Park commemorating 2016 wildfire opens in Fort McMurray
The park, called Reflections Lookout, as well as a playground named after Emily Ryan, is located in the northeast corner of Beacon Hill.
Emily Ryan, 15, died in head-on collision during the mass evacuation of the city and surrounding communities in 2016. Aaron Hodgson, 19, her stepmother's nephew, was also killed in the crash.
Ryan's father Cranley served as a deputy chief with the Wood Buffalo fire department during that time.
"To me, it's a sacred space that commemorates what was lost," he said during the opening ceremony.
He thanked the community for standing by their family.
"Many of us suffered a loss during that evacuation. There were houses, belongings, material things, pets — all important," he said.
"I lost a daughter in the middle of the confusion and fear. It is the deepest pain that a parent can know. But the community refused to let us grieve alone."
He called the park "one meaningful symbol" of the rebuilding.
"It's our sincere hope that this location can serve as a lasting, fitting and appropriate memory for you, in Emily's honour," said Wood Buffalo's mayor Sandy Bowman.
"We also hope we can provide the same for all those that were impacted by what happened on May 3, 2016."
The park incorporates a trail featuring the words of different community members, including first responders.
"At the end of the trail, you'll find a lookout — a peaceful place with beautiful views of Fort McMurray," said Keith Smith, director of public works with the municipality of Wood Buffalo.
"Reflection Lookout is much more than just a park," he said. "It's a place that grows with the community and supports healing."
Acting fire chief Rob van Hecke said the "park stands as a symbol of the balance we've worked hard to achieve."
While it is a space for reflection, healing and remembrance, he said, it's also a space "that belongs to everyone — a welcoming place to connect, to find calm, to draw strength, and to move forward."
He hopes that it "will inspire comfort, hope and renewed resilience" in the community.
Keith Smith, Director Of Public Works at Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, echoed that sentiment.
"I believe it's vitally important for the community as a place to reflect. But I see more as a place to connect and really to look ahead. What does Fort McMurray have? We're here. We're moving forward."
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