Child’s Play
In the early days of the twentieth century, city dwellers across Canada and the United States learned of a new phenomenon that pledged to reduce crime, increase morality, and improve public health—playgrounds. In this episode of A Little Bit Ritchie, we uncover how and why playgrounds and park spaces became essential to the health of our neighbourhoods, children, and society.
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Show Notes
"Was it poor judgment or was it legitimate protest?" Edmonton Journal, 1965 Aug. 5, 5.
"Mayor And Ald. Kiniski 'Hanged' At Playground," Edmonton Journal, 1965 July 28, 3.
"Julia Would Crack Whip," Edmonton Journal, 1965 July 6, 36.
"Playgrounds Open," Edmonton Journal, 1958 June 23, 6.
"Crowds of Children Gather for Opening of Playgrounds," Edmonton Journal, 1954 June 21, 5.
"Climbing is one of a child's first loves...," Edmonton Journal, 1948 July 2, 6.
Item EAM-166 - General Plan, Parks & Recreation Chapter, Community Leagues, Drawing 7 1963
Resources
Read the article “Portrait of a Great-Hearted Woman,” all about Edmonton Council member Julia Kiniski.
To learn more about modern supervised recreation in Edmonton, look into the Green Shack Program.
Find out more about legendary landscaper Frederick G. Todd.
Learn more about Dr. Marie E. Zakrzewska.
To expand your knowledge of Edmonton’s playgrounds, read “‘A Healthy and Contented Band’” by local historians PearlAnn Reichwein and Paulina Retamales.
Kenneth E. Mobily’s piece, “Eugenics and the Playground Movement,” details the close relationship between children’s recreation and eugenics.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Visitation Day
The playgrounds opened new doors for city-wide recreation efforts. In 1952, “Visitation Day” invited children to meet playground directors at their playgrounds with a packed lunch and bus tickets and then would visit Tipton playground, Cloverdale, King Edward, Scona, Ritchie, Bonnie Doon, Windsor Park, Knob Hill, and Queen Alex parks. Later that year, the Edmonton Recreation Committee teamed up with the National Film Board to host outdoor movie screenings every Sunday evening.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND RECONCILIATION RESOURCES
Ritchie exists on stolen land. We gather on Treaty 6 Territory and Metis Nation of Alberta Region 4, a travelling route and home to the Nehiyawak, Siksikaitsitapi, Saulteaux, Métis, Stoney Nakoda, Inuit, and other Indigenous peoples. The Ritchie Community League is exploring what the land represents while drawing attention to the harm caused by settlers and colonization.
Our Reconciliation Committee reflects on the Community Leagues’ existence in Ritchie and its relationship to the land. To restructure how we understand the community, we have a favour to ask. The Committee would love to hear your stories about the area, whether you grew up here or you’re a newcomer. Your memories will help support our goal of building an equitable, welcoming community for all. If you’d like to share a memory, please contact Seghan at civics@ritchie-league.com.
The Alberta Labour History Institute (ALHI) has been working to document stories of Indigenous Labour in Alberta as a recent focus. Stories of Indigenous labour in Alberta are under-considered and are often left out of mainstream labour histories. As a key component of this work, the ALHI started by centring an Indigenous perspective of labour, rather than following European/Western definitions. More information can be found here.
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
The podcast “Our Foods: Chatting about Métis food Sovereignty” from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies explores many aspects of food sovereignty in the Métis community.
The University of Alberta offers a free online course about Indigenous history in Canada.
Turtle Island Safer Spaces works with local businesses to facilitate learning and proactive allyship for Indigenous youth.
Mâmawô ayâwin at Edmonton Public Library is a platform for gathering and learning, developed from Edmonton Public Library’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's calls to action.
Alberta Labour History Institute shares the stories of working-folks across Alberta.
CORRECTIONS
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CALL TO ACTION
To show your support for the Ritchie Community League, consider The Ritchie Crew Subscription Service.
Ready to party, Ritchie? On September 17, we’re hosting a birthday party to end all birthday parties—the Centennial Celebration. Join the League outside the Ritchie Community Hall at 9 AM for a complimentary pancake breakfast. Stick around until noon for the Party in The Park, featuring loads of family fun, face painters, bouncy castles, vendors, and crafts. Learn about Ritchie’s expansive history on complimentary walking tours. Click here for walking tour tickets. Enjoy live music from local musicians John Guliak, The Brigadiers, Jay Gilday, and Lindsay Walker. A fleet of food trucks will keep you satiated all afternoon!
To close out the party, the League is celebrating in the hall with late-night snacks and music from Marlaena Moore, Major Love, and Aladean Kheroufi, starting at 7 PM and stretching ‘till midnight. $20 entry. Click here to purchase tickets. For more details, head over to www.ritchie-league.com/centennial-celebration.
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If you have a story you would like to share in a future episode of A Little Bit Ritchie, send us an email at community-planning@ritchie-league.com.
CREDITS
A Little Bit Ritchie is brought to you by the Ritchie Community League Centennial Celebration Committee. Erin Fraser and Seghan MacDonald chair the committee. Our primary researcher is Linnea Bell. Elyse Colville wrote this episode. A Little Bit Ritchie is produced by Castria Communications and Media Solutions and hosted by Lydia Neufeld. This project is supported by the Edmonton Heritage Council and the City of Edmonton. Thank you to Tierra Connor for creating our artwork. Our theme music is “Twin Ponds” by Hemlock.