Ribbon of Green
User Story
By David Hryciuk
For me, Edmonton has always been a wonderful, marvelous place to call home. Born and raised here, I continue to enjoy all of the opportunities and activities that this splendid city has to offer. I remember as a child walking through our gorgeous city parks and can't help but be so grateful that we have a wonderful ribbon of green running through our city. Most cities tend to pave over much of their green areas, but Edmonton did something quite ironic for an Alberta oil town. We are blessed with the longest continuous stretch of urban parkland in this city and despite what people say about Edmonton, I love our city, especially the seemingly endless parks.
Forget the mainstream parts of Edmonton with Whyte Avenue, West Edmonton Mall and the Oilers. This is a contribution that I want to offer people about a different, more natural and off-the-beaten-track side of Edmonton. Many residents here don't even know about just how extensive the spectacular North Saskatchewan River valley is and some residents don't even know the name of the river that runs through "River City.”
My story begins just after I left college and started working. My job was so stressful.jpg)
and I started losing hope on life. I stared at the city streets feeling like the city skyline was so cold and heartless, but I started waking up to such goodness in this city. The serenity in the city that is our magnificent river valley helped me get back in touch with who I really am. The hiking, photography and peace that is found in Edmonton's river valley allowed me to become calm and be myself at a difficult time in my life. This story is one that I give to others to urge people to check out our parks and get active. You will then see a whole new side of life and our city that you might not have ever gotten in touch with before. Edmonton truly has some fantastic places to get away from it all right here in the city. This is the story of serenity in the city, Edmonton: a ribbon of green in the heart of urban landscapes.
