LAC LA BICHE - Construction of McArthur Park remains on target, with all Phase 2 construction elements scheduled to be complete by this fall, says Gary Harman, Lac La Biche County’s general manager of recreation and social services.
Phase Two of the $7.3 million McArthur Park Revitalization Project got underway in May and June. The project includes a new paved trail with lighting, trees, seating areas, an open grass play space as well as a new bike pump track and skateboard park.
Earlier this year, contractors constructed a new pier on the lakeshore area of McArthur Park that juts out more than 50 feet into the waters of Lac La Biche Lake. Further down the waterfront at the end of 99 St., a seasonal dock was installed to allow public access to McArthur Park by water, and for day use to launch paddle boats.
“We anticipate that all construction will be completed prior to the end of September,” Harman told Lakeland This Week on Aug. 7.
Harman continued by saying that the skateboard park and pump track are nearly complete, and County officials are anticipating the new features will be open just before school resumes in September. Once all the concrete work is complete, new sod will be installed around it. When the sod has been established, the amenities will be open to the public.
The remainder of the park, Harman explained, has now been graded, with a portion of it being sodded within the next two weeks. Furthermore, several trees and shrubs have been planted. The remaining work includes paved trails, lighting, new sod for the rest of the construction along, along with numerous tree and shrub planting beds.
The third and final phase of the project is expected to get underway next spring. Harman explained work on the remainder of the site, mostly around the Lac La Biche Visitor Information Centre and Museum building, will go out for tender this winter, with construction taking place in 2025.
Upon receiving authorization by council, he continued, the third phase will include additional trails, more sod and tree plantings, site furniture and a new public square gathering area in the core of McArthur Park.
Over the past couple of months, things have been good for construction crews, Harmon said. Rain delays were built into the contractors’ schedule.
“Lac La Biche County certainly appreciates the patience of residents and visitors as they have been using open areas of the park while other areas were under construction,” said Harman.
