Alberta Blue Cross funded a new skatepark in Jasper as part of its "Built Together" grant program on Thursday [1].
The initiative focuses on creating accessible community spaces that encourage active living. By providing financial support for physical infrastructure, the program aims to reduce barriers to exercise and outdoor recreation for residents across the province [1, 2].
The Jasper project serves as a primary example of how the grant program operates. The funding allows local communities to identify specific needs, such as the lack of designated skating areas, and implement construction projects that promote health and wellness [1].
According to the organization, the "Built Together" program is designed to help Albertans build spaces for active living in their own communities [1]. This approach allows for localized decision-making, ensuring that the facilities built are those most desired by the people who live in the area [2].
The program emphasizes the connection between community-led infrastructure and long-term public health. By investing in spaces like skateparks, the organization supports a variety of physical activities that cater to different age groups and interests [1, 2].
Jasper's new facility now provides a safe and designated environment for skaters, which helps keep public sidewalks and private property clear while offering a social hub for youth and adults alike [1].
“The 'Built Together' grant program provides funding for Albertans to build community spaces for active living.”
This investment reflects a broader trend of private-sector health organizations funding social determinants of health, such as urban design and recreation. By financing physical infrastructure, Alberta Blue Cross is shifting from a traditional insurance model toward a preventative health strategy that encourages physical activity through environmental changes.
