The impact of a skating rink
2018 Built Together recipient, Graminia Community Rink Society
We never underestimate the power of outdoor places to play. The new skating rink built by the Graminia Community Rink Society provides a place for families to connect over a game of shinny. It also served as a hub over the COVID-19 pandemic.
The impact of a skating rink
2018 Built Together recipient, Graminia Community Rink Society
We never underestimate the power of outdoor places to play. The new skating rink built by the Graminia Community Rink Society provides a place for families to connect over a game of shinny. It also served as a hub over the COVID-19 pandemic.
The story
Paula Bentham, president of Graminia Community Rink Society, has been involved with the fundraising group since the old rink was torn down. Together, the group came up with a vision for this grass-roots initiative that promotes sport, active lifestyles, family time and community involvement. Being granted the Alberta Blue Cross Built Together grant was a catalyst for their fundraising efforts and was instrumental in helping the society obtain additional support to build the rink.
The rink is a big deal for our family and mental health. Just being able to get outside and move around—it is fantastic.”
Since its opening right before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rink has become a meeting place for young and old. The community is passionate about it, and members help to maintain it year-round so people can enjoy a game of basketball or pickleball as well as skating and skateboarding. During the pandemic, the rink provided a safe place for community members to get out of the house and be active. Back then and to this day, the rink is a mental health boost for all who enjoy it.
Past recipients
2023
Kensington School—inclusive playground
St. Stephen School—accessible playground
Good Shepherd School, Peace River—playground
Aurora Middle School, Lac La Biche—outdoor court
Alexander First Nation—outdoor ice rink
2022
Weinlos Parents' Educational Society—playground development
Sherwood School—outdoor basketball court update
Robina Baker Elementary School Parent Fundraising Committee, Devon—playground development
Town of Barrhead—musical playground
Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement—Paddle Prairie School walking track
2021 grant recipients
St. Anne Catholic Elementary School—playground redevelopment.
Forest Lawn Community Association—community meeting space and park.
Spruce Grove—Prescott Learning Centre—inclusive playground redevelopment.
Ryley—Ryley School—playground redevelopment.
Elizabeth Métis Settlement—skate park.
2020
The grant program was put on hold in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2019 grant recipients
St. Elizabeth Parent Advisory Board—playground replacement.
Riverbend Elementary School—inclusive playground development.
Christina Gordon Public School, Fort McMurray—accessible and inclusive playground enhancement.
Alder Flats Elementary School fundraising society—playground redevelopment.
Enoch Cree Nation—Maskekosihk community playground project.
Medicine Hat Early Childhood Coalition—natural playground.
2018
St. Pius X elementary school—playground replacement.
St. Peter elementary school—new playground.
Grande Prairie Signature Falls Neighborhood—multi-purpose four season sports pad.
Bentley K-12 school—Joclyn Snow memorial playground.
Maskwacis community—new outdoor fitness challenge park.
County of Parkland—Graminia outdoor rink replacement
2017
St. Alphonsus elementary and middle school—replacement of playground structure.
Children’s Village elementary school— replacement of playground structure.
City of Lloydminster—new outdoor community gym.
St. Francis of Assisi Academy elementary and middle school, Okotoks—new outdoor sports courts.
St. Elizabeth Seton elementary school—new playground to replace the one previously torn down.
2016
L.Y. Cairns junior and senior high school—outdoor gardening area and fitness circuit.
Auburn Bay elementary school—new playground.
Fort Saskatchewan Win Ferguson elementary and middle school—replacement of two playground structures.
St. Paul—new community skateboard and BMX park.
2015
Bessie Nichols School—new playground.
City of Calgary—outdoor children’s play area at Village Square Leisure Centre.
Healthy Communities Association of Lethbridge and Area (HCALA)—family outdoor gym.
Village of Breton—community park revitalization including outdoor gym, skateboard park pad and playground.
2014
Crestwood Community League Building Society—new playground as part of the community’s redevelopment project.
Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park—new mountain bike skills park.
Camrose Primary Care Network—new outdoor community gym located in Jubilee Park
Fort Vermilion Recreation Board—new skate park located behind the Community Cultural Complex.
2013
Poplar Park Playground Committee—new playground for Florence Hallock School
Westmount Charter Middle/High School—new outdoor sports courts.
Cold Lake Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) —new toddler playground adjacent to the new FCSS facility.
Town of Blackfalds—outdoor fitness equipment for the Abbey Centre municipal recreation facility.
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Our students deserve to have an equal playing field like every other kid in the city. Through your donation, our kids see that kindness is possible in this world and that they are truly special."says Dao Haddad, assistant principal, Delton School