By Sandra Milton
Residents living in the Rideau River “Wedge” have been caring for Bordeleau Park for years, raising money for new playground equipment, launching a dock on the river, overseeing the river ice cutting, and organizing annual clean ups.
Last year we decided to go a step further and apply to the City of Ottawa Adopt-a-Park program. We knew our neighbours cared about the park, and many talked about the connections they made in the off-lease dog area, at the tennis courts and in the playground.
There is a sense of community that is generated by interactions in and around Bordeleau Park. Adopting the park has brought a feeling of pride and has created a real neighbourhood in the heart of the city. We wanted to make our area a place that feels safe and welcoming for ourselves and others.
Our park is well used on a daily basis by diverse individuals and groups: students at nearby schools, leisure walkers, joggers, cyclists, people walking to work, children and adults on their way to the basketball court, residents from nearby shelters. In addition, the park attracts people to the city core for family picnics, outdoor sports, dog walking, playground activities and tennis, while others just want to come and stroll along the river edge enjoying tranquility in the city centre.
You have to care when you adopt something and that includes a park. When we get together to clean up the park, it can involve neighbours, our local schools, our Councillor and the Causeway Needle Program. This past October, we worked with teachers and students from the École secondaire publique De La Salle for the fall clean-up event and to teach about park history, trees and the environment.
Yes we share the park and enjoy seeing everyone use it. It’s always interesting what we will find on clean-up day. It has brought a real sense of community as we say hello to the person who lives next door or around the corner or is just passing by. We know if there are strangers to the area and look out for each other. Adopting a park promotes the safety of our parks by preventing neglect and misuse and encouraging appropriate community use and enjoyment.
We have pride in the park and we care about our environment.
What is the City of Ottawa Adopt-a-Park Program?
With Adopt-a-Park, you can work as an individual, group or business to protect the green spaces around you. Adopting a park is a commitment, but the amount of time you put in can vary. Your commitment can be as simple or as involved as you choose. Here are some examples of what adopting a park can mean:
- Picking up litter in the park or along the shoreline or paths
- Identifying and reporting broken benches or waste receptacles to the City
- Reporting on the health of the trees to the City
The Adopt-a-Park program is free and the City of Ottawa will provide the materials and support needed to complete the twice annual clean-up activities.
The city will erect an Adopt-a-Park sign with your group name on it, recognizing your commitment to the park’s maintenance. In return, Park Adopters agree to:
- Work together with the City to coordinate projects and park events;
- Sign up to adopt a park for a minimum of two years to a maximum of five years;
- Host a minimum of two clean-ups per year, spring and fall;
- Register the clean-up with the City for the GLAD Cleaning the Capital campaign;
- Record and report on the clean-up to the City.
For more information on the Adopt-a-Park: E-mail: adopt@ottawa.ca