,000, and the City of Prince Albert giving $280,000 towards the project.

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A number of dignitaries were on hand for Friday’s events including elected officials, business owners and people who have contributed to the project. In his remarks to the crowd, Atchison noted the many people over the years who helped make the project a reality.

“Today is a celebration,” he said.

Canadian Tire Owner Malcolm Jenkins thanked the city for its help and noted the numerous projects that have come to fruition including the Jump Start playground and Party City playground, as well as the numerous baseball parks, skate park and splash pads.

“Saskatoon has the city of bridges, well who wants bridges, well we’re the city of parks,” he said.

Among the guest speakers was Lt. Governor Russ Mirasty who described himself as an honorary patron of the Rotary, and also noted his family members that live in Prince Albert advised him not long ago to check out the park.

“We drove out here with our grandchildren and really there was close to 100 people on a Sunday afternoon enjoying the park and ultimately that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “Today the sounds in the background of children playing and have fun and the energy that’s here today really just speaks so well to the future and the goals that have been achieved by Rotary and their partners.”

MLAs Joe Hargrave and Alana Ross were also present and Hargrave was also quick to note the many children playing nearby.

“Kids running over the bridge to get here and play on the equipment. It’s an incredible thing”, adding it’s something the whole community can enjoy for years and years to come.

Some kids watch from afar. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Mayor Greg Dionne noted there’s still work to be done including a new year-round washroom. He also explained that with respect to future development in the area, the city will proceed cautiously and will consult with the Wahpeton Dakota nation.

“We’re just excited to keep moving on,” he said.

Speaking afterwards with paNOW, Dionne confirmed the bus route pilot project remains ongoing and among the key questions to be answered is fares.

“When I first brought the proposal forward, I suggested they leave from the bus station and it would be $5,” he explained, adding it’s tough to justify subsidizing another bus route when the city’s subsidization is already in the area of a million dollars.

Dionne also noted the city wants to see what demand is like over the winter, and is also looking at whether the schedule should move to later in the day such as 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“Once the test thing is done, I am pretty sure it will happen because talking to the driver it’s been busier and busier and busier.”

A view of the new sign at Little Red River Park. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell