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File photo of Legacy Park. The City of Lethbridge has adopted its 2024 Parks Master Plan. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

New Parks Master Plan adopted for Lethbridge

Mar 12, 2025 | 10:33 AM

The City of Lethbridge has decided on its direction for the planning and care of its parks for the next 15 to 20 years.

City Council voted on Tuesday to adopt the 2024 Parks Master Plan.

Parks Planning Manager Andrew Sommerville says that as communities grow, so does their need for parks. He explains that the plan includes vibrant and accessible parks for all ages and abilities, connecting residents with nature.

“We’re focusing on things like accessibility, park design and services,” says Sommerville. “And you’ll definitely see more naturalization in our parks. This will lower long-term maintenance costs and create landscapes that better withstand climate change.”

Some of the key actions for the Parks Master Plan include:

  • Promoting awareness of the histories of Lethbridge and its Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural, natural and historic resources
  • Ensuring opportunities for healthy living through paths, gardening, recreation, sports, the arts and cultural programs
  • Including opportunities for unstructured recreation in park and open space design
  • Committing to expanding parks and open spaces throughout the city on a continual basis
  • Considering biodiversity, food security and community gardens in land use and parks planning
  • Restoring and enhancing natural spaces, particularly within and adjacent to the Oldman River Valley
  • Requiring open spaces to be planned and designed to efficiently manage water

City Councillor Belinda Crowson says she appreciates the plan’s vision and long-term benefits for the community.

“The new master plan highlights how important parks are to our community,” says Crowson. “It meets both current and future recreational needs and supports overall quality of life in Lethbridge.”

The existing Parks Master Plan was created in 2007. The new one was developed with input from the community.

An online public survey garnered 715 responses.

Any capital projects or budget adjustments stemming from the 2024 Parks Master Plan will require approval from Lethbridge City Council.

You can read the 2024 Parks Master Plan in its entirety on the City of Lethbridge website.

READ MORE: City of Lethbridge preparing for ‘tight’ capital budget

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