The Town of Pincher Creek has launched a new volunteer-driven program as part of its Communities in Bloom engagement that calls on residents to help keep public spaces safe, clean and welcoming.

Inspired by a similar initiative in Whitecourt, the Park Guardian Program encourages everyday citizens to take a light stewardship role over their most frequented parks, trails and playgrounds. They do this by simply being observant during their time outdoors and reporting any issues they see.

Overseeing the program on behalf of the town is the Pincher Creek recreation department, as it looks for local assistance in keeping an eye on public spaces.

“We can’t always monitor everything all the time, so we’re looking for anyone in our community who is interested in kind of being the eyes and ears of different locations, like our parks or walking trails in Pincher Creek,” says Rhonda Oczkowski, Pincher Creek’s recreation programmer.

“We’re not asking you to do anything about it besides report back.”

According to a brochure issued by the Whitecourt Communities in Bloom committee, the program encourages community engagement in protecting and caring for all public green spaces, emphasizing parks, playgrounds and schoolyards.

In Pincher Creek, park guardians would be asked to choose a specific area, preferably one that they frequent or live near, and keep an eye out for anything that needs attention, such as overflowing garbage bins or damaged playground equipment.

The program requires only time and diligence from volunteers. Participants are not expected to hover over certain spaces, but merely to check for anything wrong as they go about their business. 

Rhonda emphasizes that volunteers are not expected to intervene in problems or enforce bylaws. Any concerns regarding maintenance can be directed to the recreation department, while possible criminal activity should be reported to the local RCMP.

“We absolutely do not want them to be participating in anything,” she says. 

“They’re just reporting if they’re seeing things that they don’t think is quite right or needs attention. They are eyes and ears, and nothing more.”

Anyone interested in signing up for the program can visit the Pincher Creek recreation office to register, providing their name, phone number, and what location they’d like to watch over.  

While there is no formal training required to become a park guardian, the town will ensure participants understand the guidelines.

“We will definitely go over the dos and don’ts,” says Rhonda, noting that volunteer safety is a top priority.

Along with keeping spaces safer and cleaner, Rhonda hopes the program can help foster a sense of community stewardship.

“It just allows community members to become more invested within their own neighbourhoods or in their community in terms of taking care of it,” she says. “It helps support keeping it safe and clean for everyone.” 

Furthering its efforts to tackle litter, the recreation department is also offering free garbage bags and disposable gloves for anyone interested in helping clean up green spaces, whether as a guardian or a one-time volunteer.

To learn more about the program or to sign up, residents can visit the recreation office at 895 Main St. or contact the department at 403-627-4322.