The City of Red Deer Parks Department closed two more sections of trails due to rising river levels on Thursday.
The boat launch on the north side of the Red Deer River at Great West Adventure Park near the BMX track (near Kerry Wood Drive), has been shut down until further notice.
A small section of the shale trail near the ponds at McKenzie Trails (north of 67th Street) is now closed.
Earlier this week, staff closed sections of the North Bank trail from Kiwanis Park to the Heritage Ranch pedestrian bridge (the trail that runs along the north bank of the river between the river and Red Deer Golf and Country Club golf course); and the canoe launch at 59th Street and 45th Avenue.
Signs have been posted to keep people safe from dangerous areas next to the Red Deer River.
“Warning signs have been added because the water has come past the top of the boat launch,” said Parks Department superintendent Trevor Poth.
“It’s to warn people before they come up on that little bit of water.”
Signs are also being added at McKenzie Trails because ponding of water has occurred along a red shale path next to a pond there. McKenzie Trails is located on the south bank of the river just north of 67th Street.
“Some people do decide to cross the barricades, but we do put the signs up because we feel there is some risk to public safety, although it’s probably light risk at this time,” said Poth.
He said there is a potential safety hazards because there is enough water on the trails, although it’s not flowing over.
“The impact is really just preventive for public safety, but there’s certainly not a significant impact for the trails themselves,” said Poth.
Trails that remain open include the South Bank trail, which stretches seven km along the south bank of the river between Heritage Ranch and McKenzie Trails (north of 67th Street); and Devonian Trails which stretches along the creeks from Westerner Park (19th Street) to Gaetz Park (north of 55th Street).
Staff is now monitoring trails along Lions Campground and other low-lying areas.
The campground remains open and there is little risk of campground flooding at this time. “At this point, we’re not anticipating closing anything major,” said Poth.
He said part of his job now is monitoring the Alberta Environment website that shows river heights and thresholds.
River rafters are being asked to avoid the area immediately upstream of the Gaetz Avenue bridge in Red Deer because of debris collecting there.
Recent high water levels in the Red Deer River have resulted in the buildup of large trees and other debris on the concrete piers below the bridge.
The debris poses a serious hazard to recreational rafters and users of non-powered watercraft, according to city staff.
The city is working on plans to clear this buildup of driftwood as soon as weather and other conditions permit.
Anyone who sees trail flooding or hazards is asked to call the Parks Department at 403-342-8299.
The city will advise the public if conditions change.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com