The turn of the century brought a call for municipal governments
to provide parks and open spaces for recreation. These calls went
unanswered until the start of WWI. The recruitment process
highlighted the fact that many Canadians were not physically fit.
It was felt that playgrounds were part of the answer to this
problem.
Service organizations were formed, including Kinsman, Kiwanis
and the Gyro Clubs. The efforts of organizations like these helped
the playground movement gain strength in Canada.
The Edmonton and Calgary Gyro Clubs were formed in 1921. The
Edmonton club wanted to be involved in the City's rapid growth and
focused on providing amenities for children. The development of
playgrounds became a natural fit.
The first Gyro Playground in Edmonton opened in 1922 at
Patricia Square (95 st and 108 ave). The location has since been
renamed Giovanni Caboto Park. The City of Edmonton provided the
land for the playground and the Gyro members were responsible for
landscaping, equipment, painting and maintenance.
During the 1920's, the Gyro Club started an annual carnival to
help collect funds for playground equipment.
New playgrounds opened throughout the city in the 1930's and
1940's and eventually the City of Edmonton assumed responsibility
for their operation.
In 1985, the three Gyro Clubs of Edmonton combined their
efforts to construct the playground that you see at Fort Edmonton
Park.