The memory of a long-time resident, business owner, community organizer, and volunteer will be honored this Saturday, August 25th, in Blackfalds, as they officially open the Denise Nielsen Memorial Park, located in All-Star Park, north of the Wadey Centre.

An active member of the community, Denise Nielsen owned Granden Auto in Blackfalds with her husband Grant for 16 years, and Mayor Richard Poole says it's a fitting tribute for someone who worked hard to preserve and promote her community.

“Our memorial park is designed to really remember Denise for the Town of Blackfalds, and the contribution that she made to the town as a Chamber of Commerce member, as a Historical Society member, and all the other posts and efforts that she put into our town.”

Economic Development Officer for the Town of Blackfalds Jennifer Hartigh echoes the Mayor’s statements, saying Denise always went above and beyond.

“She was very very well known in the community for her volunteer work. I don’t think that there was a community organization that she did not volunteer with at some point in time. I know she was certainly active with the Ag society.”

Also a prominent member of the Optimist Club, Nielsen passed away suddenly at her home in April of 2016.

Last July, the Blackfalds and District Agricultural Society were able to secure $25,500 from Central Alberta CO-OP's Community Spaces Program for the park.

The grand opening of her park is 11am, and includes a free BBQ and tours of the Wadey Centre.

The park includes pathways, a memorial bench, picnic tables, a bike rack, and a gazebo.