Make a Splash

Two outdoor pools stay open for Labour Day.

Celebrate the last long weekend of the summer by heading to a City of Edmonton outdoor pool.

Weather permitting, both Mill Creek and the newly renovated Fred Broadstock Outdoor Pool will remain open until the end of the Labour Day long weekend on
September 6. The season has been extended to allow Edmontonians the chance to soak up the last rays of summer.

Mill Creek Outdoor Swimming Pool
9555 – 84 Avenue

Fred Broadstock Outdoor Swimming Pool
10515 – 158 Street

For more information on the hours of the outdoor pools and the daily operating schedules, call 780-442-5261 or visit www.edmonton.ca/outdoorpools

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Hey Edmonton! Come See Hey Romeo on Churchill Square

One of Edmonton’s hottest country music groups, Hey Romeo, will perform a free concert on Churchill Square. 

Date: September 7
Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm
Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free

Kick off Country Music Week in Edmonton with this special free performance by Hey Romeo.  Named Best New Group in 2008 at the Canadian Country Music Awards, Hey Romeo is vying for four awards this year, including Group of the Year. The 2010 Canadian Country Music Awards will be announced September 12 at Rexall Place. 

Getting there:

There is direct access to Churchill Square by LRT or one of the several buses that make scheduled stops in the area. To plan your trip, visit www.takeets.com.

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Edmonton’s Biggest Destination Park Officially Opens

Edmontonians are invited to celebrate the grand opening of the children’s spray park and adventure playground at the Jackie Parker Recreation Area. Come and enjoy the new park that offers something for everyone in the family.

Date:  Sunday August 29, 2010
Time:  1–4pm
Location:  Jackie Parker Recreation Area (4540-50 Street)
Admission:  Free
Food:  hot dogs, chips and pop available for $2

The spray park and a portion of the playground have been open all summer, but now, as construction nears completion, it is time to celebrate this wonderful facility. Considered a destination park because of its multi-use amenities including climbing rocks, climbing wall, spray deck and playground area, the park is 3-4 times the size of a normal neighbourhood park.  

Funding for this project was provided through different sources including, The City of Edmonton, The Mill Woods Cultural and Recreational Facility Association, the Federal and Provincial governments, Edmonton Mill Woods Lions Club and the Woodvale Community League.

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Train Your Dragon on Churchill Square

Catch Hollywood’s greatest family blockbusters on a giant three-storey high inflatable movie screen at Movies on the Square!

Dates:

September 3 – How To Train Your Dragon
September 4 – Toy Story 3

Time:

Pre-movie activities start at 7pm
Movie starts at 8:30pm

Location:

Sir Winston Churchill Square

Getting there:

There is direct access to the Square from the Churchill LRT station or one of the several buses that make scheduled stops in the area. To plan your trip, visit www.takeets.com.

Come early to grab some snacks and enjoy pre-movie entertainment including local short films by FAVA (Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta).

Admission is FREE – just bring your own chair.

Sponsored by the City of Edmonton.

Future dates for Movies on the Square are: October 8 & 9.

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Bike Safety 101

School’s almost back and the first lessons should be about bike safety.

“Biking to school is fun, good for you, good for the environment and affordable,” says Andrew Siggelkow, Sustainable Transportation Engineer with the City of Edmonton. “But remember your bike is a vehicle and you have the same rights, responsibilities and risks as a motorist. Know and follow the rules of the road and get around the city – and to school - safely.”

In many cases, bike collisions are easily preventable. Student cyclists can avoid collisions this fall by tuning up their bike safety knowledge and skills, and by wearing the right safety gear. But cyclists are only part of the equation.

Motorists and parents play an essential role in preventing cycling collisions.

“It’s been a while since student cyclists have been part of the daily commute, so we want to remind motorists to watch out for them, and be cautious and considerate,” says Lindsay Yarmon, Communications Officer with the City of Edmonton’s Office of Traffic Safety. “We also encourage parents to teach young students about bike safety, and to model safe behaviour, whether they’re on two wheels or four wheels.”

Cyclists should consider the following before heading out on the streets:

• Follow the rules of the road. Obey traffic signs and signals. Yield right of way like any other vehicle.
• Always wear a helmet. It’s the law if you’re under 18, and highly recommended if you’re an adult.
• Be visible. Wear bright clothing. Have a front headlamp and a red rear reflector and a red rear light at night.
• Be predictable. Ride in a straight line. Ride as far right as you can.
• Ride on the road unless your wheels are 50 cm or less.
• Plan your route ahead of time.

Motorists need to keep in mind that bicycles have equal rights on the roads, and to remember to:

• Watch out for cyclists.
• Expect the unexpected and be prepared to take evasive action to prevent a collision.
• Be especially cautious around young cyclists. They may lack the necessary training and skills, and may not be aware of all dangers.

Parents can do their part to prevent cycling collisions:

• Teach young students about bike safety.
• Demonstrate safe behaviour by following your own advice.

For more information on bike safety, please visit www.edmonton.ca/bikesafety.

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