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City of Red Deer

Mayor and City Council statement on passing of Jack Donald, an incredible philanthropist and community builder

Published

6 months ago

2 minute read

“Be honest with yourself, with others. Be proud of what you do, and do your best.” – Jack Donald’s advice to young people

Quote and photo courtesy of the Alberta Order of Excellence

“On behalf of City Council and City staff, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Jack Donald on their loss. Jack was a remarkable leader, contributing over 50 years to the growth and development of Red Deer and Central Alberta as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community builder. His vision and business acumen significantly impacted the local economy, creating jobs and attracting investment. Jack’s tireless charitable efforts have left a lasting impact on various community causes.

In 1964, Jack and Joan Donald moved to Red Deer, where Jack not only grew his business but also became actively involved in community service. From leading the Optimist Club and Rotary Club to serving as a Red Deer Alderman in the 1970s, Jack demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of the community. His dedication to education led him to serve on the Board of Governors for Red Deer College, where the Donald School of Business stands as a testament to their generosity.

Jack’s contributions extended to Westerner Park, where he played a pivotal role in relocating the exhibition grounds and building key facilities. His philanthropy also reached beyond, co-chairing a successful 2005 fundraising campaign for STARS and earning induction into the Southern Alberta Business Hall of Fame in 2011. Named Red Deer’s Citizen of the Year in 2002, Jack Donald leaves behind a legacy of community spirit, business brilliance, leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering volunteerism that will resonate throughout Central Alberta for generations.

Our deepest condolences go out to the Donald family and friends. Please know that we share in your grief, recognizing that Jack’s impact will endure as a beacon of inspiration for our community.”

Mayor Ken Johnston

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Pop-up Spray Park Thursday at Ecole Oriole Park School (5 Oldbury St)

Published on July 10, 2024

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Join Red Deer Emergency Services, RCMP and Municipal Enforcement and keep cool every Thursday in July and August.

Beat the Heat pop-up spray parks are once again returning to a neighbourhood near you this summer!

Red Deerians are invited to join Red Deer Emergency Services as they use fire engines to create temporary spray parks every Thursday evening throughout July and August.

Pop-up spray parks will run from 6:30 – 8 p.m. in the following locations for summer 2024:

  • July 11 – Ecole Oriole Park School (5 Oldbury St)
  • July 18 – Fairview School Park (5901 55 St)
  • July 25 –  Dawson Park (140 Davison Dr)
  • August 1 – St. Elizabeth Seton School Park (35 Addinell Ave)
  • August 8 – Kentwood Disc Golf Park (168 Kendrew Dr)
  • August 15 – Joseph Welsh School Park (4401 37 Ave)
  • August 22 – Father Henri Voisin School Park (60 Clearview Dr)

Municipal Policing Services and Red Deer RCMP will also be joining to offer police vehicle tours, and local partners from Red Deer Child Care Society, Red Deer Food Bank, Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre and community associations will be providing fun kid activities and treats.

Events are weather dependent and will not go ahead if weather warnings are in place. Please make sure to check The City’s social media pages each Thursday for updates.

For more information, visit reddeer.ca/popupsprayparks.

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City of Red Deer

“Meet Me At The Park” Free drop in programing for kids at Kentwood’s St. Lorenzo School this week

Published on July 10, 2024

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Looking for fun this summer? Want to get outside and enjoy our beautiful neighbourhood parks and green spaces? Join us for Meet Me at the Park – a free drop-in program for all ages!

Meet Me at the Park aims to bring our community together by offering informal and unstructured recreational opportunities that support physical activity, creativity, and social connection.

Each park location has amenities to compliment the program and when possible, a gathering space such as an Activity Centre may be available to provide washroom access. Please note that parents are responsible for their children at all times and must be available in case of an emergency. Children under six years are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian.

Activities may include the following:

  • Soccer/basketball/tennis/pickleball/badminton/baseball
  • Circuit courses, obstacle course
  • Block party & yard games
  • Arts and crafts
  • Gardening and nature fun

The program runs Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday’s from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

2024 Schedule

Date Location Address
July 8-12 St Lorenzo School 150 Kingston Drive
July 15-19 Don Campbell 99 Irving Crescent
July 22-26 Clearview Meadows 93 Cornett Drive
July 29 – Aug 2 Mountview Sunnybrook 4316 32 Street
Aug 6-9 Normandeau 49 Noble Avenue
Aug 12-16 Morrisroe East 35 McLean Street
Aug 19-23 Oriole Park 5 Ogden Avenue
Aug 26-30 West Park 3811 57 Avenue

Activities offered will vary from site to site based on the amenities available and will include a variety of options for unstructured creative play. Activities may change based on community interests and should provide options for all ages and abilities.

The following may be offered:

  • Circuit courses, obstacle course
  • Soccer/basketball/tennis/pickleball/badminton/baseball
  • Arts and crafts
  • Gardening and nature focused
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