The City of Lacombe needs your help to choose a design concept for Henner’s Park.
After safety was improved in the park by constructing railing along portions of the paved trail, the City is expanding on those improvements this year and next by adding further enhancements that will focus on activity spaces and landscaping in the park.
City administration is asking for the public’s help in deciding which of two options to follow for these upgrades.
Sandi Stewart, recreation and culture manager for the City of Lacombe, said that the City of Lacombe is trying to get more public input in projects wherever possible.
“We are trying to do it more and more all the time,” said Stewart. “Public engagement is so important . . . and I foresee it continuing to be more and more so in the future.
For the Henner’s ‘Pick-a-park,’ initiative, members of the public are being asked to choose between two concepts, one that favours a more of a natural park experience and the other that lends itself to active living and fitness.
Stewart said these are the only two options to choose from, but locals have the ability to provide other comments and suggestions as well.
Concept A, the nature experience concept, features shaded seating areas, lots of shrubs and trees as well as boulders and other attractive landscaping.
Concept B, the active living concept, features a loop of outdoor fitness equipment, similar to those installed around Cranna Lake.
Both concepts also feature a grassy open space in the centre of the park.
Stewart said this was a feature administration wanted to keep either way because the City has heard that Lacombe is lacking in such open spaces and people are already using the area as a large open space for playing Frisbee or ball.
She said that she hopes to have trails added around Henner’s Pond with a link over to the Barnett area in the near future.
Through the City of Lacombe Recreation and Culture Master Plan, the need to get people, especially children, outside and active is a priority.
Stewart said these two concepts were arrived at because either one addresses at least one of those needs. Having an attractive natural space will encourage people to get outside more and a fitness park would make it easier for people to become more active.
Around the park area, there is a paved trail which has links to other parts of Lacombe’s trail system.
Stewart said the City plans to expand and add additional links in the future as well.
She went on to say that trails were another need that was identified.
There is a limited time to share feedback with the City regarding the ‘Pick-a-park.’ Stewart said that because the City would like work on the park to commence as soon as possible, people only have until July 30th to participate in the process. Stewart said that the City hopes to begin the construction process once a decision about the design has been reached. You can choose your favourite design concept for the Henner’s ‘Pick-a-Park’ online at the City of Lacombe web site www.lacombe.ca.
Residents can also respond in person at the City booth set up at the Lacombe Farmers Market on Fridays.