The Friends of the Lake Front (FOLF) is a group of volunteers who prepared a beach enhancement plan for Parkland Beach located within the Summer Village of Parkland Beach (SVPB). The SVPB Council reviewed and approved this three-stage beach enhancement plan.
The plan includes:
A playground for both youth as well as for tots
The installation of additional paths/walkways on the lake front
Setting a lookout platform at the water’s edge (to permit viewing of the shoreline habitat)
Building an additional restroom at the North end of the beach
Working with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (ASRD) and other regulatory bodies to establish a second swimming area at the north end of the beach
And other projects that will enhance the lakefront while maintaining the areas critical to the wildlife near the beach.
This is to be done with no added burden to the taxpayers of the area.
FOLF joined forces with the Westlake Community Society (WCS) to work as an autonomous committee within their umbrella. WCS has been extremely supportive of our objectives and has actively participated in fund raising endeavors.
The group initially met with Ponoka County, applied for grants, while keeping the council of the Summer Village of Parkland Beach apprised.
Ponoka County stepped up to the plate and hit a home run and made the new playground a reality, the Summer Village of Parkland Beach stepped up and made the tot playground possible.
These two single items on their own have helped make the South Beach a hub of fun for the young visitors and parents at the beach. The Sunnyside Poulsen’s Pasture Community Association, another nearby community, as well as various private donors have made us the recipient of their donations as a gesture of their support.
Two grants were received, one from the Spirit program for the planning and designing of the lookout platform, and the other from the Community Facility Enhancement Program for the construction of the restrooms at the north end of the beach, and to assist in the maintenance of our boat launching jetty/pier.
The most recent grant cheque was hand delivered on May 17 by David C. Dorward, MLA for Edmonton-Goldbar on behalf of the Alberta Culture Minister Heather Klimchuk. A substantial amount of money is needed to complete the work as planned.
FOLF volunteers have worked hard to make the beach pleasant for all ages while respecting the wishes of Summer Village residents. Working in conjunction with, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), ASRD and surrounding communities will ensure this beach will be enjoyed for years to come.
— Submitted