In our community at 10465 97th Street stands a public park named after Mary Burlie.

Who was Mary Burlie? She was born on February 15th, 1935, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and moved with her family to Canada from Sacramento, California, in 1969. The family lived in the Boyle Street/McCauley community from 1971 through 1975. 

Mary Burlie began her career at Boyle Street Co-Op in 1971 as a volunteer. She was hired as an adult outreach worker a short time later and would serve the community until her death in July of 1996. 

Known by the endearing title of the “Black Angel of Boyle Street," Mary Burlie’s tireless dedication and service to the community was well recognized for its positive impact. An article published in 1997 by Boyle McCauley News (“Mary Burlie Bursary helps future social workers”) notes that “many inner city residents affectionately referred to Mary as ‘Mom,’ in recognition of her warmth, compassion and non-judgemental attitude.” As a result, she is also known as the “Mother of Boyle Street.”

As an advocate for the disability community, I [Ian] know that it helps when you have support from someone who understands, listens, and contributes to your quality of life. The people who dedicate time to improve, understand, and respect the diversity of our community - people like Mary Burlie - make this a wonderful place.

Mary Burlie’s memory and contributions were honoured with a park named after her, which was established in 1999. However, over the years the park has fallen victim to vandalism and garbage, has not been well maintained, has been a site of crime, and is often considered an eyesore.

But here is some great news: the City is going to renew Mary Burlie Park! According to the City of Edmonton’s website, existing infrastructure will be repaired or replaced, and efforts will be taken to improve the safety and accessibility of the park, which will hopefully increase its use. Construction is expected to start in 2025 and is scheduled for completion in 2026.

“The initiative to improve Mary Burlie Park was initiated more than eighteen years ago, in 2006, when community members began approaching me to express their concerns,” says Stephanie Burlie, one of Mary Burlie’s six children, in an emailed statement to Boyle McCauley News.

“The park had attracted negative attention due to issues such as crime, drug use, and violence, exacerbated by a lack of maintenance. Consequently, public perception deemed Mary Burlie Park unwelcoming, unsafe, unclean, and a place of violence, sparking discussions regarding its potential dismantlement. Those public perceptions went against everything my mother worked for and stood for.”

The Burlie-Sanders family began advocating for improvement to the park through the Friends of Mary Burlie Park volunteer group, founded in 2011. The goal was “for Mary Burlie Park to receive the same respect and honour as other parks with community leaders’ namesakes, urging the City of Edmonton to take action,” Burlie explains.

An online survey at the City’s website in July of this year allowed people to review concept design options and offer feedback. People also had the opportunity to meet the project team at the park in person on Mary Burlie Day, which was July 13th. The event featured music, balloon twisting, a petting zoo, and the opportunity to meet some of Mary Burlie’s family and friends. An annual event, it was organized by The Mary Burlie “Black Angel” Society, a non-profit organization created by the Burlie-Sanders family that supports community projects such as housing programs for youth aging out of Children’s Services. For more information, visit: www.tmbbas.com

“I am so pleased to see the City investing in this important park,” says Anne Stevenson, City Councillor for Ward O-day’min. “The new designs are exciting - the potential for basketball courts, new pathways, and seating areas are a great way to encourage active use of this park, and it’s a fitting legacy for its namesake who did so much to support and unite the community.”

Janis Irwin, MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood, is optimistic about what the future holds for Mary Burlie Park. “Mary Burlie exemplified what it truly means to be in community with our neighbours, and her family has built on this legacy in a beautiful way. I’m so grateful that they are continuing their work through revitalizing the park that honours her memory. Together, in the spirit of Mary, we’ll keep creating a community of care that leaves no one behind,” she says.

Stephanie Burlie emphasizes how excited the Burlie-Sanders family is about the future of Mary Burlie Park. “Mary Burlie Park holds great significance for Edmonton’s Foundational Black American community as a space that honours the contributions of our community leaders. It serves as a monument celebrating the memory and work of these leaders and introduces newcomers to the legacy of past community leaders, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity,” she says.

“We want that space filled with joy, family, and community in a safe and healthy environment where everyone is welcome, as Mary Burlie would wish.”

Paula E. Kirman is the Editor of Boyle McCauley News. Ian Young is a columnist and Block Carrier with the paper. He lives in the area.