The Echo Lacombe Association is supporting the construction of the Lacombe and District Historical Society’s learning garden.
“Our board is always looking for projects that provide a unique benefit to our community,” said Echo Lacombe association vice-president Jana Fafard.
“Earlier this year, we were able to assist Lacombe Big Brothers and Big Sisters with their activity kits that maintained important programming for children during the pandemic,” said Fafard.
“Now, we are happy to confirm our commitment to this great project. It’s always exciting to leverage our funding to help viable community ideas a reality.”
Fafard says they are support something that both recognizes Lacombe’s historical roots and advances downtown revitalization efforts.
“I couldn’t agree more with that sentiment,” said Melissa Blunden, executive director for the historical society.
“This project will transform our lawn into a space that incorporates a wide breadth of history from prehistoric times to the 1920s,” said Blunden.
“This site allows us to enhance our new curriculum-based programming while offering a wonderfully visual and engaging opportunity for visitors. This garden wouldn’t have been possible without Echo Energy’s contribution.”
Blunden says it will take about three years to complete all three phases of construction of the learning garden. When complete, visitors will travel through “4,000 years of regional history.”
First Nations knowledge keepers were consulted in the process.
Fafard is delighted with the momentum Echo Energy continues to generate.
The Echo Lacombe Association includes representatives from the City of Lacombe, Burman University, the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce, and an additional six members from the community at large.
The group seeks to improve Lacombe’s quality of life by fostering a collaborative environment focused on cultivating innovation, nurturing a business-friendly culture, promoting sustainable growth, and creating a safe, inclusive, vibrant, and healthy community.
Along with supporting the garden, Echo Lacombe has also funded the world’s largest fishing lure, EcoVision’s Roofs 4 kids, and the Echo stage, the host venue for the popular Music in the Park series. It also sponsors local events like the culture and harvest festival, Light up the Night festival and the social media breakfast series.
