The Estevan City Council brought up a new initiative that they hope will bring more people together through block parties in Estevan.

At the latest city council meeting, they unveiled a new Neighbourhood Block Party Program, which would give out kits to people who could plan a get-together with others.

Those kits will be available for residents of Estevan beginning June 1, free of charge.

Each kit contains the following:

  • games and sporting equipment for all ages
  • icebreaker activities
  • sidewalk chalk with a list of games/activities
  • scavenger hunt search sheets
  • participant name tags

Additional support from other sources will be included in the information package, including:

  • street closure permit assistance: barricades would be delivered if needed
  • noise by-law information
  • financial support – the city is working with local grocery stores to provide a discount on food purchases

One bin is ready for the community to reserve. It can be picked up at the information desk at Estevan City Hall the business day before an event and must be returned the next business day after the party date by 12:00 p.m.

The approximate cost of the kit to create was approximately $800, which was supported by Sask-lotteries Community Grant Funding.

If a group does choose to host their function in a public park, a permit will need to be created for $25, with the city encouraging groups to consider yards and streets before public park areas.

If a group does choose a park to hold a get-together a reminder of no alcohol use in public parks will be included in their package.