Concept plans have been released for a proposed urban beach play area along the North Saskatchewan River.
A report set to go before councillors Tuesday outlines ideas for possible beach play area options at Louise McKinney Park.
The play area would not directly provide access to the water – that’s a measure to discourage people from swimming in the North Saskatchewan River.
The city is advising against swimming in the river due to strong currents, debris and fluctuating river levels.
However the play area would still give Edmontonians the look and feel of a beach experience.
New designs show lounge chairs, umbrellas and a shower area tor Edmontonians to keep cool.
There’s also an opportunity for new multi-purpose venues to be built in the area to “provide unique and varied service opportunities to help diversify and increase traditional park attendance,” the report says.
A motion was passed last year asking the city to look into the possibility of an urban beach play area along the North Saskatchewan River.
A number of cities around the world – including three in Canada – have urban beaches along their rivers.
Coun. Don Iveson had previously stated his support for the idea of an urban beach.
“Everybody knows that the river is the defining feature of this city,” Iveson told CTV News back in September.
“In cities that have amenities like this, it’s a huge attraction.”
If councillors choose to move forward with the urban beach concept, it will be brought forward as a possible project for the next capital budget cycle (2015-18).
The report will be presented to the community services committee next Tuesday.
