Get to know your neighbourhood and the people who live in it by going for a walk, saying hi to a neighbor, hosting a block party, or planting a garden as the annual Great Neighbourhoods program kicks off this month.
“When we explore our neighbourhoods and participate in community activities, we feel a sense of belonging or pride,” said Emily Damberger, community and program facilitator with the City of Red Deer. “When we get to know our neighbours, we help create a safe, welcoming community that everyone wants to call home.”
The Great Neighbourhoods program provides resources and activities to encourage residents to learn more about their communities, meet and help their neighbours, and participate in community activities.
The Adventures in Belonging Guide and the Activ Kidz Discovery Guide – available online at www.reddeer.ca/great, at public libraries and at all City recreation facilities – provide a way to explore the community and connect with others.
Other resources on the City’s web site include ‘Thank you Neighbour’ cards, a Block Party guide and links to neighbour resource sharing, crime prevention, community gardening, community association listings and new picnic packs to encourage residents to get out and have fun in a nearby park.
As Red Deer’s centennial year celebrates 100 years of great neighbourhoods, the Great Neighbourhoods program marks each week in May with a theme:
• April 29-May 5: Walk Week – participate in Jane’s Walk or pick up an Adventures in Belonging or Activ Kidz Discovery Guide.
• May 6-12: Welcome Week – check out Neigh*borrow Red Deer on facebook.
• May 13-19: Safety Week – Crime Prevention Week BBQ, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at 47 St. and 51 Ave.
• May 20-26: Participation Week – play ultimate frisbee at a drop-in game at Eastview Middle School Park on 40th Ave. on May 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• May 27-31: Celebration Week – host a block party.
“Exploring your neighbourhood can be easy and fun,” said Damberger. “It can be as easy as saying hello while out for a walk, lending your ladder out next door, or keeping an eye out for suspicious activity. These are all great ways to keep pride in your neighbourhood because great neighbourhoods begin with you.”
For more information visit www.reddeer.ca/great.
-Weber
