Heritage Trails Park
Over the past ten years, there has been interest in developing a new regional park in the North Saskatchewan River Valley, located on the lower terraces between the Highway 15 bridge and the Fort Heritage Precinct.
This 40-hectare area was initially known as Fort Centre Park but was renamed on July 2, 2024 to Heritage Trails Park.
Stormwater ponds in Heritage Trails Park were completed in 2023. Landscaping and park enhancements will be completed in 2025.
The project included several enhancements intended to encourage passive and active recreation. Park features includes:
- Gravel Trail Network: 1.8 km of gravel trail provide pedestrian access throughout the site. The new trails connect with the existing trail system in the area.
- Staircases: Two earth embedded staircases connect the upper terrace to the lower plateau.
- Naturalized Area: The area surrounding the ponds are naturalized with a combination of perennial grasses, shrubs and trees. The landscaping was designed to enhance the wildlife habitat and recreate a grassland ecosystem that is consistent with a river valley plateau.
- Pollinator Garden: Naturalized planting areas contain a variety of plants that attract and support pollinator species.
- Increased Trees / Shrubs: A variety of vegetation increases the biodiversity of the site, improve aesthetics and reclaims some areas to the original condition.
- Day Use Sites: Informal picnic sites include tables, three picnic shelters, fire pits, benches and waste receptacles.
- Play and Classroom Elements: Concrete play elements are located throughout the park, as well as a naturally shaded sitting area to host small educational activities.
Heritage Trails Park Site Plan
Timeline
Additional trees will be planted and deficiencies will be addressed in Spring 2025.