A kid’s paradise: dirt plus water and a sunny, warm day. Clear Vista Early Childhood Services (kindergarten) was on a field trip at By-the-Lake Park in Wetaskiwin on June 05. Their mission was to transform a box of black dirt at the entrance to the park into a colorful display of flowers. Armed with water buckets, shovels and equipped with pots of flowers, the parents, teachers and young gardeners rolled up their sleeves and the challenge and the fun began.
“The students of Clear Vista ECS have been a proud part of helping to beautify By-The-Lake Park”, said supervising teacher Barbara E. Furuness. “We have had the pleasure and fun of planting the flowers at the entrance to the park for many years. Each year I get to witness how it gives the students a great deal of pride to see how their efforts have enhanced the park’s beauty. They are proud of their achievements as they bring their families to show them what we have done.”
As a regular stream of traffic entered and exited the park it was easy to recognize the stamp-of-approval by the smiling faces of drivers and passengers.
“The children put a smile on the faces of many a driver when the vehicle turns into the park and the occupants see flowers being planted by five and six year olds. I believe very strongly that children need to be taught the value of community service and volunteerism. Started at an early age, these individuals will hopefully become strong responsible citizens who recognize the importance of giving back to their community without the need to say ‘what's in it for me’. A sense of personal satisfaction is their best reward.”
The parents, students and teachers packed up the water pails, shovels and other equipment and as they were leaving the newly transformed black-to-colorful flower bed, they proudly took a moment to look at the finished product. The gift to the community by Clear Vista students, parents and teachers will keep on giving throughout the summer
as guests to the park will be greeted by the fruit-of-their-labor; a colorful flower bed at the entrance.
For more information contact Clear Vista ECS at 780-352-2562.