What began as a grassroots initiative to support mental health in a rural Alberta community has blossomed—quite literally—into a vibrant, living space of connection, healing, and hope.

Meet Joe Reid, a dedicated community builder and Family Services Coordinator with Cold Lake and District FCSS. For over a decade, Joe has worked passionately to connect individuals and families across Cold Lake, but her role took a transformative turn in 2021 when she joined the Rural Mental Health Project as an Animator.

“Rural mental health gave me an outlet,” Joe shares. “It connected me with other Animators, provided support in my role, and helped me grow personally and professionally.”

Rooted in Personal Experience

Joe’s motivation to get involved with rural mental health was deeply personal—her husband’s journey with depression underscored just how vital accessible, community-based mental wellness support can be. As COVID-19 amplified isolation and mental health challenges, Cold Lake’s participation in the Rural Mental Health Project became more than just a professional initiative—it became a mission.

“In those early days, we built a Rural Mental Health Coalition Team. The second year was about launching community projects. And by year three, we dove into something big—building a natural play space.”

Building More Than Just a Garden

Thanks to a community grant, Cold Lake transformed a once-sterile green space into a thriving natural play area and wellness garden. The project prioritized inclusivity, mental wellness, and environmental education.

The garden now features apple trees, honeyberry bushes, traditional Indigenous medicines, and even a Little Free Library—a welcome resource in a town without a dedicated bookstore. Cold Lake's Youth Council played a hands-on role, especially with painting mural pieces and populating the library.

Perhaps most touching was the involvement of local youth struggling with mental health, who helped build the garden and were honoured with stipends for their efforts. The initiative fostered intergenerational learning, too—seniors shared skills in woodworking, and youth learned to use tools for the first time.

“We created something that people can point to and say, ‘I helped build that,’” Joe says.

More Than Just Physical Growth

Unexpected benefits emerged from the project. Staff members now enjoy lunch breaks outdoors. Children giggle in the play area. Nature has been intentionally brought indoors during long winters, and even a playful snow maze is planned—weather permitting.

A wooden butterfly mural, made up of individually painted pieces by community members of all ages, will be installed this spring. It’s a lasting symbol of collective effort, healing, and hope.

“We started with the idea of contracting out the mural,” Joe reflects. “But bringing the community into it—making each piece unique—made it even more meaningful.”

Words to Grow By

Joe’s biggest takeaway from the journey? “Enjoy it. There will be ups and downs. But if you take the time to really listen and connect with your community, the wisdom will come.”

The natural play space and its companion programs are part of a broader movement to make mental wellness visible, normalized, and integrated into everyday life—one plant, one book, one connection at a time.

Watch the full interview with Joe Reid to see how Cold Lake is growing wellness from the ground up.

To learn about all of Cold Lake's projects visit Cold Lake.

July 16, 2025 - Emily Wilkes