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The "Evergreen Ridge Recreation Area" is located just to the northeast of Evergreen Park, adjacent to PARDS (Photo: Shaun Penner / EverythingGP)
By Shaun Penner
County of Grande Prairie

“Evergreen Ridge Recreation Area” management plan approved by County Council

Jan 11, 2021 | 12:31 PM

County of Grande Prairie Council has formally adopted a management plan for the newly named Evergreen Ridge Recreation Area.

The 99-acre parcel of land, located directly north of the Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society (PARDS) near Evergreen Park, received its official name as the plan was approved at Monday’s meeting. The plan outlines approved uses for the lands, including for pedestrians, on-leash dogs, cyclists and horse riding, while also prohibiting the use of off-highway vehicles (OHV).

The land which falls under the management plan is highlighted in green (Photo: County of Grande Prairie / Google Maps)

A sublease for use of the land was granted to PARDS back in the summer of 2019, after the County received a Crown disposition from the province to manage the land for a period of ten years. The sublease gives PARDS the ability to have outdoor trails for their riding programs in a safer and quieter location.

RELATED: PARDS land sublease hopes to offer solution to problem area

The County adds the adoption of this plan will also bring about several improvements to the area starting in the spring of 2021, which will include additional signage, installation of a port-a-potty and garbage receptacle, fencing around the east boundary, installation of an information kiosk, and improvements to the parking area.

“This is a very popular outdoor recreation area,” said Reeve Leanne Beaupre, in a release. “This plan and these enhancements support the area’s natural peaceful character and ensure the public can enjoy its beauty and safety long into the future.”

Beaupre notes the funding required for these improvements has already been approved in the 2021 operating budget.

The County says plan was developed at the request of Alberta Environment and Parks, which now formalizes the County’s responsibility for managing the land and officially outlines its approved uses.

by Shaun Penner