Community Collaboration Brings New Toddler Playground To Vermilion

Members of the Vermilion Lions Club and Rotary Club with other volunteers once the playground was complete. Photo Lorna Hamilton

From September 18 to 20, the Vermilion Lions Club and Vermilion Rotary Club, with the assistance of the Town of Vermilion, came together to break ground and install new playground equipment designed specifically for children under the age of five. The new addition is located across the street from the Alliance Church, where sunny skies and temperatures in the mid to high 20s made for the perfect backdrop to three days of community effort.

For Lions Club member and playground project chair Veronica Stalwick, the inspiration for this project came from a very personal place. In 2022, when her first daughter was just a year old, she and a friend took their children to the park but quickly realized that the equipment was not suitable for toddlers. “The kids wanted to go on the big slide, but there were openings with five-foot falls. I stayed at the top of the slide and my friend stayed at the bottom so we could keep them safe,” Stalwick explained. When she brought her concerns home, her mother, already a Lions Club member, suggested that she join and take on the project herself. Stalwick accepted the challenge and has been working toward this toddler playground ever since.

The project was made possible through a mix of fundraising, grants, and generous community support. The Lions Club hosted a steak and lobster supper at the regional centre in 2022, with proceeds going toward STARS and the playground fund. They also secured a $30,000 Community Facility Enhancement Program grant and additional funding from the Vermilion Wellness Coalition, through an Alberta Blue Cross grant, to support the purchase of parent-and-tot swings.

“The parent and tot swings are my favourite,” said Stalwick. “I’ve already tested them out with my daughters, and they love them. They can even swing together with my four-year-old on the bigger swing.” All of the new equipment features a low fall height, making it safe and suitable for toddlers. Story continues below

Recognizing the size of the project, the Lions Club approached the Vermilion Rotary Club for support. Erwin Warkentin, Rotary Club project chair for the playground, shared that the partnership was both natural and rewarding. “It’s extremely important as this is a smaller community, and it is an excellent way to pool our resources for the good of the town,” said Warkentin. “This has been a four-year journey for us. My youngest was in a baby bucket being ‘dragged’ to meetings and site visits—he’s now four, and I can’t wait to take him to play on this playground.”

The Rotary Club contributed funds raised through initiatives such as their Harvest Gala, Canada Flag project, and cash and fair raffles. They also played a key role in organizing volunteers for the installation.

Support came from many corners of the community. The Vermilion Co-op and Kirby Whitlock provided lunches, Pat Calyniuk donated snacks, and the Parkview Alliance Church allowed use of their facilities for breaks. Local businesses like Webb’s, Triple T Carpet Cleaning, and Lloyd’s Limb Services who offered equipment, services, and supplies, as well as Vermilion Ready Mix for its services. The Town of Vermilion was instrumental as well, handling excavation, auguring holes, supplying workers, and purchasing surfacing material.

For everyone involved, the collaboration has been the most rewarding aspect of the project. “The playground would not have been possible without the collaboration between the Lions Club, Rotary Club, and the Town of Vermilion,” said Stalwick. “The number of people who volunteered their time and worked on this project has been inspiring.”

The playground is now officially open and ready for children to enjoy. Looking ahead, both clubs hope to host a community grand opening in the spring to celebrate the success of the project. Reflecting on the experience, Warkentin expressed gratitude for the partnership. “This project has been a labour of love, and I am humbled that the Lions Club, who are known for playground projects, asked us Rotarians to partner with them. We are already excited for future collaborations for the benefit of the town.”

With this new toddler-friendly addition, the park now welcomes children of all ages, offering safe and inclusive play for families in Vermilion and the surrounding area.