Impacts from recent Alberta flooding required some recreational parks across Rocky View County to cease operation while others stayed dry.
Among the most affected was Redwood Meadows, a golf and country club located and owned by the Tsuu T’ina First Nation. The park has been closed to the public since June 20.
“There was extensive damage to three holes,” said Jimmy Jozwiak, associate professional at the park.
Jozwiack said that while the front nine were not damaged, hole 13 and the front half of hole 14 were wiped out. Additionally, he added that the irrigation pond that supplies the course with water was washed out. The park is undergoing recovery efforts and the front nine will reopen to the public on July 2.
Near Cochrane, the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park also saw damage, as the majority of the park is located on the north bank of the Bow River.
“We had significant water volumes in the lower portions of the park,” said David Humphrey, conservation officer with Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation. “We’re still waiting for water levels to go down so we can completely evaluate our pathway systems.”
Most of the park was open to the public as of June 27, though some trails remained off limits.
“We’ve had trail damage on the west end and I think the river is still covering some of the east end pathways,” said Tara McFadden, community engagement officer with the park. “But the bulk is open and ready.”
Humphrey said that once water levels recede, the provincial government will assess damage caused by debris on pathways.
New golf course Apple Creek, which opened on May 10 this year 1.5 kilometres north of Airdrie, was also closed for the weekend of June 22 and 23.
“We had no water damage to any structures, but we closed (on the weekend),” said Josh Myers, pro shop manager. “We had some significant flooding to our fairways. Three of our ponds were joined across three separate fairways.”
Other parks across Rocky View County were fortunate enough to avoid damage and closure.
“We just got a little bit of rain,” said Leyland McPherson, pro shop employee at Links of GlenEagles near Cochrane. “We’re on a hillside – good drainage. We’re pretty much midseason shape.”
Springbanks Links Golf Club was also fortunate to avoid the floods.
“We’re fortunate – we’re high up, overlooking the river. No damage whatsoever,” said Cam Heise, head professional at the club.
Heise added the clubhouse was packed with donations that were sent out to affected areas.
The clean up in parks like Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is ongoing, but on June 27 representatives across Rocky View County echoed they hoped the Canada Day weekend would be an enjoyable time.
“I think with the weather forecast, we all need to celebrate,” said McFadden. “We need to recognize that we’ve all been through a tough time. Celebrate that (we can) get out in the park and celebrate with your family.”
