Free Recreation: Because Fun Shouldn't Be Paywalled
Alberta Freedom Philosophy
"Nothing says freedom like paying $200 to walk in your own mountains."
Call Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport Email Minister of Tourism and Sport
Call Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks Email Minister of Forestry and Parks
The Current Situation
In a province blessed with: - The Rocky Mountains - Countless lakes and rivers - Beautiful provincial parks - World-class facilities
We've somehow managed to: - Charge entry fees for nature - Privatize recreation centers - Make sports unaffordable - Turn parks into profit centers
Why Recreation Should Be Free
Because...
- Nature belongs to everyone
- Physical health shouldn't be a luxury
- Community spaces build community
- Kids need places to play
- Mental health matters
What Free Recreation Looks Like
Parks and Natural Areas
- Free park entry (radical concept, we know)
- No camping fees
- Maintained trails
- Public facilities
- Accessible wilderness areas
Community Spaces
- Free recreation centers
- Public pools
- Sports facilities
- Community gardens
- Youth centers
- Senior activity spaces
Sports and Activities
- Free equipment libraries
- Community leagues
- Public skating rinks
- Basketball courts
- Skateparks
- Climbing walls
The "But Who Will Pay For It?!" Section
Oh, I Don't Know...
- The same budget that funds corporate tax breaks
- Tourism revenue (people still spend money when things are free)
- That Heritage Fund we keep talking about
- Properly managed resource revenues
- Progressive taxation (gasp!)
How We Get There
- Stop privatizing public spaces
- Invest in community infrastructure
- Create equipment lending libraries
- Support community programs
- Make accessibility the priority
But What About Maintenance?
Funny how we never ask this about hockey arenas that get millions in public funding...
The Real Benefits of Free Recreation
- Healthier communities
- Lower healthcare costs
- Stronger social bonds
- Better mental health
- Happier citizens
- More active kids
What We're Missing
- Universal access to nature
- Community connection
- Physical wellness
- Mental health benefits
- Family activities that don't break the bank
Deep Dive Resources
Success Stories
Look What Works
- Public libraries (still free, still awesome)
- Community leagues (when properly funded)
- Neighborhood parks (where they exist)
- Public beaches (where not privatized)
The Bottom Line
If we can afford to build million-dollar hockey arenas for billionaire team owners, we can afford to make recreation free for everyone.
Remember
A society that plays together, stays together. Unless they're priced out of playing, then they just watch Netflix alone.
