Get Ready for Parks Day!
By Natalie Borzel, Education & Outreach Assistant
Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council
Parks Day is quickly approaching and Eagle Point—Blue Rapids Parks Council couldn’t be more excited to host a fun day filled with activities for the whole family. On Saturday July 21st, come down to Willey West Campground, just minutes east of Drayton Valley, and join us for the 11th annual Parks Day celebration!
Many Community Groups Pull Together for Parks Day
We are delighted to be partnered with multiple community clubs once again this year to help put together free activities for everyone! ATV rides, river paddling and jet boat rides and more! This year, we have added two new activities – an interpretive nature hike and a mushroom foray. Anyone can participate, regardless of age or ability and all programs are adapted to suit the needs of those with mental or physical challenges. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Events are Filling Up!
Though Parks Day is completely free of charge, pre-registration is required for certain activities. If you wish to participate in one of the events going on at Parks Day this year please register online at www.epbrparkscouncil.org. Hurry! Events are filling up fast!
The activities requiring pre-registration begin at 9:00am from Willey West Boat Launch. Anyone who would enjoy a short jet boat ride down the North Saskatchewan river can arrive at 12:00pm at the boat launch, no pre-registration needed (although you will need to sign a waiver).
Enjoy the Beautiful Location on the North Saskatchewan River
Even if you haven’t pre-registered for activities, come explore what the park has to offer on our nature trails through woodlands and along the river’s shore. Stroll through our new Summer Craft Market and enjoy live entertainment in the afternoon! Kids can participate in games & activities during the afternoon from noon to 4:00 pm ( near the cookhouse). Old time live music by Strawberry Jammers & Friends will get your foot tapping at 2:30 at the Cookhouse Stage! We’re excited to feature Morning Star Dance Troupe (First Nations drummers and dancers) at 3:30 pm. Morning Star brought their music and dance to last year’s Canada 150 Celebrations on the river.
A free community BBQ wraps up the day’s activities. Come join us at the cookhouse at Willey West from 4:00-5:30 pm. This free event is for anyone who would like to join us.
Eleventh Year!
2018 marks the 11th year that Eagle Point-Blue Rapids Parks Council has celebrated Parks Day! Locally, it began in 2008 just after Eagle Point-Blue Rapids Parks Council officially became incorporated under the Societies Act of Alberta as a non-profit organization. Our vision to create a sustainable balance of diverse recreational opportunities & environmental protection for all to enjoy continues!
Parks Day has been a success each year, attracting many local residents, as well visitors from near and far!
Thank you to our Sponsors & Volunteers!
Our annual Parks Day would not be a success without the volunteer assistance of the local clubs who facilitate excursions for the event. Thank you to Bowbenders Archery Club, West Central River Boat Association, Drayton Valley Paddling Club & Brazeau ATV Club. Eagle Point-Blue Rapids Parks Council also acknowledges our generous sponsors for supporting Parks Day 2018: ATCO, Brazeau County, Town of Drayton Valley and Pembina Pipeline.
More Info?
For more information and updates on Parks Day, follow us on Facebook at Eagle Point-Blue Rapids Parks. We’re epbrparks on Instagram and Twitter.
EPBR Parks Council invites you to celebrate Parks Day with us at Willey West Campgrounds. See you at the park!
