We Rost kids were all born in the city of Edmonton, growing up on the southeast side of the capital city in the lovely neighbourhood of Creeks Crossing. We were lucky to live in a ravine community, which gave us the opportunity to spend many a day in the ravine riding our bikes, going for walks, and in the winter sledding. The area was all new home construction with lots of dirt piles and open fields, and when we moved in many of our neighbors were similarly young families. As homes were completed and possession days arrived, the new families were warmly welcomed and a feeling of safety and a close-knit community was quickly established. It didn’t take long for us kids to get to know one another, and so did our parents, which led to solid friendships and an annual potluck block party. Each September the road was blocked off and barbeques and patio sets were pulled around to the center of the cul-de-sac, where parents visited and the kids played until it was time for late night smores made over portable firepits. We also attended school with the neighbor kids, and were often found playing in the large open field adjacent to our street or at one of the two playgrounds close by. The most important conveniences were within a 5-minute walk, and we bartered our chores around the house for trips to the 7-11 for Slurpee’s or McDonalds for ice cream. The nearby Colchester Stables offered horseback riding lessons in the summer, and in the winter, we would skate at the local community league rink or plan a winter picnic at Jackie Parker Park. Yes, a full-on picnic; roasting hotdogs and drinking hot chocolate with our grandparents who would meet us there and cheer us on as we took part in the skating and sledding.
Summers were awesome as the city of Edmonton is known for the numerous festivals that are hosted within it, and our family took part in a great many of them. From Heritage Days to the Cariwest Festival, the Fringe Festival, to Canada Day and Klondike Days (now K-days) celebrations, we appreciated the opportunity to experience the lively atmosphere, new cultures and creativity found in our hometown. We also enjoyed regular trips to the Whyte Avenue farmers’ market, and set aside at least 2 Saturdays a year to include wandering the nearby shops and going for lunch in one of the unique restaurants. Outdoor activities were a major part of our family time growing up, so regular trips to the Valley Zoo, Fort Edmonton, and nature walks in the river valley were regular events for us. Always up for Football and mini donuts, many a summer evening our family could be found cheering on the Edmonton Eskimos at commonwealth stadium. Of course, we can’t forget the Oilers Hockey, and we’re fortunate to have a dad who loved the game and a mom who could do without it. Because that meant when dad would get company tickets throughout the season, he would take one of us kids in turn as his guest to the game. And of course, as we got older and could pay our own way, many a music concert or arts event was attended at Rexall place.
Truly, though we grew up in the Big City, it really felt like we lived in a smaller community. Being acquainted with pretty much every family on our block, we knew that if there was ever an emergency, such as being locked out of the house on a rainy day (true story), there was always a neighbour or two we could to turn to for help.
Maybe it was unique to our little portion of the city, but we’re pretty sure that no matter which community you choose in Edmonton, you would find welcoming families just like your own. So, If you are considering Edmonton for your next move, Let’s chat. We’d be happy to help you discover a neighborhood that is best suited to your family and lifestyle, one that you’ll be glad to call your home.
Sincerely,
The Rosts
Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
