News Release: Grand Opening of Eastglen Playground

PLAYGROUND FOR ALL: GRAND OPENING OF EASTGLEN PLAYGROUND

Westlock, AB - The Town of Westlock is proud to announce the grand opening of the new Eastglen Playground, a welcoming playground designed for children of every ability to play, learn, and grow together. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Friday, October 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. at 10627–103A Street.

The new Eastglen Playground replaces the former Eastglen Park play area with a space designed to meet the needs of all children and families. Features include accessible surfacing, ground-level play components, and sensory-friendly activities that encourage social interaction and cooperative play.

“This project reflects our community’s shared commitment to accessibility and belonging,” said Mayor Jon Kramer. “Every child deserves a place to play, and Eastglen Playground helps ensure that families of all abilities can enjoy recreation together right here in Westlock.”

The playground was funded through the Town of Westlock’s capital investment, with generous support from the Rotary Club of Westlock, the Government of Canada through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, the Province of Alberta through the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP), and Kal-Tire, whose combined contributions helped expand the scope and impact of the project. Their partnership made it possible to enhance accessibility, add unique play elements, and create a welcoming gathering place for children and caregivers alike.

The Town of Westlock continues to make accessibility a community priority, enhancing access and inclusion across its facilities and public spaces. In 2019, Town Council participated in the Westlock Accessibility Challenge—hosted by the Westlock Independence Network—to gain firsthand insight into the barriers faced by residents and visitors. Building on that experience, Council has since advanced numerous accessibility improvements, including improvements to accessible ramp near Dairy Queen, a new traffic signal at 108 Avenue and Highway 18, a new asphalt trail from 108 to 113 Avenue, and a new sidewalk along 113 Avenue to Alberta Supports.

Most recently, in 2025, the Town completed new sidewalks with accessibility ramps along 102 Street (between 102 and 104 Avenue) and additional ramps along 102 Avenue. Accessibility upgrades have also been incorporated into recreation facilities, such as the addition of an aquatic wheelchair and walker at the Westlock Aquatic Centre and wheelchair skate aids at the Rotary Spirit Centre.

The Eastglen Playground represents another important milestone in this ongoing process, ensuring that inclusivity and accessibility remain at the heart of the community’s growth and development.

Everyone is invited to attend the grand opening to explore the new playground and join in commemorating this exciting addition to the community.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Simone Wiley, Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Westlock
780-350-2100

Jon Kramer, Mayor
Town of Westlock
780-349-4444

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