The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues has started to define its centenary project, which is designed to recognize 100 years of volunteer work by 154 Edmonton Community Leagues.

Anniversary committee volunteers met at Hawrelak Park last month to review a number of development possibilities.  After some discussion, it appeared that an upgrade to the area next to the artificial stream, at the south end of the lake made the most sense.

Elements under consideration include a walking trail, flower beds and benches, along with information pedestals that document the many contributions leagues have made to the city over the years.  This would include the work leagues did to initiate minor soccer and minor hockey in Edmonton, the hundreds of playgrounds, halls, rinks and courts that have been built, the wealth of recreation, education and social programs that have been provided and the steady stream of suggestions and guidance leagues have provided on civic affairs.

The federation’s centenary committee is working closely with city parks staff, as they consider developing a water feature near the area under consideration by the EFCL.  Naturally, discussions are underway to see how these projects might be combined or at least complement each other.

It is also hoped that the EFCL’s project can be developed in phases, so that the public would be able to enjoy the first phase no later than the federation’s 95th Anniversary in 2016.

Next week the committee will begin to discuss fundraising opportunities.  The goal is to finalize both the development plan and financial strategy by the federation’s 2012 annual general meeting, which is set for Monday, April 30 at Beacon Heights Community League.