River Bend Golf and Recreation Area Master Plan
River Bend Golf and Recreation Area Master Plan (pdf)
About the project
The River Bend Golf and Recreation Master Plan establishes a 20-year site vision, identifying guiding principles and actionable strategies to optimize the site with the broadest and most impactful community benefit in mind. The plan was developed in 2022 with significant input from the community, and was accepted by City Council in 2023. The Action Plan is divided into goals, initiatives, and action items. Each action item has been assigned a suggested priority rating, anticipated timeline for implementation, and estimated cost. The plan also identified the Top 10 Recommended Actions. The City has been working to develop a prioritization plan to determine how to move forward with the recommendations outlined in the report.
During the 2023/2024 Capital and Operating Budget debate, City Council approved $5.5 million for golf course improvements.
Contracts have been awarded to replace the irrigation system and complete major renovations, with work starting in mid-February.
Key improvements include:
- Installation of a new Wet Well and Intake Pipe to upgrade the irrigation pump.
- Full irrigation system replacement.
- Redesign of greens on holes 2, 5, 12, and 13.
- Renovations to tee boxes, adding forward tees for improved playability.
- Removal of outdated bunkers and addition of strategically placed ones.
During renovations, nine holes will remain open for public play. The Driving Range and nine-hole Mini Links course will also stay open all summer.
The course renovations will be done in phases which will allow nine holes open throughout the season. Here’s how the summer will play out:
- Phase 1: You’ll play the front nine, skipping holes 2 and 5 and come around and play holes 10 and 18.
- Phase 2: You’ll play the back nine, skipping 12, 13 come around and play holes 1 and a shortened 9.
- Phase 3: You’ll play the full back nine while holes 1 and 9 are worked on.
- Phase 4: You’ll play the full front nine while holes 10 18 are worked on .
This transformative project is set for completion by fall 2025.
View a rendering of the renovation plan. (pdf)
River Bend Golf and Recreation Area (known also as River Bend) is located on 30 Avenue, north of 67 Street. The land is owned by The City of Red Deer and is operated by the River Bend Golf & Recreation Society. This site currently offers the following amenities: River Bend Golf Course, wooded hiking trails, Discovery Canyon, canoeing and fishing, cross country skiing and boat access to the Red Deer River.