Calgary, AB,
28
June
2017
|
10:05
America/Denver

The City and TD Bank Group announce sponsorship of a new natural playground at Ralph Klein Park

Today, TD Bank Group and The City of Calgary announced TD’s $500,000 sponsorship through the TD Common Ground Project to help construct a new natural playground at Ralph Klein Park. The natural playground will become a valuable asset and component of The City’s plan to optimize the existing parks network and ensure Calgarians have access to nature and healthy and active lifestyles.

The City engaged Grade 3, 4 and 5 students from Fish Creek School, McKenzie Towne School, Haysboro School and Penbrooke Meadows School to create the playground design. Students participated in engagement sessions earlier this year to provide feedback on the equipment and features they would like to see at the new play area.

“Currently Ralph Klein Park does not have a play area and with TD’s sponsorship, The City is now able to offer a creative outdoor playground,” says Anne Charlton, Parks Director. “We hope the addition of a natural play space at Ralph Klein Park will inspire active and creative outdoor play, and connect people – young and old – to nature.”

The natural playground design focuses on the watershed theme, which tells the story of how water moves from the mountains down to the wetlands. The playground will feature a climbing wall, hiding areas, a zip line, loose parts and a sand play area. Each feature demonstrates the connectivity of humans, wildlife and natural habitats. The expected completion date is fall 2017.

"We are thrilled to support the creation of a natural playground here in Ralph Klein Park," says Brian Gervais, SVP Prairie Region, TD Bank Group. "With the TD Common Ground Project, we're committed to creating a lasting legacy through the revitalization of green spaces, where communities come together to meet, talk, play and connect. We know the completed park will have a tremendously positive impact on children and families in the region for years to come."

TD has been committed to revitalizing green spaces across the country for decades. This includes support for over 25,000 environmental projects and planting more than 280,000 trees through the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. TD launched the #TDCommonGround initiative to recognize Canada’s 150th anniversary by creating a legacy of green spaces for communities across Canada to enjoy . More than 150 initiatives across the country will benefit from TD’s support through this initiative. Projects range in scale, including seven flagship projects, one of which is the Ralph Klein Park Natural Playground.

The City provides more than 8,000 hectares of parkland and natural areas, as well as 800 km of pathways for citizens to enjoy. To learn more about natural playgrounds or City parks please visit calgary.ca/parks.

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