Brave Park is officially open to the public

Brave Park, the 3-acre public park located in Lakewood had its long anticipated grand opening on the weekend.

Lakewood of Strathmore's Director of Sales and Marketing Scott Silva said that he experienced such a level of gratitude to see everyone enjoying the park, that is two years in the making.

"It's just so remarkable to see the journey come together and what it means for the community. Not only Lakewood, but for all of Strathmore."

Silva said that he is so proud to have worked with everyone from planning, design and the Town of Strathmore.

Photo Courtesy - Lakewood of Strathmore

The name of the park is something that is very monumental for Silva and the partners that have worked so hard to make Brave Park a reality. 

"Everyday men and woman give their lives for this country, both here and abroad. Protecting and serving our communities and our nation."

With the opening of Brave Park, Silva hopes that the sacrifice will be remembered daily so that the next generation can understand what it means to be brave in the face of adversity. 

"I want them to not sit down and take it when things get tough but to stand tall with your neighbors, community members and knowing that when we're working together that nothing is impossible." 

The park is commemorated to all of the veterans, active duty members,  military personnel, police services, RCMP, Fire Department, EMS and all first and emergency responders.

"There's so many people in our community that have given themselves up to protect, I believe this goes back all the way to World War One, where Strathmore had the highest enlistment rate in all of Canada, and that might even exceed Canada based on a population per capita."

MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore Chantelle de Jonge and Mayor of Strathmore Pat Fule made an appearance at the grand opening and Silva said that it was really great to have them there to support the park.

"We were very fortune to have our MLA and Mayor in attendance. It is always really great when we all get together to do community events to enrich the lives of residents."

One of the features of the park is that there will be a free Wi-Fi hotspot. 

"We're working with Shaw and Rogers right now and this does not mean you have to be a customer to use the hotspot."

Silva has been asked numerous times, why would you need Wi-Fi at a park? 

"We've seen when services go down or people lose different access to internet and connectivity and that can be a real detriment to everyday living, so this is one of those initiatives with keeping a connected community and I say connected community because that's one of the big features."

Silva leaves off with saying that he is so proud of this region and is very fortune to be able to give back to the community.

"I want to thank all of those that are involved in the community and are able to give their time, resources, whatever it is, even if it's something so little because it goes a long way. It means a lot to getting this park open." 

Photo Courtesy - Lakewood of Strathmore

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