By Justine Kelsie

No timeline set for Muskoseepi Park reopening: GPREP spokesperson

Apr 30, 2018 | 5:14 PM

Officials have started to evaluate the infrastructure in the Bear Creek corridor following the flash flood that forced the evacuation of Muskoseepi Park.

The spillway was looked at Monday and in the coming days, foot bridges, pathways, creek banks and slopes will be evaluated.

The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP)  Spokesperson David Olinger says crews continue to look at the areas they are able to get to. The spillway that lets water from the reservoir into Bear Creek has been assessed and more water is being let through which is creating stronger flow downstream. 

“We have also done an assessment of the major bridges over 100 Street, 68th Avenue, and 84th Avenue. We will then be getting down to assess the trails, walking bridges, slopes, and creek banks,” said Olinger on Monday afternoon. 

Olinger is reassuring the public that the major traffic bridges are safe to travel, but the other assessments cannot be done until the water recedes. With temperatures in the teens this week, GPREP is expecting more melting. 

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There have been residents taking videos and pictures in the park; Olinger is urging people to not cross the police tape and barricades set up at the entrances as they are meant to keep people safe. On top of the water on trails, there is worry about slope and bank erosion along the water.

“We just ask for people’s patience as we want to make sure everybody’s experience in the park is safe and we have been able to take our chance to mitigate any potential danger in the park. That takes time to do.” 

RCMP and Enforcement Services are monitoring the park. People are asked to obey signage and authorities. 

Although the water isn’t reaching the Ernie Radbourne Pavilion or Grande Prairie Museum, those two buildings remain closed until further notice. 

Olinger says until the water goes down, the park will remain closed.