Sixteen thousand people in New Brunswick have been waiting more than a year for this day.

On April 13, 2012, Edmundston, N.B., was named the Live Right Now Capital of Canada and rewarded with the promise of a $100,000 natural playground to enhance their community's desire to live healthier lives!

Elaine Albert was the community leader who pushed this project forward. She not only acted as the facilitator, but also co-ordinated more than 100 volunteers and raised thousands in extra donations, increasing the playground's total value to $300,000.

[Elaine Albert/Smartphone photo by Live Right Now team]

"I feel excited. I've worked on this for a year and a half and it's exciting to see a finished project. The park's design elements remind me of how we got here and that getting out there and being healthier together as a community is a lot of fun," says Albert.

Just a month ago, the park space looked like this:

[Smartphone photo by Live Right Now team]

Now it looks like this:

[Smartphone photo by Live Right Now team]

Located on city property, the 12,300 square foot playground is conveniently located along the city's bike path and near a school.

More than 100 people came out to lay down - literally - the final touches. The builders, Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds, organize a Community Build Day for all of their projects.

"What's most important more than anything is that the community is engaged. The community owns this park. It was a Live Right Now program that they won together and now they come together as a community to build the park," says Adam Bienenstock, founder of Bienenstock Playgrounds.

The people of Edmundston were ready to help!!

"I'm from Edmundston and I've never before seen the people here get together to make changes and win this park. People want to belong to something. Winning this park is just the beginning," says landscaper Richard Martin.

[Richard Martin/Smartphone photo by Live Right Now team]

"I grew up in an active family and all my life I've always been active. Today we are all building this park and everyone here has a sense of ownership of it and I think will take care of it," says community member Brigitte Martin.

[Brigitte Martin/Smartphone photo by Live Right Now team]

"I have a personal interest in this park : it's important to be healthy and bring the community together to move. I believe in this project and the need to help each other to realise our vision," says Michel Nadeau, the municipality's culture director.

[Michel Nadeau/Smartphone photo by Live Right Now team]

The Live Right Now team participated in the build. We'll be sharing more highlights from the day and from our travels to Edmundston in coming weeks!

[LRN Lisa and LRN Johanne]