BARRHEAD - It was two years in the making, but a group of volunteers finally achieved their goal of seeing the naming of Barrhead's all-wheel park after a long-time Barrhead physician, Marvin "Brent" Wray.
The committee with the Town of Barrhead officially named the park, Dr. M. Brent Wray All-Wheels Park, after the popular physician during a May 31 block party.
Wray, a general practitioner who specialized in obstetrics and gynecology,passed away from pancreatic cancer in November 2019.
He came to Barrhead in the late 1970s after graduating from the University of Alberta and completing a three-year residency at the university's hospital.
In his more than 40-year career in the community, Wray delivered hundreds, if not thousands of babies, and he also served as the community's
To name the park after Dr. Wray, the committee had to raise $100,000. The municipality will use the funds to improve the park, most notably by adding a mountain bike and BMX bike skills area.
For the celebration, the Town of Barrhead closed off a portion of 55a Street Avenue at the 55th Street intersection to 51st.
Mayor Dave McKenzie said the park was more than just a park.
"This park is more than just a place to ride and play. It stands as a tribute to Dr. Brent Wray, a physician whose compassion and dedication to the well-being of children and families left a lasting mark on Barrhead," he said.
McKenzie also credited Rita Lyster and the rest of the fundraising committee for their efforts.
"It was a remarkable grassroots effort, raising over $100,000 ton not only securing the name of the park in Dr. Wray's honour but also ensuring additional features that will enrich this space for years to come," he said. "Thank you. Your contribution and efforts have transformed a vision into a vibrant reality where youth and families can gather, grow and thrive. Let this park be a symbol of what can happen when a legacy comes together and a legacy to a man who gave so much to ours."
Committee chairperson Rita Lyster said after Wrays' passing, she spoke to hospital staff and members of his family to discuss ways to honour the former physician.
"It seemed really fitting that we do this because Dr. Wray was all about kids," he said.
Lyster then read comments from several people who worked with Wray throughout the years.
The first was Carmen, a nurse who not only worked for Wray but had also delivered her children; the doctor, who liked to present himself as a tough guy, was called a "real softie" at heart.
"Dr. Wray called every baby George, and when kids saw him at his clinic, he spoke softly to them, tried to make them laugh and always had a treat for them."
She then read a story from Tyrel, another nurse, who said when Wray wasn't at his clinic or the hospital, he would often be at the Agrena, where he volunteered as a penalty box timing official.
"My son later told me after the games that Dr. Wray would often engage the kids in conversation and give them candy," Tyrel said, adding maybe that is why her son was forever taking penalties. "He loved kids and realized that he delivered most of them, and he got a kick out of seeing them grow."
Carmen, through Lyster, then related the story of a young boy who brought two dead rabbits to the ER, asking Wray to revive them.
"Dr. Wray took the rabbits to the back room, banged and clanged around for a bit, and then back and gently told the boy that he did everything he could but that he could not revive them."
His wife's partner Bonnie, who often served as his nurse during deliveries, said Barrhead welcomed Wray immediately.
She added that affection was mutual.
"He was very loyal to Barrhead. Each child that Brent helped bring into the world was like his very own baby. He would always brag to people at every medical conference he attended that his kids in Barrhead always went on to be great citizens."
Barrhead all-wheel park history
Although multiple councils had discussed the possibility of a new all-wheel park to replace the old facility next to the curling rink for several years, the general public first learned about the potential construction of an all-wheel skate park in early June 2021 when the council announced the municipality would be partnering with the Barrhead CARES Coalition to create a survey asking residents about the features they would like to see in a park.
In late January 2022, the council selected New Line Skateparks to design and build the park. In March, they held a public information session that included staff from Newline Skateparks, and in late April, council approved the final design. In mid-June, the council hosted the official groundbreaking ceremony, and approximately a year later, the town held its official grand opening ceremony on June 23.
The all-wheel park received initial funding through a Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) grant. Council originally capped the budget at $800,000, but in July 2022, councillors approved an additional $49,000. The additional funds were required to cover cost overruns due to extra groundwork because the property was formerly a CPR railway site.
In June 2023, the town hosted the park's grand opening. Lyster’s fundraising efforts began in the fall of 2022.
