Officials unveil the new monument at Watermark Park in west Lethbridge, October 14, 2022. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Monument unveiled at Watermark Park in west Lethbridge

Oct 15, 2022 | 12:24 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge has unveiled a new monument celebrating Canada’s 150 anniversary.

A tree planting initiative began in 2017 when the city decided it would mark the anniversary by creating an urban forest with 150 community-funded trees.

Through a collaboration between city departments and the Lethbridge School Division, community members were invited to donate $150 toward the purchase of a tree at Watermark Park, located near Joyce Fairbairn Middle School on the west side.

Many donors added their names and messages, which are displayed on the monument.

Spencer Croil, Land Development Manager with the City of Lethbridge says, “We always strive to bring high-quality amenities to our communities and developments. It always feels great to partner with community stakeholders to create not only a beautiful landscape but also provide opportunities for residents needing assistance.”

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Money collected from the sales of trees went toward the City of Lethbridge Recreation and Culture Fee Assistance Program.

The program helps Lethbridge residents and families facing financial barriers to access sports, recreation, arts, and culture programs, such as soccer registration fees, swimming lessons, and art classes.

In 2019, a total of 1,462 participants received $85,914 in assistance to access different recreational programs.

Robin Harper, General Manager of Recreation and Culture, said during the monument unveiling, “The quality of life in a community depends on both its physical and social infrastructure. This partnership initiative provided opportunities for some of our low-income residents to access recreation, sports, arts, and cultural programs and activities.”

The tree planting project helped to raise $7,500 for the Fee Assistance Program. Check out the City of Lethbridge website for more information.

The new monument at Watermark Park in west Lethbridge, October 14, 2022. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

READ MORE: Helping Lethbridge’s urban forest grow