ATHABASCA — Summer in Alberta is coming to a close; days are getting shorter, mornings carry a distinctive crisp quality, and locals are trading tank tops and sun dresses for light layers and sensible sweaters.
But for residents of Athabasca’s Pleasant Valley Lodge (PVL), the change in season doesn’t only mean cooler days and the arrival of autumn; it means they’re one step closer to starting work on the outdoor enjoyment project they’ve been dreaming about for years.
“We are looking at next spring,” said Whitney Hollingsworth, PVL activity coordinator and committee member for the resident’s park project.
Planning for the project began before COVID-19, and in the years since, Hollingsworth said the final vision has morphed into a more manageable undertaking. And thanks to both pre-and post-pandemic fundraising efforts by the lodge, a gap of only $9,883 stands in the way of phase one construction.
First to be built is approximately 40 feet of paved walking path, accompanied on both sides by handrails for safety, and a 25-foot by 25-foot octagonal gazebo. The price tag for phase one totals over $71,700, and the PVL fundraising club has been hard at work to make up the remaining amount.
“We definitely do have a very nice seniors’ facility here, but who wants to just sit inside all the time? This gives them an outdoor space and get some fresh air and walk safely or visit with their family,” said Hollingsworth.
“It’s going to open up so many possibilities for social connections, physical activity, and community engagement.”
This year, the club tested out a new approach to draw interest, offering businesses, organizations, and individuals the opportunity to sponsor sections of the handrails for cheques in the amount of $1,200. In return, sponsors will have their logos or names featured on the handrail, recognizing the contributions for as long as the rail stands.
Athabasca town councillors unanimously approved sponsoring a section of handrail during their Sept. 3 meeting, following closely on the heels of Athabasca County councillors, who also secured one of the sponsorship packages.
Only seven spots were up for grabs, and Hollingsworth said though a handful have already been unofficially spoken for, first-come-first-served spots are still available.
“All of the contractors that we’ve sent out bids to and selected for this project are all Athabasca, local businesses,” said Hollingsworth. “The community really, really supports our lodge and our seniors in so many ways that we decided that’s how we would like to give back, by promoting their businesses.”
If all seven sponsorship packages are purchased, Hollingsworth said those donations alone would cover the remaining phase one costs. However, phases two and three, which would expand the walking path to a 500-foot trail throughout the greenspace, come with their own bills and a culminated total nearing $100,000.
September marks the return of PVL’s soup and sandwich Fridays to help with the future costs. But this year, the program will look a bit different — instead of the third Friday, the lunch meal deal will be available on the last Friday of every month.
“We found we had a lot of competition,” said Hollingsworth humorously. “Not that we’re scared of competition, but we also like to make the most of our fundraising efforts, and we found there was a lot of things going on.”
Proceeds from the upcoming Christmas online auction will also go towards the park project, an event Hollingsworth said nets around $5,000 each year. To date in 2024, the PVL fundraising club secured $7,300 through their efforts for the project.
But internal fundraising is far from the lodge’s only method of paying for the park. Donations from community organizations — like the Lion’s Club recently-gifted cheque of over $4,600 — have helped the lodge grow the pot and bring the residents closer to their new facility.
This year alone, TC Energy has donated $5,000 to go towards solar lights along the pathway, and the Summer Village of South Baptiste and the Athabasca and District Senior Citizens Society pitched in $1,000 each.
A group of local doctors contributed $2,000 via the Athabasca Medical Clinic, and Hollingsworth said many other organizations and individuals have donated over the years.
“Athabasca truly is the most supportive community I’ve ever lived in. They are always willing to lend a hand and support local organizations, especially our seniors,” said Hollingsworth.
“We are so grateful for that.”
