Urban Parks

A Guide for Residents and Visitors

Truly a dream come true

A long-time dream of Camrosians to upgrade and develop the beautiful Stoney Creek Valley which runs through the centre of the city, came to fruition on February 17, 1989, with an Urban Park grant for the City of Camrose.

An Urban Parks Committee was quickly formed and public meetings and surveys soon indicated that the primary need was to be a comprehensive trail system! Further planning also included other developments such as improvements to Jubilee Park, Stoney Creek Park and Bullrush Park; the addition of a few playground facilities, a visitors/information centre and a new swan shelter.

Construction began in 1991, and will be completed in 1996, offering a facility that the residents of Camrose and tourists will enjoy for many, many years.

Mirror Lake Park

An early objective of the Camrose Urban Parks Committee was to ensure that the urban park development would provide a year-round facility. It was decided that the heart of the park would be adjacent to Mirror Lake, already the site of numerous summer and winter activities. The location is the scene of people busy enjoying themselves in all kinds of weather.

People bring their children to the play area from all parts of the city and a steady parade of tourists seeking directions and information all make Mirror Lake Park a vibrant, exciting place to be!

The Bill Fowler Center

Early in the planning of the Urban park, the Chamber of Commerce became a partner of the City in the planning and development of the Tourist Information Centre. In need of a new office, the Chamber contributed to the capital costs of the centre and agreed to operate the facility in return for office space.

The facility was ultimately named after a long-time Camrose supporter and became the Bill Fowler Centre. The facility houses a series of interpretive panels outlining features of the urban park, and some historical highlights of the city. Prominent in its location along the highway, the centre regularly provides visitors with their first contact with Camrose.

The Bill Fowler Nature Mural

In conjunction with, but separate from, the Urban Park program, a group of interested citizens organized the funding and construction of a brick wall sculpture attached to the Bill Fowler Centre. The Jim Marshall masterpiece depicts the plant and wildlife native to this area and is constructed from a special red brick developed specifically for this project. This particular red brick is now known as Mirror Lake Red.

The wall, an outstanding example of artistic accomplishment, has become a tourist attraction and provides Camrosians of all ages with no end of entertainment and education.

Our Swan Program

For over 35 years, the summer months have been highlighted by the swans which grace Mirror Lake and other Camrose waterways. Featuring the beautiful Trumpeter Swan and some Polish Mutes, our flock numbers are as high as 14 birds. The program began with a gift of two Polish Mutes from the City of Halifax, and has grown from there.

The swans spend their winter in a facility located at the Community Services yard.

For more information on our Swan program please contact Community Services.

Jubilee Park

Developed during Alberta's Jubilee celebrations, Jubilee Park is the City's main family and group picnic area. Located near the centre of the City, the park has been host to a variety of events and visiting dignitaries.

The Urban Park program enhanced the park with washrooms, a children's playground and some upgrading of the picnic shelters and utility services.

Stoney Creek Park

Stoney Creek Park is a natural area running from 44 Avenue to the City limits. The area offers the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature as the ski trails offer an outstanding natural setting for walkers and mountain bikers. Many wild animals inhabit the area and the park offers the opportunity to observe the habitat and lifestyle of them.

The area is best known internationally for its ski facilities.

All ski disciplines are accommodated in the park and the cross country / biathlon trail system is of an excellent calibre.

Camrose Community Spirit

Many years ago the residents in the area of 58 Street and 51 Avenue, with their own labor and resources, developed a neighbourhood picnic area that became known as Bullrush Park. The park remains a part of the total park system and now has the trail running through it. The significance of Bullrush Park is that it is symbolic of a community spirit that exists in Camrose.

Service clubs, businesses and private individuals have readily donated thousands of dollars to the park and the Bill Fowler Wall. These donations supplemented the main Alberta government grant, enabling the project to be more complete, and to build a sense of pride throughout the community which leads to a feeling of, "This is our park!" - and it is!

Map of the Trail System - click to view pdf

Paved and Shale Travel Distances (Total distance approximately 18.905 km)

1. Stoney Creek Park Trail - 3.31 km (44 Avenue to Trestle/Campground)
2. Mirror Lake Small Loop Trail - 0.908 km (East of walking bridge)
3. Mirror Lake Walking Bridge Loop Trail - 2.15 km
4. Kin Park Trail Shale - 1.628 km
5. Jubilee Park (48 Ave. to 44 Ave.) Trail - 0.973 km
6. Bullrush Park Trail - 0.756 km
7. West Park Trail - 1.8 km (45 Avenue/73 Street/48 Avenue/68 Street)
8. 68 Street Trail-Berm - 4.07 km (48 Avenue to Camrose Drive Bridge)
9. Valleyview Trail - 3.31 km

Etiquette for safe use of the trail system

BE ALERT. Be sure the trail ahead is clear of obstructions such as overhanging or fallen branches. Be aware of sharp bends in the trail, bridge crossings, intersections and hills. Watch for hazardous conditions or vandalism that might be unsafe to other users and report to the City of Camrose (672-9195).

BE CAREFUL AT INTERSECTIONS. Slow down and look both ways and behind yourself before crossing road and trail intersections. Pedestrians always have the right of way.

BE VISIBLE. Ensure your visibility at night by wearing light-colored clothing with reflective material. Outfit your bicycle with lights, reflectors and a bell.

SHARE THE TRAILS. The trails were established with the intention of allowing a wide variety of user groups. All users, including those accompanied by pets on leashes, must stay to the right of center and use only half the width of the pathway. Ride single file except when passing.

KEEP PATHWAYS CLEAR. Move completely off the trail when stopping. There are benches provided for your convenience.

KEEP YOUR TRAIL SYSTEM CLEAN. Garbage receptacles have been provided. When walking pets, owners should carry proper equipment to clean up.

WARN OTHERS WHEN PASSING. When approaching other cyclists or pedestrians from behind, shout out a friendly "hello" or "passing on your left". Alert, don't alarm. Sound your horn or bell early and pass safely. Do not pass on the right.

USE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT where necessary. We recommend the use of helmets, bells or horns when bikes are involved.

BE AWARE OF MAINTENANCE VEHICLES. No motorized vehicles unless authorized by the City of Camrose shall be permitted on the trail system. For everyone's safety, please do not walk on ski trails in the winter when the track is set.

WASHROOMS. These facilities are located along our trail system. Please keep them clean.

Share our trail system - an enjoyable outdoor experience for everyone!

	City of CamroseWelcomeVisitorsCommunityAdministrationLeisureEngineeringProtective            We welcome your feedback Updated January 18, 2008