Introduction
Located at Avenue H and 16th Street, the Space on H (formerly the "Victoria Park Recreation Facility") project emerged from a shared desire to support food security, provide inclusive cultural and recreational opportunities, and foster environmental sustainability. Prior to this initiative, the area was home to an underutilized building and space that, since the cessation of the Riversdale Lawn Bowling Club's activities in 2016, awaited a new purpose to serve the community's evolving needs.
Recognizing this, the Rotary Club of Saskatoon, in collaboration with the City of Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Riversdale Community Collective, committed to the development of a new, energy-efficient facility on a half-acre of land designed to host a range of programs, including urban agriculture (on the land previously occupied by lawn-bowling), educational workshops, and community gatherings.
Through this project, community volunteers and non-profit agency staff are given the space to support food security, cultural programming, and recreational opportunities for all ages, races, and socio-economic groups.
Project Need and History
Previous Site
Since its construction in 1999 by the Holiday Park Community Association, the original 600-square-foot clubhouse within Victoria Park has served as a vibrant hub for the Riversdale Lawn Bowling Club and, subsequently, the broader community. Over the years, this facility became a hub for recreational and educational programming, significantly contributing to the community's social and cultural fabric. However, by 2016, the facility had ceased operations due to dwindling membership and had fallen into disrepair. It became clear that a new facility was needed to meet the evolving demands of the Saskatoon community.
New Vision
Through community consultations, the city developed a proposal for a new building of similar size, with the aim to include modern amenities such as a fully accessible washroom, an open area for meetings and gatherings, a mechanical room, space for indoor/outdoor storage, and a large community garden.
The Saskatoon Riversdale Community Collective
The Saskatoon Riversdale Community Collective is a collaborative partnership formed by several community organizations with a shared vision of repurposing the former Riversdale Lawn Bowling site for the community's benefit. Comprising CHEP Good Food Inc., Wild Sky Adventure Learning, the Riversdale Community Association, and the Saskatoon Food Council, this collective initially approached the City of Saskatoon with a proposal to transform the site into a vibrant, multifunctional community space.
The Space on H project is designed around providing a physical space where the Collective's goals can become tangible outcomes. For CHEP, the facility offers a venue for food preparation and education and their askîy urban agriculture internship program, supporting their mission to improve food security. Wild Sky Adventure Learning will benefit from a base for environmental and adventure-based learning programs, while the Riversdale Community Association and the Saskatoon Food Council can host various cultural, educational, and recreational events. This collaboration ensures the facility serves a broad range of community needs, enhancing the quality of life for residents and fostering a strong sense of community cohesion and belonging.
With the building completed, the City and the Saskatoon Riversdale Community Collective will enter into a lease agreement, ensuring the collective's role in the daily operations and maintenance of the facility. This partnership maximizes the facility's impact on the community, providing a space that supports a broad range of activities and services.
Our Rotary Club of Saskatoon's Commitment
In commemorating our Club's 100th anniversary in 2017, the Rotary Club of Saskatoon set aside funds to be put towards a significant community contribution intended to leave a lasting legacy and impact that encapsulates our commitment to community service, leadership, and sustainability.
Through community consultation and careful consideration, the Space on H project was identified as an exemplary match for these goals and values, perfectly embodying Rotary International’s commitment to enhancing community well-being and fostering unity. Therefore, it was with great enthusiasm that our Club donated $40,000 from our Centennial Fund to help make this vital initiative possible.
Specifically, our donation was allocated towards outfitting the Space on H recreation facility with a modest commercial kitchen, storage space, and furnishings, significantly enhancing the facility's capacity to support food security, cultural programming, and recreational activities for the community.
The project will feature both indoor and outdoor signage to honor the Rotary Club's contribution, making our support a permanent part of the facility's history.
In supporting the Space on H, the Rotary Club of Saskatoon endeavored to:
- Enhance food security and support urban agriculture initiatives, like the Askîy project, which aligns with Rotary's focus on alleviating hunger and promoting sustainability.
- Provide a safe and inclusive space for community gatherings and cultural, recreational, and educational programs, reflecting Rotary's commitment to fostering community cohesion and education.
- Promote environmental sustainability through the construction of an energy-efficient facility, underscoring Rotary's dedication to environmental stewardship.
- Facilitate social enterprise, practical experience in commercial initiatives, and youth engagement, showcasing Rotary's investment in future generations and economic development.
