OkotoksOnline/Harrison O'Nyons
Okotoks' newest outdoor recreational space is officially open.
On Wednesday, July 30, the Town of Okotoks held a grand opening ceremony for iitopatopa Park.
The day-use area, which was acquired by the Town in 2019, lies just east of Bill Robertson Park at 370068 40 Street East.
iitopatopa Park spans 16 acres and features an 18-hole disc golf course, several picnic shelters, a scenic pathway system, and a nature-themed play structure designed with input from members of the community.
Work to develop the land into a public day-use area began soon after it was acquired. In 2022, town council approved two key components: a concept plan that informed the features and amenities that are now present in the finished park, and the park's name.
During the ceremony, Mayor Tanya Thorn explained how the park got its name and what the Blackfoot term means.
"Before we started, we did a traditional knowledge and land use assessment, and we worked in close consultation with our Indigenous partners to help shape the vision for the park," said Thorn. "The feedback we received was incorporated into the concept plan, and with Council's endorsement, we're proud to honour this land with its Indigenous name, 'iitopatopa,' meaning 'a place where we return to often.'"
The Town's tipi was set up for the grand opening, which included a pipe ceremony led by Blackfoot Elders, with blueberry soup and bannock served to attendees.
A poplar tree was planted at the site, and attendees were invited to take part by adding soil around its base. The tree was gifted to the Town in 2024 by Elder Ninna Piiksii Dr. Mike Bruised Head, who also gave it the name "Holy Longtime Poplar Tree."
Prior to receiving its Blackfoot name, iitopatopa Park was commonly referred to as the "riverfront land" or the "bible camp land," the latter name owing to the former camp once situated in the area.
Among the former campgoers is town councillor Rachel Swendseid, who shared fond memories of summers spent playing Capture the Flag, practicing archery, and gathering around the campfire.
"Under those big poplars over there, one summer we dug a giant mud pit and decided to go swimming in it, much to the chagrin of our parents, who had to do our laundry at the end of the day," Swendseid recalled. "Between the poplars and the willows just directly that way was where we had our campfire, and that was one of my favourite parts. We sang songs, we had our summer romances, we sat beside our crushes there. So many memories. There was so much fun and laughter here, which is why I'm so happy that this property will once again be filled with kids' laughter and families can continue to gather here."
Some time after the camp's closure, the land saw significant damage from the flood of 2013.
It's another piece of the area's history that was considered during planning, said Thorn.
"This park was created not only as a place for leisure, but also with resilience in mind. Because it sits within the flood fringe, careful flood mitigation measures were built into its design, making it an ideal location for a community park."
Thorn shared her excitement to see the park become a favourite community gathering place.
"I encourage you to explore, to play, and take in the beauty of iitopatopa Park. And most important, I hope you'll return often, just as the name of the park indicates."