Evyn Comeau, 8, looks through the window of the ice cream stand. Children can use their imaginations to pretend to buy or sell ice cream at the park.

Serenidy Ominayak loved to play.
Therefore, it was only fitting that a new $40,000 playground at Sucker Creek was opened July 19 and named Serenidy Park in her honour.
Before the grand opening, Xander Willier thought so much of Serenidy he gathered over 100 signatures from band members asking the park be named for her. His act of random kindness was not lost on decision makers.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Construction on the playground started in May although planning began last year. Sucker Creek First Nation provided funds for the equipment while SoftLine provided the recycled rubber for the pad. The spongy, washable pad is made from recycled tires and needs to be sprayed to clean. No need to about leftovers from dogs and cats, or added sand.
The rest of the park’s materials were bought from Medicine Hat company Blue Imp, whose main focus is playground equipment designed for safety. Their products exceed current safety standards.
Sucker Creek Chief Jim Badger joined Willier in cutting the ribbon with several children, Sucker Creek Princess Delany Lauck, Councillor Alvin Cardinal, and Councillor Charmaine Willier-Larsen. Badger and councillors thanked everyone from parents to band members for the hard work involved in making the park a reality.
“It’s a beautiful day for an event like this,” said Badger.
He added the playground was only the first phase of a townsite development.
“We’re looking at putting up another one,” he said.
He was also pleased the pad was made from recycled material.
“Still an environmentalist,” he laughed.
Willier-Larson added the project, like many others, started with the dreams of four parents and their families.
“Chief and council directed Vivian to find the money,” she said. “And here it is!”
Willier-Larson noted that the area will be fenced off for protection of the users.
The Book Box was also opened just to the south of site in a second ceremony. The Book Box invites anyone to “Take a Book, Trade a Book, Read a Book” and was initiated by the band’s education department to promote reading.

Every litle boy’s dream! Denali Okemow, 8, pretends he’s driving a big rig at the park. Someday he probably will!

Sucker Creek Chief Jim Badger, centre right, and Xander Willier cut the ribbon to open Serenidy Park with many happy children. Adults joining the ribbon cutting are, left-right, Sucker Creek Princess Delaney Lauck, Councillor Alvin Cardinal and Councillor Charmaine Willier-Larsen.

True Ferguson, 7, is literally “head over heels” while using the rings. The park features a variety of play options.

Xander Willier holds a photo of the late Serenidy Ominayak in front of the park sign.