The pathway that runs through the Pleasantdale Valley from Wellock Road to King Street is a little more festive, thanks to the efforts of some local families.
Members of Estevan’s 100 Kids Who Care chapter decorated the trees adjacent to the pathway Dec. 6 as part of their Joyful Pathway Project.
Brooke Spagrud, who is one of the founding leaders of the club, said she came up with the idea because they haven’t had anything yet this fall. Typically the 100 Kids who Care gather quarterly to decide a cause they want to support, and there would have been a meeting in December.
“This idea came to mind, and I thought this would give us a great opportunity to also teach our kids that giving back to the community doesn’t have to be financial, or done with a monetary donation, that we can give back to our community in different ways.”
Through this particular project, they’re hoping to give back by bringing joy to the community.
Spagrud came up with the idea after she saw a community try something similar with one of their pathways. Someone placed a few decorations on trees, and a few other people joined in to create something festive.
Also, a few weeks ago, she was walking down the Pleasantdale pathway with her daughter Brynn Hubick, and Spagrud suggested it would be cool to decorate the trees. Brynn agreed.
Spagrud then contacted the city to get their blessing, and once she had the green light, then it was a matter of contacting everyone within the chapter to get as many people out as possible.
“We wanted to get it done early enough in December that we could still enjoy it before Christmas,” said Spagrud.
The participating families stayed in their own small groups, and as people came, Spagrud told them where decorations could be added.
They had enough decorations for a little more than half of the pathway.
“While we were there decorating, people were coming by and stopping and acknowledging us, and thanking us for doing that. Just lots of people, nothing but compliments,” said Spagrud.
People have been walking through the valley to see the decorations, and some have even added ornaments of their own to the trees.
The Pleasantdale valley pathway was selected because the neighbouring trees are far enough away that if there is snow, then they wouldn’t be infringing on snow removal efforts. It’s also a paved pathway, so it’s safe for people to walk on.
“I think it’s very well used,” said Spagrud. “Personally, we use it quite a bit, whether we’re walking or biking. There are lots of paths that take people south of town. Woodlawn’s beautiful. I know lots of people go down there … but this was a totally different part of town.”
Spagrud said this will be the only pathway they decorate this year. They wanted to do one pathway really well, enjoy it and see what the public thinks. But it could become a tradition for the 100 Kids who Care, and they might select a different pathway in future years.
The members of 100 Kids Who Care will have to remove the decorations in January, and Spagrud said they could use some help from the community with those efforts.
