Town of Fort Macleod director of operations Brennan Orr was present at the open house to discuss the future of River Valley Wilderness Park.
Fort Macleod residents had a chance last week to weigh in on the future of River Valley Wilderness Park.
The Town of Fort Macleod held an open house lst month where people could view the results of a survey and offer their opinions.
Chief administrative officer Anthony Burdett said the feedback will be compiled into a report for town council’s consideration.
The earliest council will consider any decisions is Monday, Aug. 25 following the summer break.
The open house attracted a good turnout of residents interested in any changes to River Valley Wilderness Park.
River Valley Wilderness Park and its pathway system through the Oldman River valley was the result of a local committee struck by town council.
Discussions on developing what is now River Valley Wilderness Park began in 1988, with a committee struck by council to guide the project.
The 280-acre parcel was developed with a budget of $90,000 in provincial grants.
The committee left about 50 acres on the west end of River Valley Wilderness park as natural habitat for wildlife.
The park area east of Highway 811 was designated for horseback riding to protect the pathways on the west side.
The present discussion was spurred when the town was approached by Scougall Motors Ltd., who wanted to make a donation in celebration of their 100 years in Fort Macleod.
Scougall Motors suggested paving the parking lot and a pathway in River Valley Wilderness Park.
The idea was that paving a pathway would support accessibility to the park, and also serve to reduce foot traffic on the Mackenzie Bridge.
The town reviewed River Valley Wilderness Park documentation and proposed a one-kilometre route that could be paved.
Paving the parking lot and a one-kilometre loop in the park is estimated to cost $126,072.
As a step in the decision-making process, council arranged an open house on Wednesday at the G.R. Davis Administration Building.
Panels were set up displaying the results of a survey conducted by the Town of Fort Macleod that attracted 413 responses.
Survey respondents listed the following as priorities for River Valley Wilderness park:
- Preserving the natural environment.
- Improved trails and accessibility, including a paved pathway for wheelchairs, strollers and bikes.
- Cleanliness and ongoing maintenance.
- Pear, mental health and nature connection.
- Safety and comfort.
- Family-friendly amenities including picnic areas, benches and shelters and a playground.
- Wildlife and environmental education through signage.
The survey reported the following requested improvements:
- Trail and access upgrades such as a safer way to walk or bike to the park from town; new trail loops and extensions; and improved trail surfaces.
- More amenities including more garbage cans; improved public washrooms; benches, picnic areas and shelters.
The survey listed the following as top concerns:
- Preserving the natural beauty of the park.
- Paving in the park raised concern about increased traffic and the speed of bikes and motorized vehicles on the pathways.
- Off-roading, fence-cutting and other damage.
- The need for barriers, cameras and patrols to limit vehicle misuse and vandalism.
Other ideas suggested in the survey included:
- Adding a beach of safe water access.
- Preserving horse-friendly and wildlife areas.
- Improving the playground and adding family seating.
- Better signage and clear maps.
- No motorized traffic on trails.
- More educational signage.
Sixty-two per cent of people who responded to the survey were in favour of a paved parking lot and one paved loop in the park.
Two hundred and 93 survey respondents value River Valley Wilderness Park as a quiet, natural retreat, while 130 use it for active recreation. Another 208 bring children or family to enjoy the space.
Walking topped the list as the most frequent use with 346 respondents, followed by nature appreciation (179); dog walking (147; biking (121); visiting the playground (105); bird or wildlife watching (91); Library Story Walk (86); photography (80); picnicking (38); and running (34).
Fort Macleod Coun. Aaron Poytress discusses River Valley Wilderness park with Dave Matlock during the open house at the G.R. Davis Administration Building.
Town of Fort Macleod director of operations Brennan Orr was present at the open house to discuss the future of River Valley Wilderness Park.
