Outdoor & AdventureWaskasoo ParkRed Deer's beautiful parks and natural green spaces are well-known throughout Alberta and invite quiet retreats and action-packed getaways. Some 100kms of easily accessible, paved, hiking and equestrian trails connect park users to beautiful green areas and park attractions. Waskasoo Park is often described as the park of many places because of its diversity. Biking, paddling, skating, hiking, jogging, bird watching, athletics, picnics and peaceful walks can all be enjoyed in various parks and facilities within the Waskasoo Park system that follows Piper Creek and the Red Deer River. Heritage Ranch is open year-round providing guided trail rides and pony rides from May to October and hay rides year-round. Near the Red Deer River, in the Lower Ranch area, there is a stocked trout pond, picnic shelter, fire pits and washroom. The Upper Ranch area has a playground, picnic area, ball diamond, viewing tower as well as coffee shop and gift shop. Picturesque Bower Ponds is another popular destination within Waskasoo Park with interconnected ponds for boating and trout fishing, a concession with washrooms and equipment rentals - paddle boats and kayaks in summer and ice skates in winter. Overlooking the ponds is Cronquist House, a restored Victorian-style farmhouse, built in 1911. The outdoor stage area is used for special events including Family Winter Fest, held on the Sunday of the Family Day weekend, and Canada Day celebrations. Nearby Great Chief Park has hosted national level sports tournaments. The athletic park has three fastball diamonds, one baseball diamond, a combination soccer/football field with lights for night games, dressing rooms, washrooms and concession. Families can picnic under shelter at the Kiwanis Picnic Park and playground. Nearby you can play nine holes on the Pitch and Putt golf course or enjoy a game on the Horseshoe Pits. There is a powerboat launch area as well. Great West Adventure Park is the site of an 1100 foot technical track for BMX biking complete with many obstacles including triple and double jumps, step ups and more. Local, regional and national championships have been held here and it is the home of the Red Deer BMX Club. The track is open to the public on Wednesday evenings. Spectators can watch races held on Thursday and Sunday evenings at 6pm. The powerboat launch area is also used in winter for snowmobilers to access the river. Red Deer Mountain Bike Park is a new addition to the park system with climbs, drops and features for the beginner, intermediate and advanced mountain biker. Three Mile Bend is Red Deer's off-leash dog park. A great place to view wildlife or in the summer watch the Central Alberta Freestyle Ski Club practice on special ramps, executing their tricks and landing safely in the water. In addition to the many waterfowl and birds, including osprey, you may see coyote, deer, beavers or porcupine. Discovery Canyon is a waterplay area within Waskasoo Park. On a hot summer day enjoy bubbling pools of water, trickling rivulets and a spray pool at the bottom of the canyon. Water is pumped up from the lake below and splashes and bubbles its way down grass and tree-lined riffles. Children of any age can follow the water, which is never deeper than 45cm (18"), on inflatable tubes. Bring your own, or rent one from the clubhouse. Amenities include picnic tables and beach. McKenzie Trails, once the site of gravel pits and a garbage dump, is now a wonderful oasis within the park system. The main pond near the picnic shelter and playground area is home to dozens of Canada geese who raise their families on the islands and stay all summer. Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Gaetz Lake Sanctuary is home to a year-round interpretive centre. Follow the Red Deer River through time and discover what makes up the world of central Alberta with the Nature Centre's many exhibits, demonstrations, events and programs. Bird lovers especially will enjoy the unique gift shop on site. Since 1924, the sanctuary has been protected as a federal migratory bird sanctuary. Five kilometres of trails, a bird blind and viewing decks introduce you to a variety of habitats. No skiing, pets or cycling are permitted within the protcted area. Kin Kanyon is another park feature. Hiking and biking trails meander along the creek valley. Try the ParticiPark with many different activities along the trail to test your strength and endurance. Enjoy a picnic, hot dog roast, cool your feet in the wading pool or enjoy the playground area. Firewood and washrooms are available. Rotary Park has recently been upgraded with a new state-of-the-art playground with more than 50 play activities for children aged 18 months to 12 years. Picnic shelter, fire-pits, washrooms and firewood are available on site. Climb to the top of Piper Mountain for a spectacular view of the city. Nearby Skate-board Park is a popular destination for skateboarders. The outdoor facilities at the Recreation Centre are popular year-round. Visitors and residents enjoy the 50-metre outdoor pool and children's wading pool. Adjacent to the centre are Rotary Recreation Park's tennis courts, picnic facilities and nearby, the ice skating oval. Cross-country skiers enjoy the extensive trails within Waskasoo Park and through the grounds at Red Deer College. Canyon Ski Area, just 9kms east of Red Deer, is Alberta's largest downhill (164 metre) ski resort located outside of the Rockies and, in warmer weather, enjoy guided hourly trail rides along the banks of the Red Deer River. There are trails for both the beginner and experienced rider. More information about what to see and do outdoors is available at www.tourismreddeer.net or click here to check out Beyond City Limits, Drive & Putt and Festivals & Events. Related TEAM TOURISM MEMBERSGeneral Recreation & Leisure |
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