The 2024 edition of the Built Together grant program received 115 applications from all around Alberta and we want to thank each one of the applicants for considering us as an ally in their endeavours.
A 13% increase in the number of applications over 2023 highlights the infrastructure needs of our communities. It also shows how much more needs to be done to empower people to live their best life.
Applications in the Indigenous category more than doubled with 12 applications this year.
Every year, the Built Together grant program helps 5 Albertan communities (1 each in major urban centres of Edmonton and Calgary, a secondary city, a rural community and an Indigenous community) maintain and/or create spaces that drive wellness, inclusion and accessibility. The work done by teams and individuals on each of these projects is truly remarkable.
This year, four out of the five projects that received the grant focused on redevelopment and modernization of existing spaces for the evolving needs of their respective communities.
“As a champion for wellbeing, Alberta Blue Cross® sees the Built Together program as a way to invest in the preventative health of Albertans. As we know, providing community-based amenities to promote active living means healthier populations,” says the senior vice president of corporate relations and community engagement at Alberta Blue Cross®.
Here are the five recipients of the 2024 Built Together grant program.
Edmonton: Norwood School playground redevelopment
The Norwood School’s aging playground is at the end of its life and needs to be replaced for the safety of the children using it. Since 1908, Norwood School has served students and families in Central Edmonton. Its 276 students not only come from a range of cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds, but they also live with various cognitive, social, sensory or physical disabilities. The plan is to have a new, accessible playground that will benefit not only Norwood’s students, but also the nearby childcare centres and families in the surrounding neighborhoods. “Playgrounds give children a safe place to develop physical abilities, social skills, and have fun,” says Amber Michielsen, President of the Parents Actively Creating Educational Experiences Society (PACEES). ‘’Downtown is in desperate need of clean, positive, safe places for our children. Without Alberta Blue Cross®, our intended project would not be possible
Calgary: Dementia inclusive park
Currently, 20,000 Calgarians live with dementia with Albertans being diagnosed at a rate 286% higher than any other Canadian province or territory. Individuals with dementia face barriers in everyday public spaces including being overwhelmed because of busyness, navigation challenges, increased likelihood of getting lost and a lack of seating areas. This new Dementia inclusive park will be designed and built using four well researched pillars: safety, sensory, support and signage. This dementia-friendly space will include elements such as wander loops, signage for wayfinding, benches, swings and sensory features. “This innovative space will serve as a beacon of inclusion and care for those impacted by dementia and their caregivers. The park will provide a safe and welcoming green space that fosters play, physical activity and connection for community members,” says Barb Ferguson, executive director at Alzheimer Calgary. “On behalf of everyone involved, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Alberta Blue Cross® and for their generous support in partnering with us.”
Jasper Skatepark Improvement Initiative
The Jasper Skatepark Committee had been actively pursuing a new skateboarding facility in Jasper for many years. Now more than ever, outdoor opportunities for unplanned and unstructured activity are crucial in combatting loneliness and isolation and promoting social connection and recovery from the pandemic and the 2024 wildfires. This new development in Centennial Park aims to replace the existing modular outdoor skateboarding facility with a modern concrete at-grade facility. The construction was underway when wildfires hit the town in the summer of 2024. Thankfully, this part of town was untouched by the fires and the construction has since resumed. “We cannot express how grateful our committee is to be the recipient of Built Together during this difficult time in Jasper’s history, and the aftermath of the devastating wildfire of 2024,” says Darrell Savage, President of the Jasper Skatepark Committee. “We know that Jasper and its visitors will greatly benefit from this facility for decades to come.”
Salt Prairie Settlement playground redevelopment
The community’s existing playground has well outlived its usefulness and the deteriorated wooden structure currently in place is unappealing, unsafe, and fails to meet the needs of the residents. The new facility (construction will begin in the summer of 2025) will be engaging, spacious and inclusive. The new design includes standard playground features that support active play, along with many adaptations and elements specifically for individuals with disabilities. “Projects like these are often costly, and without the financial backing of organizations like Alberta Blue Cross®, small rural communities like ours would find it challenging to undertake such vital projects,” say Ana Bruce and Ann Wallace of the Salt Prairie Settlement Community Club. “We are deeply appreciative to have been awarded this Built Together grant from Alberta Blue Cross®.”
Big Horn First Nation playground redevelopment
Big Horn 144a is a reserve of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation. Its land is shared between Bearspaw, Chiniki and Good Stoney First Nations (formerly Wesley First Nations). The current community playground is limited and deteriorating, leaving children, youth and families without infrastructure that supports active living. The new playground will feature traditional play structures such as swings, climbing walls and slides, as well as multipurpose exercise equipment for fitness activities. It will also have sensory and imaginative play elements to support varying needs, resulting in a comprehensive space that addresses the holistic, spiritual and active living requirements of all. “Thanks to our friends and partners at Alberta Blue Cross® for their generous financial support and belief in our project. Their commitment to our project is the final piece of the puzzle we need to build an accessible playground on the Big Horn First Nation,” says Kevyn Timmons, Manager of the Big Horn & Stoney Health/Education teams.
About Built Together
The Built Together grant program helps Albertans build spaces for active living in their communities. From playgrounds, multi-use courts and rinks to outdoor gyms, parks and walking trails, we’re giving back to Albertans and helping them live their best lives.
Each year, this program awards 5 grants of $50,000 for healthy living infrastructure projects across Alberta, in 1 of each of the following areas: Edmonton, Calgary, a secondary city, a rural community and an Indigenous community. These infrastructure projects must be open to the public and free to access.
Applications to the 2025 Built Together program will open this spring.
Get more information on how Alberta Blue Cross® supports Alberta’s communities.
