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By Chris Brown

Echo Dale lake to open May 28

May 17, 2022 | 11:33 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The swim lake at Echo Dale Regional Park will open for the season on May 28 and there are plenty of new things to check out all over the park.

“There is so much to explore throughout the park, from the swimming lake to the new trails that connect the park and Gas City Campground,” said James Will, director of the parks and recreation department. “Echo Dale sees more than 110,000 visitors every year. It is an oasis that offers something for the whole family to enjoy and discover all over again.”

The lake will open in collaboration with the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival running at Echo Dale from May 26-29.

The swim lake and concession will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on days when the temperature drops below 15 C. Additionally, visitors will see a new concession operator inside the swim centre.

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Also new in the park is a hands-on, informative farm program. The city says you can experience what a day on the homestead more than 100 years ago would have looked like while interacting with goats, llama, donkey and more, all for free. The animals will be on-site on Saturdays and Sundays, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Saturday, May 28. More information about the guided farm tours can be found on the city website.

Extra sites have been built at Echo Dale Campground, located at the far east end of the park. Each unserviced site includes a gravel pad, fire pit and picnic table. Camping essentials, as well as firewood, will be available for purchase through the swim centre concession.

Later this month the boating lake will be restocked with about 1,800 rainbow trout, courtesy of the Alberta Conservation Association. The group has delivered the fish stocking project since 1998, which has brought a variety of trout, including rainbow, brown and brook trout to the boating lake.

Ongoing construction

During the season park visitors will see ongoing construction related to the Echo Dale Park Improvements project, with most of the work taking place on the east side of the park. About 120 trees, along with irrigation infrastructure, will support future park expansion while enhancing the habitat and ecological health of the park space. The project, funded by the federal government through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program in 2020, supports economic growth with infrastructure which supports a healthy community through expanding recreational opportunities. The city asks all visitors to allow crews room to work.