The Community Revitalization Project
CREATING AN OUTDOOR SPACE
FOR EVERYONE
In early 2019, the pandemic forced us to pause the majority of our community activities. Through the support of Calgary Foundation's Neighbourhood Grant, we pivoted our focus to transforming Knox’s lawn into a beautiful and engaging green space that will rejuvenate the neighbourhood’s positive energy. The space will strengthen and unite the community through positive messaging, diversity, and inclusivity.
The Dream.
The pictures below are Knox's vision for this summer and are working tirelessly to have it completed by the end of July 2021. The summer and fall of last year initiated projects including the two picnic bench, hopscotch, a mural for the garbage bin containment area, and a community event in September. In June and July 2021 we completed the Talking Benches, Little Free Libraries and Pantry, and our Herb Garden Planters! So far, we still have the following projects left:
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A Welcome Bridge
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Stepping Stone Pathway
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Bulletin Board
With these projects still to be completed, if you are a skilled labourer or have an interest in participating in our endeavour please contact Ty.
The front of Knox.
The North lawn of Knox.
Come by and see our project in the making! We love seeing people add rocks to the rock garden, utilize the picnic tables and benches, and admire the mural brightening the alley. It brings us joy to see our neighbours use the space. We also love it when they visit and say hi!
The Progress.
Big thanks to the help of Immigrant Services Calgary, Youth Central, Anilin Decorating Centre, Calgary Foundation, Leanne Ellis, community members, volunteers, and the neighbouring community associations for helping us get this far in the completion of the Community Revitalization Project! We are excited to see this project connect with others while rejuvenating the community. Summer 2021 has been a busy but beautiful one as we've seen the completion of our rainbow benches, two free libraries, free pantry, and herb gardens.
June 2021- Painting Game Boards & the Trellis!
Youth volunteers from Immigrant Services Calgary came down and helped us paint game boards on the picnic tables so our community can sit down and play a game of tic tac toe and checkers. They also painted a beautiful Brazilian-inspired trellis to accommodate our fast growing garden!
July 2021- Building the Free Libraries, Pantry, and Benches
Later on in the summer volunteers from Youth Central came and helped us paint our vibrant talking benches and assemble and paint the two libraries- one for kids, one for all ages- and the free pantry. It was a long and hot day but we accomplished so much! We're so grateful for all the volunteers' hard work and very happy that we can offer the community free books and free food.
Herb Gardens
Our last major project this summer was planting and installing our community herb gardens. We were once again joined by youth volunteers from Immigrant Services Calgary who helped us plant the herbs-- peppermint, basil, thyme, chives, just to name a few!-- and paint both the herb planters in vibrant rainbow hues. Now they're ready to be cultivated and shared for the community at Knox and beyond!
