A new fully accessible fishing dock is now open at a Lacombe pond.
There was a grand opening for the dock at the Len Thompson Trout Pond on Saturday ahead of the Lacombe Fish and Game Association’s annual Kids Can Catch event.
“Kids Can Catch day is exciting every year, but it was extra special this year because of this incredible new infrastructure we have at this already awesome pond,” said Brad Pallister, Lacombe Fish and Game Association vice-president.
“It’s certainly one of the most significant fully accessible docks that we know of in Alberta. We’re pretty excited. It’s going to be great for the community and those who use it.”
The new dock is installed in the pond with steel piling and has a wooden deck and railing system that will be sturdy and safe for all participants.
The semi-circle dock extends approximately 100 feet into the pond and is about 100 feet wide. There are two points of access on shore for the easier movement of people on and off the dock. A gradually sloped path down to the dock allows for a stable path to the water.
There are also several picnic areas on the dock where people can enjoy a unique lunch venue on the water overlooking the World’s Largest Fishing Lure.
The completion of the project was done with several financial partners, including the Government of Alberta’s Community Facility Enhancement Program , the County of Lacombe, the City of Lacombe, the Lacombe Fish and Game Association, the Team Jigger Foundation and Len Thompson Lures.
“We had a floating dock in the pond before and it was in need of replacement,” Pallister explained.
Jason “Jigger” Lunn from Team Jigger, which is a neurological-focused not-for-profit organization, proposed the new dock should be fully accessible to everyone, Pallister added.
“The dock really compliments the pond. It’s already a very busy park with tourists. Not only does the new dock look good, but it’s extremely functional,” he said.
The Len Thompson Trout Pond is a fishing pond located on the north side of the City of Lacombe. This city-owned park is managed by the Lacombe Fish and Game Association.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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