Calgarians came together on September 23 to celebrate the opening of a unique park in the city, one that prioritizes not only physical but also mental well-being among its users.
Named the Brawn Family Foundation Rotary Park, this park was established adjacent to Alberta Health Service’s The Summit, a mental health facility dedicated to children and youth in the Hounsfield Heights community. However, it was intentionally designed to be inclusive, welcoming all members of the community, not just patients of The Summit.
Avril Deegan, Director in Child Addiction and Mental Health for AHS, emphasized that the park was conceived to meet children at various stages of their mental health recovery, with an emphasis on integration into the broader community.
“It provides immediate access for children to come and be part of nature. What we’re seeing is that children and youth are really enjoying coming, connecting, and being able to just be kids and enjoy playing,” Deegan explained.
The park’s mission goes beyond providing recreational space. It also aims to combat the stigma associated with mental health issues. Deegan stated, “It’s all about stigma and reducing stigma. At the base, we’re all human, and we all want to be part of something and be a part of a community and have peers and be able to play and enjoy life.”
The creation of the $1.2 million park was not originally conceived as part of The Summit. However, the need for a green space to aid in patient recovery became evident during the planning process.
Sheila Taylor, CEO of Parks Foundation Calgary, recounted how the project originated when Rotary informed them that the new mental health center for youth was being constructed without any outdoor space. “We really jumped on board, found partners, found donors, worked with the community to design and create what is Alberta’s only park space designed and dedicated to youth mental health recovery,” Taylor explained.
The project spanned three years from inception to completion, with construction commencing in September 2022. The Brawn Family Foundation Rotary Park stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to supporting the mental well-being of its young residents and fostering inclusivity and connection among all members.
