Improvements at Bower Ponds - The City of Red Deer

August 27, 2008

(Red Deer, Alberta) – Bower Ponds will look different next spring after work started this week to develop a new playground, serenity garden and additional linkages to existing trails.

“We are committed to providing accessible recreation and leisure opportunities for all Red Deer citizens. These improvements are just one more way we can demonstrate this commitment and ensure we continue to maintain valuable community assets like Bower Ponds,” said Jeff Graves, Project Superintendent.

The serenity garden will be located on the north side of Bower Ponds with a new playground going in next to the Canada Trail Pavilion.

Initial work is already underway including installation of the surround for the new playground as well as picnic tables, benches and gazebos. The initial work is expected to take approximately two months with the new playground equipment and a rubberized surface to be installed early spring.

The serenity garden will include flower beds and benches with linkages from existing Bower Ponds trails, and the new playground structure will be the largest in Red Deer. “All the improvements at Bower Ponds will mean a reenergized space for our citizens,” said Graves.

All improvements stem from the Special Gathering Places Study that was approved in 2005, and Bower Ponds is just the first of four gathering places that will see improvements as a result of it.

The study evaluated the current use of Heritage Ranch, Bower Ponds, Three Mile Bend and River Bend, as well as identifying potential alternative uses for these locations. The study considered sustainable initiatives to ensure the special gathering places are properly maintained and preserved to make them available for citizens for years to come.

Bower Ponds will remain open while the improvement work is underway. There may be temporary trail closures and disruptions due to construction and machinery in the area. Public are reminded to stay a safe distance from machinery and take extra precaution while in the Bower Ponds area.

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For more information, please contact:

Jeff Graves
Project Superintendent
The City of Red Deer
403-356-8912