A popular feature in Heritage Ranch is no longer blowing in the wind.
The 12-metre (40-foot) windmill was taken down on April 17 after City of Red Deer Parks Department staff noticed the tower was showing signs that it would topple over near the picnic area and play structure.
Parks superintendent Trevor Poth said this posed a safety risk so it was removed right away to protect Heritage Ranch visitors.
Parks staff will ask council to either replace the steel-framed windmill with a new one or something else that complements the site during budget time next year.
Poth said they will have to form a new plan for the city because this was an emergency removal.
The windmill had not worked for about five years. He said the turbine was more a focal point and piece of interest for the park.
Several years ago, the windmill pumped water from the ground to flow overland down to the lake below.
“It’s one of the iconic features of our parks,” said Poth. “I would love to put something in that was at least reflective of what the windmill was. Whether we put in a fully operational windmill or do something else that is a public art or something, I sure would love to see something else go in there.”
The windmill was installed in the mid-1980s as part of the development of Heritage Ranch.
Poth encouraged residents who see anything in the park that they may view as unsafe to contact the city.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com