Sherwood Park Minute: School Zones, Budget Survey, and a Successful Baseball Tournament

Sherwood Park Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Sherwood Park politics

This Week In Sherwood Park:

• As students return to school on August 29th, school zones will be active from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays, with patrols by peace officers to ensure safety. Drivers in rural areas are being reminded to adhere to school bus regulations too. Passing a school bus with flashing red lights or an extended stop sign can lead to six demerits and a $567 fine.
  
  
• There will be a free car seat inspection clinic on Tuesday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. You can bring your car seat, vehicle and manual to Randy Rosen parking lot at 2015 Oak Street to make sure its installation is compliant. No tickets will be issued if it’s not done correctly.
  
  
• On Saturday, August 31st, the Sherwood Park Seventh-day Adventist Church will hold its final service at its current location on 120 Festival Way, a site that has served as a spiritual home since 1980. The Church, which can accommodate about 260 people and hosts between 100 to 130 members weekly, will soon be demolished to make way for the Sherwood Care expansion project. Despite losing their physical location, the congregation will continue services at Salisbury United starting September 7th and plans to build a new church within Sherwood Park. The final day's events will include a series of celebrations, including an open house, final service, potluck, and an ice cream social.

Last Week In Sherwood Park:

• Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank wrote a column highlighting the County’s recent budget survey. It revealed that affordability is a major concern, with the top issues being groceries, utilities, and housing. Respondents prioritized long-term fiscal sustainability and moderate tax increases if necessary. Mayor Frank said the County remains financially robust with low taxes compared to other municipalities and a strong debt service ratio, allowing most revenue to go directly to services.
  
  
• The 11th annual Lemonade Stand Day took place over the weekend, featuring over 600 stands across the region raising funds for the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Originating in Sherwood Park in 2015, this event has grown significantly, contributing $2.2 million to hospital projects in the Edmonton area. This year, the theme was "More love, less sugar," with proceeds supporting the Stollery Pediatric Diabetes Education Centre and offering sugar-free lemonade options. More than 20 stands participated in Strathcona County, each providing a unique experience along with the refreshing drink.
  
  
• The U16 Rawlings Cup Baseball Tournament took place at Centennial Park in Sherwood Park, showcasing young baseball talent from across Alberta. Organized by the Sherwood Park Minor Baseball Association in partnership with Baseball Alberta, the tournament featured U16 and U14 divisions. The event served as a key opportunity for players to secure spots on Team Alberta for the upcoming Western Canada Prospect Series in St. Albert. The tournament, now in its third year, has grown significantly, as has baseball in Strathcona County. Sherwood Park Minor Baseball is the largest association in Alberta, with nearly 1,000 athletes participating last year.