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This version of Paris is about as kid-friendly as you can get.
With a 25-foot tall Eiffel Tower and a Pont des Arts Love Lock bridge — both replicas, of course — Chelles Park in the new St. Albert community of Cherot is becoming a fun way to enjoy a touch of France.
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Also known as the Paris Playground, the park drew more than 600 families from greater Edmonton to its late September grand opening. Cherot itself will have its community grand opening in January.
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Cherot, named for Emile and Celestine Cherot who married in France in 1909, came to Canada in 1911 and then eventually to St. Albert, is all about French influences. Homes will be unique to the neighbourhood and done in a French Farmhouse or French Country Modern style.
But at the park’s opening event in late September, it was all about the kids. Face painting, stilt walking, live French music and balloon animals were front and centre. There was also a piece of public art that spelled out “PARIS” when a child or adult stood in the empty space where the ‘I’ would have been.
The playground is designed for children aged 18 months to 12 years. It features multiple climbers and slides including one that is part of the Eiffel Tower, providing fun and challenge levels suitable for beginners, intermediates and advanced users. It also includes some accessible elements and braille markers.
The standout custom-designed features include the Love Lock bridge, inspired by the iconic Pont des Arts in Paris (where locks were attached as part of a romantic gesture), and a replica Eiffel Tower that reaches approximately 25 feet into the sky offering a unique perspective and sense of grandeur to the playground, said Marty Pawlina, division marketing manager, land development, for the Rohit Group of Companies.
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“It’s a one-of-a-kind attraction that captures the essence of Paris without the flight to France,” said Pawlina.
As to why Rohit would build a Paris Playground, Pawlina said it’s all about a cohesive design that brings in all the details into the community vision.
Meanwhile, Bedrock Homes and Blackstone Homes now have show homes open while Kimberley Homes, Rohit Communities, San Rufo Homes and Victory Homes have show homes under construction and scheduled to open in early 2024.
There are about 24 homes in Cherot in various stages of construction with most expected to be complete in around 60 to 90 days.
Cherot is located west of Ray Gibbon Drive and south of Villeneuve Road.
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