The initial intent of the project was to use funding to purchase traffic calming equipment like jersey barriers. To the community’s surprise, the City of Calgary provided all of the required barriers, at no cost to the community. Using the grant funds, the group was able to plan and purchase the items for a giant chess board, additional games for East Gladstone Park, seating, a fireplace, planters for the bump outs, and so much more. These purchases highlight that these parks are special places to those that live around them, and to make them thrive they need to be activated by the neighbours. 

The lead organizer mentioned that their favourite story was, “At East Gladstone Park, as part of the installation of the park lights, we hosted a work party one evening and as the sky got dark, the lights all of a sudden turned out and the kids cheered! It was so fun to see their joy and have them experience helping to put the plan in action.”