A number of construction projects are already underway for the beautification and revitalization of some of Ponoka's open park spaces. 

Additionally, the Town's trail systems are currently undergoing work to better connect the existing trails throughout the community. 

"We’re very fortunate here in Ponoka to have an ample amount of playgrounds and we provide a lot of structured recreation play. We’re happy to provide a new type of recreation that incorporates some quality of life components for residents of all ages and demographics," said Andrew Jones, Recreation Coordinator for the Town.

"We’re excited to provide this space because it’s something Ponoka hasn’t seen before. It’s nice to move in that direction."

Three major construction projects have gotten underway recently: the Old Hospital Rotary Park, Central Park and the trail extension project.

 Old Hospital Rotary Park (located beside the Civic Centre, 51 Street and 57 Avenue) 

Located next to the Ponoka Civic Centre and Library at 51 Street and 57 Avenue, the Old Hospital Rotary Park design was developed in consultation with community representatives who sit on the Town’s Heritage and Downtown Revitalization Committee; the Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee, the Ponoka Rotary Club; and Landrex Inc.

Key aspects of the park will include:

  • The preservation of existing mature trees along the south and west edges of the park space
  • A central walkway that provides a connection from 50 Street and the Ponoka Civic Centre to 51 Street
  • A central amphitheatre space, complete with a labyrinth
  • Sheltered outdoor classroom areas that serve as an extension of the Library and Learning Centre located inside the Ponoka Civic Centre
  • An edible garden landscape
  • Park lighting and seating furniture

"We wanted to provide a space that acts as the new entry hub for parks around this area and connects to various parts of the community, including the Battle River Trail System. That is part of our trail extension project that will connect the trail system to the Old Hospital Rotary Park and throughout the rest of the community as well. It’s kind of creating one continuous joint-access point for recreation throughout the Town," Jones said.

Old Hospital Rotary Park is located adjacent to the Ponoka Civic Centre.

A digital rendering of the proposed space at Old Hospital Rotary Park.

Central Park  (located at 52 Street and 54 Avenue) Estimated project cost: $221,000

Located at 52 Street and 54 Avenue, the Central Park design was developed based on direction provided in previous plan documents and through workshop consultation sessions with community representatives who sit on the Town’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee.

Key aspects of the park will include:

  • Preservation of existing trees throughout the park
  • The removal of old recreation, playground and site furnishings and features
  • Berm/hill relocation
  • A central circular walkway that connects 52 Street to 54 Avenue Close
  • A central lawn space for passive and active recreation
  • Seating furniture located along the circular walkway and in a small plaza space on the southeast corner of the park
  • Open space for the potential future development of an adventure playground.

“We’re going to work a lot with residents of the area on what they want to incorporate. We have lots of playgrounds in the community so we don’t know exactly what will go in that space but we will work the community to see what kind of active play they want to see there," Jones said, adding his excitement to see all of these new relaxation and recreation spaces coming together. 

Ponoka's Central Park is located at 52 st and 54 ave. 

A digital rendering of the proposed space at Central Park.

The trail extension project will link Ponoka's Battle River Trail System with the Old Hospital Rotary Park and Central Park. Estimated project cost: $40,000

Work will be done at the following locations:

  • At the top of the green bridge at the north end of the river valley trail system
  • At the new parking lot on 50 Street across from the Ponoka Civic Centre
  • Beside the Ponoka Civic Centre

Jones said the goal for this part of the project is to create a continuous path for trail users that will eventually connect the community "from one of town to the other". 

The trail extension project will connect Ponoka's new park spaces to the Battle River Trails System.

If you'd like to check out the online virtual walkthroughs of the park spaces, you can check out ponoka.ca.