Groundbreaking ceremony launches park named after Edmonton's 1st aboriginal police officer
An empty lot on 105th Street and 102nd Avenue set to open in 2017 as part of urban park strategy
Edmonton's downtown will soon be a little greener after the groundbreaking ceremony for a new park to be named after Edmonton's first aboriginal police officer.
Alex Decoteau Park, on the corner of 105th Street and 102nd Avenue, commemorates the man who joined the Edmonton Police Service in 1908. Decoteau served in the Canadian military during World War 1, but died in Belgium in 1917 during the Battle of Passchendaele.
Decoteau also competed in the 1912 Olympics in track and field, and served in the Canadian military during World War I.
On hand for the park ceremony occasion Friday were a handful of dignitaries and many members of Alex Decoteau's extended family, including Izola Mottershead, Decoteau's great-niece.
"I think he would be so happy," Mottershead said. "But I think he would head right straight for where the children are."
The park is funded through the city's community revitalization levy.
"Any place that is open to dogs, kids and people from every culture in our community is a great public space," said mayor Iveson.