Parkdale-Cromdale Community League members have come up with a novel way to get people into their community. It’s called The Great Edmonton North Challenge. Expected to be released in March, the game presents a series of challenges for a chance to win prizes.

The Great Edmonton North Challenge is presented in a deck of 52 casino-quality cards. The cards can be used as a regular deck, but contain an added game of local challenges. The idea for the game was created and developed by dedicated volunteers. The cards are beautifully illustrated by local artist Jason Lin, with the deck box illustrated by Kevin Wong, the league’s vice-president. 

“Each card has a unique design. Each suite is a different season. The face card components were selected to represent the community. The artwork on the back of the cards represents the Parkdale-Cromdale community,” says Wong.

Some landmarks incorporated into the cards include the LRT train tracks, the historic Sheriff Robertson residence, and the muskrat for the former Rat Creek.

“Each card presents a challenge,” says Wong. “Each card has a QR code. On each card, there’s hints on if it’s going to cost to participate and how long the challenge will take.”

Participants simply scan the QR code on the back of the card or type in the web address to view the challenge. There are a variety of different challenges ranging from attending a league general board meeting to visiting one of the area’s cafes. Take a picture during the challenge and post it on Instagram.

“The challenges are community-oriented.” 

In order to participate, people must complete the challenges in one of the 10 poker hands. Once the challenges have been completed and submitted, participants are entered to win a prize. 

“Ten prizes are associated with the poker hands,” says Wong. Prizes include gift cards to local businesses.

The challenge was created to get people exploring and learning about communities in north Edmonton. Most of the challenges can be completed during the pandemic.

“During COVID time, we still wanted people to get out and do things safely,” says Wong. “We wanted people to get to know north Edmonton together and generate pride in the area.”

The Great Edmonton North Challenge is open to all Alberta Avenue districts and may include a few more, such as Highlands or Belvedere. The card deck is free, although donations are encouraged since it will cost the league $17-18 per deck. Participants can get a deck from participating local businesses, register for a deck online, or request one through cards@parkdalecromdale.org. 

Organizers hope to distribute decks to local businesses by the end of March and suggest booking a deck on the website or via email. 

For more information, email cards@parkdalecromdale.org.