“When you’re alone, and life is making you lonely
You can always go Downtown
When you’ve got worries, all the noise and the hurry
Seems to help, I know, Downtown
Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city
Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty
How can you lose?
The lights are much brighter there
You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares
So go downtown, things’ll be great when you’re Downtown,
No finer place for sure, Downtown, everything’s waiting for you.”
McKay Avenue School Playground, photo by Jill Footz
The words of the iconic Petula Clark may never be more true than they are today. Residents of Edmonton’s Downtown neighbourhood are enjoying a special spot where you really can forget all your troubles and forget all your cares. Downtown is home to a beautiful playground!
McKay Avenue School Playground, photo by Jill Footz
The McKay Avenue School Playground is ready for fun! This small but mighty park sits just beyond the steps of the historic McKay Avenue School Archives and Museum building at 104 Street and 99 Avenue. What once was home to nothing but a sandbox now features a fresh coating of super spongy rubber playground flooring. It’s bright green with a hills and a ribbon of blue, designed to look like the City of Edmonton river valley.
Mesh bottom saucer swing, photo by Jill Footz
The play features are simple. A small double yellow slide will keep the toddler crowd entertained; a single saucer swing, designed with a mesh base, will comfortably carry a handful of kids; and a unique rope web will be perfect for climbers of all ages.
Rope climbing structure, photo by Jill Footz
A brick sign at the entrance to the park identifies it as R.J.W. (Dick) Mather Memorial Park. The space surrounding the new playground features a beautiful gazebo, several well-maintained flower beds lush with colour and a handful of benches. There is a water fountain, but not bathroom or porta-potty on site. The park is located steps away from a coffee shop and a handful of other businesses.
McKay Avenue School Playground, photo by Jill Footz
McKay Avenue School Playground is no doubt be a welcome addition to the Downtown neighbourhood. Organizations that contributed to bringing this playground dream to reality include the Edmonton Police Service, Edmonton Public Schools, City of Edmonton, Downtown Business Association, Downtown Edmonton Community League, Manasc Isaac Architects and 104th Street Committee.
McKay Avenue School Playground:
Where: 10425 – 99 Avenue, Edmonton (map)
Website: archivesmuseum.epsb.ca
