Slave Lake and Coaldale have received awards from the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association.
Slave Lake was given the Most Significant Community Change Award because residents have taken great steps to enhance holistic wellness in their community over the last year.
After a 2011 wildfire destroyed a third of the town, residents have been rebuilding the community, not just physically, but socially and culturally. This included reviving a climbing wall, rebuilding community gardens, and completing the Legacy Centre. The recreation centre replaced the Slave Lake Government Centre and Library, which burned down in 2011 after just one year of operation. The Legacy Centre has gathering and banquet facilities, child care, a wildfire interpretation centre, and performing arts spaces along with upgraded recreation features,including a new playground, walking track, and field house.
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Coaldale was named the Overall Healthy Community Champion for 2016.
This January, the town started offering recreation and culture classes, including zumba, nia (also known as non-impact aerobics), and yoga as well as photography and art classes. The Coaldale Youth in Action Committee which focuses on youths aged 13-17, has been involved in the planning and implementation of the town’s Halloween Party, Community Fest, and Youth Swimming Party, and is also planning an Amazing Race event for youth.
The awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals, groups, agencies and communities whose contributions to recreation and parks have greatly enriched the quality of life of Albertans.
