Town’s block party program a success

The block was rockin’.

On Sunday, July 25 – Heather Donald of 48 Street in Sylvan Lake decided to host a block party for her neighbours. The block party was done in association with the Town of Sylvan Lake’sFCSS initiative to have parties like this to encourage neighbours to get to know one another and in turn create safer communities.

Donald was happy to get to know the people around her home.

“We have some new folks that moved in, including myself,” she said. “It’s a time to get to know faces and names a little bit better. That way we can look out for each other. We can know who belongs and who doesn’t.”

The party on 48 Street was attended by nearly every resident on the block. They were treated to food, games and good company. The Town of Sylvan Lake makes hosting these events very easy for residents, said Donald.

“I started thinking about it awhile ago,” she said. “The Town announced that they were making it easy for people to do. They have game kits and everything else.”

She added that the Town also blocked off the street for residents in order to keep them safe during the festivities.

“It was really easy - one phone call, one visit and then the permits were really, really quick,” she said. “Everything just went really smoothly.”

According to FCSS Youth Services Supervisor, Krista Carlson - the block party was one of five parties that have registered with the Town this summer.

“People are getting good responses from their neighbours,” Carlson said.

She added that this summer’s heavy rain has forced some of the block parties to reschedule, however the positive response has led many residents to say they will have another one next year.

“I hope it catches on and other people will see it happening,” Carlson said. “We can have more connected neighbourhoods.”

Donald said the street was really excited for their block party, adding it would be nice if they made it an annual event.

Carlson was excited for this summer’s results and wants to remind residents that they can have block parties in every season.

“They aren’t just for the summer, you can do them in the fall and winter,” Carlson said. “There are some really good ideas like soup nights and chilli cook offs. Don’t just feel like it’s just a summer project.”

Donald added that it is important to get to know your neighbours.

“These days with houses having front garages, they leave through the garage and you end up not knowing who your neighbours are,” she said.

For more information on how you can organize a block party of your own contact Krista Carlson by emailing kcarlson@sylvanlake.ca.

reporter@sylvanlakenews.com