Eagle Point Provincial Park
Provincial parks are areas set aside by the province of Alberta to protect both natural and cultural landscapes and features. Provincial parks are designed to accommodate the recreational interests of people while protecting the natural habitats within them. This generally means low-impact activities such as Nordic skiing, hiking, camping, interpretive programs, wildlife viewing, and similar activities. Alberta’s provincial parks attract 8.5 million visits a year, contributing $1.3 billion to Alberta’s economy.
The Eagle Point - Blue Rapids Parks Council represents a unique partnership between the Government of Alberta and the local community, who work hand-in-hand on the planning, management and funding of the Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area. Local stakeholders, the Town of Drayton Valley and Brazeau County, along with industry, recreation and environmental organizations are involved in decisions on how the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Park System will meet the needs of Albertans.
Representing a variety of perspectives, professional backgrounds and expertise, the Parks Council is governed by its board of directors. Both volunteer and organizationally supported representatives work through consensus based decision making towards forwarding the Parks Council’s vision.
Currently, the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council consists of 16 voices – each of the following organizations is represented by having one seat around the table:
Government:
Alberta Parks Division – Provincial Office (Planning and Policy level)
Alberta Parks Division – District Office (Operational level)
Brazeau County
Town of Drayton Valley
Recreation organizations:
Blue Rapids Motorized Recreation Association (formerly Pine Valley Motocross Club)
Brazeau ATV Club
Brazeau Bowbenders Archery Club
Drayton Valley Horse Club
Drayton Valley Paddling Club (in partnership with the Central Alberta Jet Boat Association)
Eagle Point Park Trails Association
Evergreen Shooting Club
Pembina Nordic Ski Club
Special Interest groups:
Association of Adjacent Landowners
Pembina Institute for Appropriate Development
Representatives from Oil and Gas Industries
Representatives from Sand & Gravel Companies
Working with the Board of Directors, the Parks Council’s staff is continually working to engage the community, research innovative opportunities and implement creative solutions. As of June 2010, the Parks Council’s staff includes the following positions:
• Executive Director
• Field Technician
• Office Administrator
• Parks Watch Coordinator
• Public Consultation and Communications Coordinator
• Science and Reclamation Coordinator
For more information, please feel free to contact the Parks Council during regular office hours, from 9am until 4pm. Our contact information is as follows:
Phone: 780.898.PARK
Email: admin@epbrparkscouncil.org
Web: www.epbrparkscouncil.org
Address: PO Box 7355, 5136 51 Avenue, Drayton Valley, Alberta, T7A 1S5
Quick Facts about the Provincial Park:
- Currently offers a number of facilities and services
- Over 19.6 km2 (1,962 ha) of protected lands
- Located downstream of the Highway 22 Bridge
For more information on Alberta’s newest Provincial Park and the Parks Council please visit the EPBR Parks Council website.