2 minute read
Craik Communities in Bloom
– Coretta Scott King
Glenn Hymers Craik Communities in Bloom
Craik Communities in Bloom - for Development of Community Recreational Areas - winner of the Saskatchewan Communities in Bloom CiB Spirit Award by SPRA!
Craik Communities in Bloom began in 2001 and was reinvigorated in 2013. Since this time, the Craik Communities in Bloom Committee and been working in partnership and with support of the local government, to improve the look and function of our community. It has been a great initiative that has encouraged the community to work together and make Craik the ‘Friendliest Place By A Dam Site!’
In 2020, The Craik CiB committee identified a need for recreational areas within the Town of Craik. We mobilized the leadership, volunteer base, support of local business and government to develop four projects – Cornerstone Park, the Pollinator Garden, Waterway Park and the Story Trail. These projects involved great partnerships. For example, the Story Trail was completed in collaboration with the Craik branch of the Palliser Regional Library. Everyone recognized that access to quality recreational spaces was very important and that the needs for this space was only growing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our CiB program has pulled together diverse groups of people in our community. It has been nice to see folks bringing forward innovative ideas and blending their goals to the improvement of our community’s appearance. People are keen to present ideas that might build on existing sites and plan for future projects in various corners of town.” – Gwen Eyre
“People comment on how nice and inviting Cornerstone Park is. A story I have is connecting younger kids to elderly as they sit there. I have seen a few conversations take place that would not have in the past.” - Charla Edwards
“It’s a united effort for community pride. Areas originally abandoned now look great.” – Gladys Gartner
Craik Communities in Bloom began the work with these
goals: ■ Support Public Health Orders, social distancing, and the health of the community ■ Reduce the impact of the loss of routine and normal activities ■ Encourage participation in outdoor activities and the benefits they provide – appreciation of nature, physical exercise, education, entertainment and overall mental health ■ Provide colourful, cheerful areas for folks to visit at safe distances ■ Inspire community spirit
“Thank you to all those who spent so much time brightening up our childhood playground. It was so wonderful to watch our kids enjoy the newly-renovated Waterway Park as much as we did when we were their age.” – Jinelle Goller
“The Story Trail has been a great asset to the Craik Library particularly in this time of Covid but previous to that as well. Children really look forward to every new story. It offers an enjoyable opportunity for learning and movement as they travel from one phase of the story to the next.” – Jo McAlpine
By all accounts, the efforts of Craik Communities in Bloom have had a huge impact on the quality of life for our citizens.■
