LAC LA BICHE - On Dec. 6, Lac La Biche County residents were invited to an open house to learn about and share feedback and ideas for a management plan for the future of Alexander Hamilton Park.
The event took place at the Bold Centre from 6-8 p.m. Throughout the evening, people stopped by exhibits that were set up in the Bold Centre lobby featuring current photos of the park as well as ideas for future upgrades as part of a park management plan. Lac La Biche County officials were on hand to answer questions from the public.
According to information from Lac La Biche County, the County is completing a park management plan for Alexander Hamilton Park. The management plan process for the park will address park amenities, circulation, natural features, as well as on and off leash areas for dogs, and proposed bike trails.
Residents who were unable to make it to the open house have until Dec. 11 to fill out a survey where they can provide feedback to County officials regarding their thoughts on the plan for Alexander Hamilton Park.
Jihad Moghrabi is manager of marketing, communications, and engagement for Lac La Biche County. According to Moghrabi, council requested that County administration look into the management of Alexander Hamilton Park, with concerns that off-leash dogs, picnicking, future mountain biking, trails and more could be conflicting uses of the popular public recreational area.
“A good management plan will help us operate the park, ensuring that the right activities are in the right place to maximize users' comfort and safety,” he told Lakeland This Week.
Moghrabi continued by saying that certain activities-such as off-leash dogs wandering around while people are picnicking, or a mountain biker possibly scaring off a bird while another person is trying to bird watch, can have negative effects on users.
“Parks should accommodate as many legitimate uses as possible, but also needs to be managed in some way,” he said.
County officials are currently in the feedback collection stage. Feedback from the open house as well as the survey will be integrated into the final concepts that are presented to Lac La Biche County council.
When that will be, he says, has yet to be determined.
“We don't yet have a timeline, but we'll be sure to share that with the public when the details are settled,” he said.
