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Fort
Macleod residents and visitors have easy access to a little piece
of paradise.
River Valley Wilderness Park and its pathway system through the
rustic beauty of the Oldman River valley is open year-round for
your enjoyment.
“It is an area that provides just enough development for you to be
able to enjoy the natural environment,” Mayor Shawn Patience said.
“That park is absolutely without question one of our real
treasures.”
Discussions among Fort Macleod residents that something had to be
done with the Oldman River valley led to plans that began in 1989.
Initial plans that included campgrounds and extensive development
were soon shelved in favour of a project that would include just
enough development to allow people to enjoy the river valley in
its natural beauty.
“This is Fort Macleod’s way,” said Patience, who as a councillor in
1989 became involved in the planning and development of River
Valley Wilderness Park. “We need to protect this area because we
need future generations to see what beauty we have in the river
valley.”
Today, ample parking at the start of the trail system awaits the
visitor who is ready for a peaceful journey through the natural
beauty of the river valley.
The pathway system is dotted with blue signposts on which
descriptions of the native plants is provided. There are benches
in strategic locations to provide the hiker with the chance to
rest and reflect in the park’s peaceful setting, and a playground.
The extensive pathway system and the gravel road that runs
parallel to the Oldman River ensures that a person can take a
different journey every time he or she visits River Valley
Wilderness Park. A walk along the banks of the Oldman River
adjacent to River Valley Wilderness Park provides the opportunity
to view an abundance of wildlife. To find the park, follow Sixth
Avenue north over the green Mackenzie bridge. |
