One could argue that almost no good came out of the COVID-19 pandemic, but for the Rocky View County hamlet of Langdon, the lengthy health crisis did at least highlight a dearth of recreational resources within their community.
The Langdon Community Association is inviting residents to attend a ribbon-cutting for the grand opening of the recently revitalized Langdon Park on June 14 at 6 p.m. The event will celebrate the park’s new amenities, including Langdon’s first public library, youth centre, community centre, fire pits, and courts that can be used for a variety of different sports.
As COVID-19 spread throughout the world, people were finding unique ways to get outside, stay social, and find a sense of meaningful connection. The residents of Langdon, a community of more than 5,000 people, were no different.
Executive Director of the Langdon Community Association (LCA), Chrissy Craig, said they began noticing that residents had nowhere appropriate to gather locally during this time. Community members found themselves sitting in parking lots or even on the street in an attempt to socialize in some capacity.
“We didn’t have a place for the community to gather,” she said.
After reflecting on the issue, Craig said the LCA’s plan to add needed amenities to Langdon Park had a snowball effect. They began applying for and receiving grants and donations to help with the park's proposed revitalization.
Craig said a large donation from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) in 2022 played a significant role in the project by donating $565,000. Additional funds were provided by Accurate Screen and Grading and Rocky View County.
After a few years of planning and construction, the new amenities are now ready to be used. Craig highlighted how these additions will turn Langdon Park into a community hub rather than simply a bare field and baseball diamond.
“Now it is kind of the central location for people,” Craig said. “It’s all kind of right there in the centre of town, which is walking distance for almost everybody.”
The new additions have already been put to good use. Craig added the courts are being used almost every hour of the day and that community groups, such as Langdon’s local girl guides, have been regularly utilizing the fire pits.
Craig added they are also holding a soft opening for the new public library leading up to the ribbon-cutting. She said community members have come to see the new space and are already signing up for library cards.
Pointing out the enthusiasm from the community, Craig said parents in Langdon are happy their children now have a place they can easily access to stay active.
“They love that their kids can just ride over and play some basketball,” she said. “It’s just going to be a wonderful facility.”
After the ribbon-cutting, families and community members will be able to explore the new additions to the hamlet. Craig said the proceedings will include a welcoming speech, tours, and a few tasty treats.
“We’re going to have tours of our new facilities as well as some smore’s and cake to celebrate the revitalization of Langdon Park,” she said.
