A milestone in mental health support has been achieved in Calgary with the official opening of the Brawn Family Foundation Rotary Park, Alberta’s first-ever public mental health park.
Located a few steps away from The Summit: Marian & Jim Sinneave Centre for Youth Resilience, the park is a sanctuary dedicated to fostering community, family, and youth wellness.
This park was made possible through a partnership between the Parks Foundation and the City of Calgary, along with various donors, including the Brawn Family Foundation, and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. The project first broke ground last September.
The park contains many amenities, such as a climbing structure, a sports court, and serves as a focal point for community events and gatherings, which is designed to promote a sense of togetherness and camaraderie.
The pathways are surrounded by greenery, meant to foster a deeper connection with nature, according to Parks Foundation Calgary. Throughout these pathways are various swinging benches, giving people peaceful spaces where they can relax.
Sheila Taylor, CEO of the Parks Foundation, thanked the community for pulling together for the innovative project.
“The Brawn Family Foundation Rotary Park will play a vital role in promoting mental health and well-being in our city, providing a haven for individuals and families to find solace, connection, and healing,” she said.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our partners for recognizing the link between nature and positive mental health and for their unwavering support in making this innovative project a reality.”
Bob Brawn, representing the Brawn Family Foundation, emphasized the significance of inclusive and innovative outdoor spaces.
“We’re grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to a much-needed amenity like The Brawn Family Foundation Rotary Park,” he said.
“This park will play a vital role in making our city a better place to live.”
The park, which is adjacent to The Summit is located at 1205 17A ST NW. For more information about the Brawn Family Foundation Rotary Park and its range of features, please visit the Parks Foundation website.
