Wapasu Recreation Conservancy Park County of Minburn’s Hidden Gem

Wapasu Recreation Conservancy Park County of Minburn’s Hidden Gem

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Nestled halfway between Ranfurly and Innisfree, and only a half hour drive from Vegreville, Wapasu Recreation Conservancy Park is definitely a hidden gem.

Those are the sentiments of County of Minburn Planning and Development Officer Davin Gegolick who loves to enjoy the lake and walking trails every opportunity he has with his wife Lisa and their three young daughters Lyric, Harlow, and Emery. “We come out as often as we can. We’ve just grown to love it here.”

Gegolick said, “The land was purchased by the County over 20 years ago from the Association of United Ukrainians of Canada and with the help of the Canadian Millennium Partnership Program. The land was developed into a recreation conservancy park for the enjoyment and benefit of the public.

The park, located approximately five kilometres south of Highway 16 along Range Road 115. It encompasses over 180 acres of land owned by the County with an additional 85 acres owned by the Alberta Fish and Wildlife Association containing walking trails. There are four kilometres of multi-use nature trails throughout the park maintained by the County and area residents. New trails were developed in 2014 by the County.

Gegolick said, “Trails are developed to the summit of the natural elevation that provides a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding area. The lake is shallow and spring-fed, making it an excellent destination for swimming on hot summer days. The sandy beach area was recently expanded and includes a playground, fire pits, large recreational space, and day-use area for everyone to enjoy.

Included in this project is the development are bird viewing sites and restored native botanical sites in addition to the nature trails. Wapasu Lake, (Cree for white swan) is a known migratory stop for white swans and countless wildlife species.

Over 142 different species of birds have been identified within the park. Some people have claimed there are fish in the lake but I’ve never seen any. We do not allow motor boats, only non-motorized vehicles like kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards.”

There are approximately 30 privately-owned lots on the south and east sides of the lake as well as a bed and breakfast.

He went on to say, “The Wapasu Recreation Conservancy Area Structure Plan (ASP) includes a framework for future, passive recreational land uses, development, and subdivision while conserving what has already been a special resource for decades and what many want to keep as a special resource for generations to come.

The Wapasu ASP, adopted by County Council in 2000 while consulting with agencies and landowners in the area, provides for the long-term plan and development of Wapasu, including the location of future limited-services recreational lots, cottages, and cabins. Since the ASP was adopted, Wapasu has been developed in accordance with the plan. All limitedservices recreational lots have been subdivided and no further lots can be created.

The recent decision of county council was to deny a request from a landowner to create a new limited-services recreational lot on land identified as municipal reserve. This parcel of land is identified in the Wapasu ASP for a future parking lot and staging area for hiking trails surrounding the lake.

In the past five years we’ve made improvements to the Park including: more hiking trails, a playground, expanded beach, larger parking lot, maintenance on buildings, a new fence, benches, picnic tables, and most recently; an outdoor shower to rinse after swimming in the lake. This year we’re planning to install new waste receptacles.”