The final phase of development for Maskepetoon Park is nearing completion and the City of Red Deer is inviting the public to the official opening on Sunday at 12 p.m.
Development of the 30-hectare park began in 2009.
Parks superintendent Trevor Poth said the tamarack wetland offers a unique ecological experience.
“It’s one of the most easterly stands of tamarack trees in a fen that we have in this part of Alberta. It’s just a very organic experience,” Poth said on Tuesday.
“The grand opening is really an invitation for people to be aware that it’s totally, publicly, available and we want to see some people down there using it and enjoying an area of the city they probably haven’t seen.”
Development was done in four phases.
The total cost was about $1.15 million and included bringing bridges in by helicopter to preserve the ecology, trail and boardwalk construction, vegetation reclamation, and finally signage.
Some of the signage is still temporary but work will be complete by the end of the year.
The park has been open to the public since the trails and boardwalks were in place.
Speeches from officials at the opening begin at 12 p.m. A free barbecue starts at 12:30 p.m. Guided interpretative tours will run at 12:45, 1:30 and 2:15 p.m.
To locate Maskepetoon Park from Taylor Drive turn west on Kerry Wood Drive, turn left into the parking lot just past the north end of Red Deer Golf and Country Club. Park access is through the parking lot.
Parking is limited on site, but free transit is available on Sunday as part of World Car Free Day.