Felt Art Workshop – April 11

Also posted by Laurie to Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChamplainPark/posts/2381880152295061

Felt artist Maggie Glossop has kindly agreed to offer a felt art workshop at our field house on Saturday April 11, from noon until 4.

In the workshop you will arrange natural and dyed wool fibres to create an image (landscape, still life, abstract) and then using the ancient technique of wet felting, cause all the fibres to bond together to form a piece of felted fabric. (See photos, click for larger version)

Maggie will provide all the materials and equipment needed to create your own piece of art.

Cost of the workshop is $75.00.

Space is limited so contact Laurie lauriefagan59@gmail.com ASAP if you want to sign up.

You may know Maggie’s work as she was one of the artists from the Christmas craft show last December at the field house. You may also know her outdoor work as she is the creator of those whimsical sculpted snow bears that have delighted folks for years on various trails in Kitchissippi ward.

It is such a treat to have her lead such a workshop.

Volunteer for Cookie Ski Scavenger Hunt – February 28

We need people to staff the cookie station at Champlain Park where participants can get their cookie and a stamp on their cookie card, from 10:45 to 15:00. The person Fresh Air Experience had was no longer available. If anyone wants to pitch in, it would be appreciated and they may get a free cookie. 😁

Interested folks can contact Patrick at freshair.patrick@gmail.com or 613-619-2592.

K-Trail Community Cookie Ski

Hosted by Common Empire and Fresh Air Experience, this FREE, fun, accessible group ski happens February 28th at 11:00 AM on the Kìchì Sìbì Trail. This is a scavenger-hunt–style ski, with cookie stations set up along the route between Westboro Beach and Mill Street Brewery.

Cookie stations will be spread along the Kichi Sibi Trail, so you can start anywhere – no set route or official start point. Cookies will be out at stations starting at 11:00 AM (see Strava map).

Skiing is encouraged, but any active transportation is welcome. The goal is simple: have fun, get active, and eat cookies.

More information about how the scavenger hunt works is at https://www.commonempire.com/k-trail-community-cookie-ski. Cookies are limited, so please RSVP on Strava to help us plan.

Bright Ideas Postponed – Spring

Looks like it’s going to be on April 28. More later…

We’ve postponed the Bright Ideas meeting (where we ask for ideas from our neighbours to help spend money to improve the neighbourhood) from February 24th to later in the spring, since we need more time to get things ready and coordinate speakers from various places.

From the January newsletter…

Ever wonder how community events, projects or park improvements get pitched, approved and funded? Join us for a special evening at the Fieldhouse some time in the spring to discover how you can turn your ideas into reality and help make a positive impact on Champlain Park.

This is the first time the community association is hosting a meeting like this, and we’re keen to talk about how to bring ideas to life. The evening will be divided into two sessions, with a refreshments break in between:

Part 1: The Ins and Outs of Project Funding

We’ll explain how community projects and park improvements receive funding and support. We’ll hear from our municipal park planners on how the city handles park improvements and from our volunteer Fieldhouse coordinator.

Part 2: How to Pitch Your Project

We’ll walk through the steps of submitting a proposal and provide guidelines on types of initiatives that fit association objectives. We’ll share examples of successful community projects and give practical tips on how best to present ideas. We’ll finish with a brainstorming session.

This is also a great opportunity to meet other passionate individuals who might want to join forces on a project or event. You never know — you could find the perfect team in one swoop.

Come to learn, be inspired, ask questions, and connect with others about how to launch ideas to make our community even better!

For more info, contact board member Joanne Chianello at chianello.joanne@gmail.com.

Winter Carnival – January 24

Winter Carnival 2026 on Saturday, January 24, at Champlain Park and Fieldhouse, noon to 3pm

It’s back…with hot chili, cool music, a bon fire, the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail team, and fun sleigh rides! Everyone is welcome to attend the Carnival, whatever the weather. Among the activities:

12-3: bonfire and food in the fieldhouse.
1-3: horse drawn sleigh rides and outdoor games in the park (children must be supervised by adults).
1:30-3 pm: music in the Field house with locally based Jazz, David Constant and friends.

Admission, sleigh rides, hot chocolate and coffee are FREE.

Food and Beverages: There will be a Chili cookoff, baked goodies, juice, hotdogs and more for sale in the Fieldhouse kitchen. Please bring a little cash. Debit/credit machines are NOT available.

The Kichi Sibi Winter Trail team will be out for the fun including a display with snowmobiles and grooming equipment. More info about the trail can be found at www.wintertrail.ca

Volunteers make it happen! We need help with setup and cleanup, lunch counter, ticket sales, and donations of baked goods. Call out for chefs to bring their best chili dish of course! Please contact Erin and Kelly for more info at erintopping@hotmail.com.

Rink will be operating as per normal. The outdoor obstacle course popular with children and youth will be running again this year as well for the duration of the carnival. As an indoor event, organizers urge everyone to follow public health guidelines.