Report - 2023
About Lethbridge Plays
Lethbridge Plays is a group of local stakeholders brought together by the unifying belief in the importance of play, and the benefits play can have on our society. We are happy to share the successes of 2023 through this annual summary of activities.
Mission Statement
“To educate, support and advocate for the importance and benefits of play for all citizens of Lethbridge.”
Our Vision
“Lethbridge is a community that prioritizes and engages in play as an integral part of daily life.”
Partnering - We are better together!
A total of 15 community organizations led a variety of Lethbridge Plays activities in 2023. This includes regular attendance and participation at Steering Committee meetings; coordinating sub-committee work; participating on project-based working groups; and leading training sessions. The 15 organizations are a diverse representation of sectors including health and wellness, social support, recreation, culture, and the environment. Lethbridge Plays provides a unique opportunity to work together in continuously evolving and emerging partnerships, centered on the importance of play and how play benefits our communities.
Training and Development – Growing knowledge, skills and confidence in play.
Formal training opportunities were offered in 2023, including one Play Summit and one mini-summit.
Play advocate and professional speaker, Matt Leung, was brought to Lethbridge for two sessions during the Play Summit hosted on February
28, 2023. A day-time session looked at “Navigating Leadership Through Play”. A public evening session looked at “Learning Across the Life Span.” A total of 35 participants attended.
Mini summits offer peer-to-peer learning and focus more on local resources and sharing best practices. Building Brains Together and Lethbridge College Be Fit for Life collaborated to offer adolescent executive function games and physical play activities for youth audiences for 17 attendees.
Play Spaces - Informing decision making and design for physical spaces in Lethbridge.
October 11, 2023, the City of Lethbridge announced the Grand Opening of the Galt Gardens Inclusive and Accessible Play Space. A representative from Lethbridge Plays participated as a consultant on the project’s Community Advisory Committee.
"Knowing that play has such an important role in so many aspects of healthy development for our children and youth, we are thrilled to see this new play space being built,” says Vicki Hazelwood, Co-Chair of Lethbridge Plays. “It will provide a whole new play area in our city with a unique and natural design that encourages imaginative and spontaneous play."
~ A quote included in the May 30, 2023 media release from the City of Lethbridge
In 2023 Lethbridge Plays codeveloped a fully immersive, playbased exhibition titled “The Nature of Play” with the City of Lethbridge’s Helen Schuler Nature Centre. The exhibit featured the Lethbridge Play Charter, translated in 9 languages, and unique opportunities for visitors to engage in play activities while learning about the importance and value of play for people of all ages. August 9 marked the official opening. A media event saw excellent coverage from a wide variety of local media outlets. 8,866 visitors participated in the exhibit in 2023.
“EXCELLENT!! Unstructured play is so important!” ~ August 13 comment from Calgary visitor
“Love the Play Exhibit! Had the whole family enthralled! ~ Sept 4 comment from Lethbridge visitor
“Amazing work! What a fantastic place to play and learn!” ~ Dec 29 comment from Campbell River BC visitor
Play Space activities support Lethbridge Plays
Strategic Plan Goal #2
Lethbridge Plays will become established as a leader on the subject of play in the community.
Community Engagement and Promotions
Outreach for Lethbridge Plays is possible thanks to community partners who represent Lethbridge Plays at a variety of community events each year. In 2023, Lethbridge Plays was visible at 13 community events, resulting in 6,217 people connecting with play resources and information. This is up significantly from 2022 (1,700 attendees).
Results from a public survey; feedback gathered at the Lethbridge Plays Advisory Committee breakfast event; and general referrals and requests for information to LethbridgePlays@gmail.com indicate that brand awareness and reputation for Lethbridge Plays continues to grow.
Monthly Play Updates are distributed via e-newsletter. The newsletter features current play opportunities, play wins, and opportunities to learn more about partner organizations and events. 175 subscribers receive the information monthly. This is down from 200 in 2022.
The Virtual Bulletin Board on LethbridgePlays.ca offers another place to learn about play opportunities through partner events. Monthly reminder emails are sent out to partners and new events are posted each month. The Virtual Bulletin Board had 419 visitors in 2023.
Outreach activities support Lethbridge Plays
Strategic Plan Goal #1
Build brand awareness of Lethbridge Plays and the Play Charter among citizens in Lethbridge.
Resources – Encourage Play Every Day!
An ad-hoc working group completed planning and design for a fall and winter edition of the popular Kid’s Map of Lethbridge. 10,000 maps were printed and officially launched on October 24 with a media event, coinciding with the mini summit at Lethbridge College. Distribution sites were added to the existing list, as requests to be a ‘pick-up location’ were received through LethbridgePlays@gmail.com This latest resource supports the Play Charter commitment to embrace the geography and climate of Lethbridge by supporting play all year round.
Development of Community Resources supports Lethbridge Plays Strategic Plan Goal #4
Promote and support play opportunities hosted by Lethbridge Play stakeholders,
