The City manages over 4,500 acres of parkland, and like many communities, we’re adjusting how we care for these spaces in response to budget constraints. These changes help us focus on core services, while also laying the groundwork for more sustainable parks in the future. Learn more about what is changing and why in the pages below:
Red Deer maintains 4,586 acres of parkland. To support long-term sustainability, mowing was reduced by 10% in 2025, saving $268K while continuing to care for both natural and developed green spaces.
Keeping our park spaces beautiful, enjoyable and safe remains our top priority. Whether collecting garbage, weeding out noxious plants, or keeping pesky critters at bay, you’ll see our crews out keeping our spaces beautiful.
It takes engaged citizens to keep our community clean. Wondering what you can do to help keep Red Deer green? We’re glad you asked!
Yes - all areas of the city are part of the same overall service strategy. That said, mowing schedules and maintenance needs vary between parks. Some neighbourhoods may see different levels of maintenance, depending on park size, location, and usage.
We invite all citizens who enjoy using our public amenities to take pride and pitch in! Learn how you can help keep Red Deer beautiful.
The City of Red Deer is making strategic budget adjustments to ensure long-term financial sustainability while maintaining core services. These changes will help us manage our budget while continuing to provide essential community services where they're needed most.
The approved reductions totaled $921,884 in ongoing service level reductions, affecting parks, public amenities, and maintenance programs.
While no one wants to see reduced services, the reality is that the cost of providing City services continues to rise - from fuel and equipment to labour and materials. Tax increases help cover the majority of these rising costs to maintain essential infrastructure and services. However, some lower-priority services have been adjusted in alignment with community need to manage expenses. Thanks for your understanding as we work to deliver the best value for your tax dollars.
These are strategic, long-term decisions with community need in mind. Annual budget and program reviews will help guide future service levels.