New map can help you plan summer outings
By Lethbridge Herald on May 29, 2025.
Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Plays Kid's map encourages residents to explore the city and discover the various hidden gems it has to offer, as well as places like the Helen Schuler Nature Centre where residents and visitors can take part in various activities both indoors and outdoors.Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald
When looking for things to do, places to visit and adventures to embark upon this summer, many folks find themselves wondering if those opportunities exist in the city or if they have to travel elsewhere.
What many may not know is that Lethbridge has a lot to offer, from fun activities to do, places to visit and hidden gems to discover. And to make it easier for residents and visitors to engage with the various city amenities, Lethbridge Plays was created.
A group of stakeholders from various organizations across the city got together to develop a kid friendly map of the city that highlights various places to visit like playgrounds, interactive play spaces, wildlife viewing areas, places to skip rocks and get their feet wet, indoor play opportunities, skate parks and more.
One of those stakeholders was the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, and manager Coreen Putman says this was inspired by a desire to engage the community with the city and everything it has to offer.
“As a parent you find yourself trying to figure out what to do and where to go with your children, and sometimes kids have their favourite parks they like to go to, but it’s nice to have other options and take a chance and pick a park you have never been to,” says Putman.
She adds that giving people an opportunity to find alternative places to visit and to showcase the hidden gems around the city was part of the inspiration for the kid’s map of Lethbridge.
“We did a second edition of the kid’s map for the Fall and Winter and that one features some great tobogganing sites we have across the city, indoor places to have fun like pools, indoor playgrounds, facilities like the nature centre or the YMCA,” says Putman.
She adds that to make it even easier for families to find something to do and somewhere to go, the maps are divided into themes and they have information about activities and places that people can visit in all areas of the city to make it convenient and accessible to everyone, as some residents may not have access to transportation or may have mobility issues, but they can still find something fun to do near by.
“Both the summer and winter editions of the kid’s maps have two sides, in one is the map rendition of the city that highlights points of interest, and the other side has activity ideas,” says Putman.
She explains that the summer map showcases a scavenger hunt where people can visit various public art, information on pollinators and how to find them, and other nature engaging activities. While the winter map showcases activities that involve finding different trains, animal tracks, nighttime adventures, and indigenous games.
“We did the second edition for the fall and winter map, after the incredible response we had from the community with the summer map. Also, because part of Lethbridge Plays is promoting that there is no bad weather, you just have to dress accordingly to play,” says Putman.
She adds that a map is also a great tool for kids to learn to explore their community and a way for them to visualize what the community looks like by having the general layout on a map.
“We are so fortunate here in Lethbridge, we have lots to see and lots to do and sometimes people just need those resources to help them find those things. And I think the more we connect with the places we live in, the more we care about them,” says Putman.
She adds that when people visit the various places suggested in the map, they come together as a community as others will be there as well, and this creates a sense of connection.
“And here in Lethbridge a lot of the visitation and tourism is from people that are coming to visit friends and family, so by exploring the city, residents can become ambassadors for the city,” says Putman.
Dominika Wojcik, senior director of communications for Tourism Lethbridge agrees with that and says that residents are the best ambassadors as they share their experiences with family and friends far and wide by word of mouth or through their social media, and that in turn inspire others to visit.
“Lethbridge Plays highlights the local gems in an easy way to bring play and fun into discovering new things about Lethbridge, and this is great not only for visitors which is what we focus on, but also for residents,” says Wojcik. “We know that if our residents feel connected to the city, they become great local ambassadors.”
She adds that by visiting local attractions that are highlighted within the maps, residents help the local economy, as many are found close to restaurants and shops and when they have family and friends visiting them, they also contribute to the local economy.
“Lethbridge Plays is a great example to showcase being a tourist in your own city. And with everything that is going on around the world, we could all benefit from staying a little closer to home and finding those hidden gems,” says Wojcik.
21-20
It’s impressive to see last year’s winners like Shōgun and The Bear set such high standards, suggesting a competitive and dynamic awards season.
@Wacky Flip