Lac La Biche County is excited to announce that the redevelopment of McArthur Park, located in the heart of the hamlet of Lac La Biche, started in summer 2023.
Timeline and Budget
Council has provided direction to complete the redevelopment project in three phases, with all work finished by fall 2025.
The overall project budget is $7.3 million.
McArthur Park Concept: Park View
McArthur Park Concept: Beach View
NEW: Skatepark and Bicycle Pump Track Renders
Construction of McArthur Park's new Skatepark and Bicycle Pump Track is expected to start June 1 and be complete by the end of August. Click here to see all 18 available renders of these new features.
Project Progress Update (current as of August 9, 2024)
- Construction on Phase 1 is complete, including site lighting (which you'll now see throughout the park).
- The beach area has been cleaned up. Sand has been sifted, and the beach has been expanded significantly.
- We have started Phase 2 improvements. The work underway includes a new pier that will overlook Lac La Biche, located near the gazebo and McArthur Place. The pier is a permanent structure that will be open year-round.
- A new seasonal dock was installed to allow everyone to access McArthur Park by water during the open water season. The dock has room for several boats to park and tie on for short durations, and also features a safe paddle boat launching ramp for easy access into the water.
- Other work includes grading of the large open park area, which includes a new paved trail with nighttime lighting, trees, seating areas and a large open grass play space. Construction of the large open space has now begun, and we anticipate the site will be ready for public use this fall.
- Sodding and landscaping work is currently underway. Remaining work includes paved trails, lighting, new sod for the remainder of the construction area, and numerous tree and shrub planting beds.
- The final exciting feature to be constructed is the new bike pump track and skateboard park, which is currently under construction. The bike pump track and skateboard park is anticipated to be completed by the end of August.
Come and enjoy the newly improved waterfront! The existing spray park, newly-organized playground equipment, day-use picnic sites and a freshly sifted beach area completed in Phase 1 last fall are now open to the public. Parking is available along 99 Street and in a newly developed parking lot at the Visitor Information Centre / Museum building.
Lac La Biche County would like to thank residents and guests to our community for their patience as we complete this multi-year improvement to our Hamlet’s premiere destination park. We are very excited for fall 2025 when the park will be complete.
A First-Class Beach, a Cultural Hub, and Public Square: New Features in McArthur Park
The redevelopment plan features new pedestrian walkways, numerous seating areas, tree and shrub planting, and the naturalization of some segments of existing shoreline.
The County will pursue regulatory approvals to provide users with a first-class beach experience. Other shoreline developments include a seasonal dock to allow boaters to access the Park during ice-free months, as well as a permanent pier to enjoy views of Lac La Biche Lake and the northern lights.
Other features include:
- new bike skills park and pump track;
- a skateboard park;
- an outdoor market area;
- improved lighting;
- a historical and cultural commemorative garden; and
- a public square featuring a holiday tree for annual light-up events.
This design is intended to create opportunities for many year-round activities and events, with an emphasis on celebrating local culture, providing more comfortable places for wintertime programming and activities for all ages.
How the Concept Was Developed
Conceptual planning for McArthur Park started in 2020, which included engagement with residents, local stakeholders and County Council as the plan was redeveloped. Options were then presented to County Council starting early 2021, providing direction based on public opinion, and ensuring the Park includes locally-relevant design features.
Questions?
For more information, please contact Gary Harman, General Manager of Recreation & Social Services, at gary.harman@laclabichecounty.com or 780-623-6350.
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