Tranquility Park at Crestview Lodge gets big boost from Community Foundation

Pincher Creek Foundation Administrative Assistant Barb Lloyd, Pincher Creek Foundation CAO/Lodge Manager Millie Loeffler, Community Foundation Board Vice-President Dennis Hatt, Crestview Lodge Resident John Sinnott

Chris Davis

It started with an idea anf then a simple sketch on a piece of paper by Crestview Lodge resident John Sinnott, and with the cooperation of his fellow residents and the Pincher Creek Foundation, which manages Crestview, the idea flourished into a burgeoning reality: a patio for residents and visitors at the rear of Crestview.

The project got a huge boost from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta (as reported here May 11). The foundation granted  $12,000 toward the project.

Millie Loeffler and John Sinnott at the entrance to Tranquility Park

"We were thrilled to receive word of  being chosen as one of 30 groups in Southern Alta,  to be approved for this funding.," says a recent press release from the Pincher Creek Foundation, which manages Crestview Lodge.  "A Grant Ceremony was held in Lethbridge on May 9th, 2014 at the Westminster School in Lethbridge.   John Sinnott,  Millie Loeffler and Barb Lloyd attended the ceremony and received a Plaque, along with a cheque for $12,000  from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge. This sizeable donation has been a huge support to the success and ongoing completion of our  project and we are extremely grateful to them."

Tranquility Park patio area and BBQ building under construction

"On April 9, 2013   John  told the residents of Crestview Lodge about his idea for a Patio at Crestview.  The residents voted to start off the project by purchasing the trees from money they made during their Annual Tea and Bazaar."

"Letters went out to Service Clubs in the community  and  responses started to pour in.   John then hand delivered letters of donation request to many of the local businesses and the response has been great.  We live in a very  giving community of people who have responded to the needs of the residents who live in Crestview Lodge, on numerous occasions."

The first two events scheduled for Tranquility Park:
Marshmallow Roast and Singalong Friday June 13 at 6:30 pm
Father's Day Picnic June 16 at 2:00 pm

Tranquility Park patio project background
(from Pincher Creek Foundation press release)
In the spring, summer and fall of 2013:

•  Colorado Blue Spruce trees were planted.
• The site of the Patio was excavated and prepared for the concrete.
• A concrete pad was poured that the Barbeque Shelter would sit on.
• A very large concrete pad was poured and the labour for this event was donated by Trevor Birkman.
• A fire pit was donated and installed by Cathy & Gordon Klein, and sits in the middle of the concrete pad.
• A section of pavement was placed so that the concrete area is easily accessed by the people with physical disabilities.
• Water was brought to the area in order to water and root the spruce trees and for fire safety.

In the spring of 2014:

• A Patio Project Committee was formed - made up of residents, the CAO/Lodge Manager and the Activity Coordinator. This was voted on at one of the Resident General Meetings giving the Committee the authority to make decisions on behalf of the resident body.
• The Nelson Family built the barbeque structure on the weekend of May 10th and 11th and members of the family have come back several times to complete this project. A Storage shed was donated by a Crestview Staff member – Charmaine Tienkamp , and new siding will be put on to match the siding on the BBQ Shelter.
• As the area stands right now it is useable on May 27, 2014 for wieners roasts and gatherings. The first official gathering is going to be a “campfire sing-along” on June 13, 2014 starting at 6:30 in the evening.
• Permits are in the process for the building of two gazebos and a pergola which will be built very soon. A concrete pad will be poured and two metal gazebos that have been purchased will be constructed on this pad. The pergola will be built out of cedar and attached to the Barbeque shelter.
• This project has all been paid for by donations of time and money, we have picnic tables, chairs, umbrellas and tables. It will be a beautiful place for the residents, families, staff and community to enjoy!

A Donor Sign is being built and will stand in Tranquility Park to show our thanks and appreciation to everyone who is donating to the project. Our Grand Opening will be announced soon.

Related stories:

Community Foundation awards grants to Lions Ball Park and Crestview Lodge

Crestview Lodge residents plan recreation area makeover

Crestview Lodge recreation area project update
Community Foundation visits Pincher Creek

Community Foundation awards 28 grants across southwestern Alberta (November 2013)

Community Foundation awards 43 grants across Southwestern Alberta (May 2013)