(Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Park upgrades

Multi-million dollar vision for Little Red River Park

Jul 15, 2020 | 3:24 PM

A new document charts a course for $13.4 million worth of potential improvements at Little Red River Park over the next 10 years.

The creation of Indigenous ceremonial grounds, a zip line and a pilot project for low-impact camping are among dozens of recommendations laid out in the Little Red River Park Master Plan.

Which projects get implemented will be up to city council and administration and will depend on funding opportunities.

The plan, prepared by consultants contracted by the city, also details the history of the land and outlines six principles that should guide any development in the park. Those include ensuring it is accessible to everyone, that natural and heritage resources are conserved and that it tells the true story of Prince Albert’s history.

Parks Manager Tim Yeaman presented the master plan to city council at Monday night’s executive committee meeting.

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“This master plan gives us an opportunity to look at what the potential future of Little Red could be,” he told paNOW. “And even if we don’t accomplish all the big-ticket items it’s about how we move through each year and continue to see improvements being made within the park.”

New opportunities

Among those big-ticket items are an adventure centre with a zip line or climbing walls, and the removal of deadfall from the Little Red River to allow for canoeing and kayaking.

The old sanitorium site has been identified as an ideal location for Indigenous ceremonial grounds where activities like powwows and sweat lodges could be conducted. The site already has water and sewer services and is easily accessible from Sixth Avenue NE.

The Upper Plains zone of the park was once home to Dakota village. Working with Wahpeton Dakota Nation and other First Nations, interpretive signage could be established along walking trails in the area.

A dedicated outdoor classroom space and an environmental learning centre at Little Red could provide opportunities for land-based learning to students of all ages.

The plan also outlines opportunities for upgrades to existing facilities, roads, and trails.

The way forward

Right now, Yeaman said his department is focused on park maintenance, installing amenities like new picnic tables and garbage bins and the replacement of several pedestrian bridges.

They’ll also be investigating potential funding sources for some of the plan’s recommendations.

“Looking for partnerships for going to be key going forward, looking for sources of grant dollars,” he said. “I don’t think anything is outside the realm of possibility here and all it takes is one business, community group or one grant application that starts that whole process.”

Consultation with Indigenous communities, park user groups and residents was an important part of the creation of the plan and Yeaman said he was impressed just how engaged the public was with the project.

“We found that going through this process people are very invested in Little Red River Park and want to see the very best for it,” he said.

He encouraged anyone interested to look at the master plan on the City of P.A.’s website and send the Community Services Department their thoughts.

Once the plan receives final approval, expected at the next city council meeting on July 27, the city is planning a formal communications launch.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom