# Leif Erickson Park

Leif Erickson Park is a public park located in the city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Established in the 1960s, the park covers an area of 14.1 hectares and serves as a recreational space for the residents of the surrounding neighborhoods, including Mayfair and Kelsey-Woodlawn. In addition to offering a variety of recreational amenities, the park is named after Leif Erikson, the Norse explorer believed to have been one of the first Europeans to reach North America.

## History

Leif Erickson Park was established in 1960 as part of Saskatoon's growing network of urban parks. It was named in honor of Leif Erikson, a key figure in early European exploration of the Americas. Over the years, the park has undergone several upgrades to enhance its recreational and community value. The park was developed as a multi-use green space to accommodate the needs of the local population, which includes sports fields, playgrounds, and natural areas.

## Features

Leif Erickson Park offers a variety of recreational and natural amenities. Some of the notable features include:
* Walking and biking trails.
* A community garden and food forest.

### 2024 upgrade

In 2024, Leif Erickson Park is set to receive a significant upgrade as part of the City of Saskatoon's broader efforts to revitalize local parks. The upgrade includes the introduction of a food forest and naturalized plantings. The food forest will serve as an educational and community resource, showcasing sustainable agriculture practices. Other improvements include upgrading seating areas, enhancing the irrigation system, and adding demonstration sites for environmental sustainability. These upgrades are part of a $25 million investment to improve parks across Saskatoon.

### Planned features

The 2024 upgrade will introduce several new features aimed at increasing ecological awareness and sustainability, including:
* A food forest with fruit-bearing trees and shrubs.
* Irrigation system improvements to reduce water waste.
* Naturalized plantings to enhance biodiversity and provide habitats for local wildlife.
* New seating areas and picnic spaces.

## Community engagement

The City of Saskatoon has made efforts to involve local residents in the planning and development of Leif Erickson Park. Public consultations were conducted to gather feedback on proposed upgrades, ensuring that the park continues to meet the needs of the community. The introduction of the food forest and naturalized areas was based on community input expressing strong interest in sustainability and ecological diversity. The engagement summary report highlights local residents' overwhelming support for sustainable, community-driven green spaces.

### Connection to the Natural Infrastructure Fund

Leif Erickson Park's 2024 upgrades are part of a larger initiative under Saskatoon's Natural Infrastructure Fund: Green Network Project. This project aims to enhance natural infrastructure across the city, focusing on sustainable environmental practices. By incorporating green infrastructure like food forests and naturalized plantings, Leif Erickson Park contributes to the city's broader goals of environmental resilience, biodiversity, and community well-being. This fund, supported by both the federal government and the City of Saskatoon, helps create resilient, sustainable urban spaces.