Efforts to fully reopen Echo Dale continue

By Medicine Hat News on August 13, 2022.

Nearly one month after a severe storm and tornado swept through Alberta’s southeast region, efforts to fully reopen Echo Dale Regional Park continue, with the city announcing Friday the reopening of the park’s boat launch and multi-use trail system.

The July 18 storm, which downed trees, branches and electrical poles in various locations across Cypress County and Medicine Hat, caused considerable damage to the park. Echo Dale was temporarily closed for two weeks following the storm, but reopened with limited access to the swim lake, concession and Echo Dale Farm on July 30.

While some areas of the park remain closed to the public – the boating lake, campground and off-leash areas – city manager of parks Dave Genio says the boat launch and trail system reopenings are a step in the right direction.

“There’s still a lot of work left to complete before we can open up the rest of the park,” Genio said in a statement. “But we’re excited to reopen the boat launch for anyone looking to access the South Saskatchewan River, as well as the trails throughout the park and to Gas City Campground.

“We want to again thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this time.”

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