Beautifying the park, one step at a time

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

A few parents in Gleichen decided four years ago to band together to make the park more attractive and safe for their kids. It’s been four years in the making, and while there is still a lot of work to go, things are finally starting to fall into place. 

“Basically the intent was because we all have kids, we just wanted some new equipment for the kids,” said Paula Pietrobono, head of the park rejuvenation project.  

The park is located just down the street from the school on 7 Ave., close to the homes of most of the people who are on the board. 

Pietrobono took over two years ago, though the woman who originally spearheaded the project still sits on the board. A few years ago the group painted all of the existing equipment and put new seats on the swings, and recently they were able to add three new additions to the park. 

“In the last two years we’ve (Gleichen) been able to (complete) a lot of projects and have actually gotten done because a lot of people moving here and people that are living here. It’s sort of like we’re coming together with a sense of pride and just wanting to really get things going,” said Pietrobono. 

The three new pieces of equipment they were able to bring in, thanks to fundraising efforts, are the crazy cup, a rocking horse and Bernie the bus. Bernie can easily have 10 children jump in and literally bounce around.  The past few months Gleichen as a community has seen numerous projects being started or completed, joining together to fundraise and refresh the hamlet.  

“It’s really changed, the arena is getting done, the park; the campground, they’ve made some changes up there and with our park here. It’s really good, I think it’s moving forward,” said Pietrobono. 

The park rejuvenation project isn’t done yet but there are more fundraising events being planned. 

“People think, ‘oh it’s easy’ but there is so much prep work to do and phone calls and everything has to be in order, to even get a small amount of work done,” said Pietrobono. 

She said everything is coming together in small steps, but is confident if everyone comes on board they will be able to get a lot more accomplished. Pietrobono is hoping now that the new equipment is in, more community members will come on board and help keep the project moving forward. The plan for now is to raise anything they can before applying for grants, which will match the amount raised.