Echo Dale boat lake and swim lake closed for repairs

Medicine Hat – Repairs to the liner in the boat lake at Echo Dale Regional Park will delay the opening of both the boat lake and swim lake for the 2023 season.

After a season of unusually low water levels in the boat lake, maintenance crews discovered the source of a leak in late 2022. Subsequent investigations confirm that the boat lake liner, after more than 30 years in service, is compromised.

Repairs began this spring. If there are no delays due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, the swim lake is expected to be filled and open by July 15, 2023. The boat lake is forecast to open in early August.

“We have to delay filling the swim lake to maintain the dry conditions that are required to successfully repair the boat lake liner,” explains Brian Stauth, managing director of the City’s Public Services division. “Added moisture in the ground will delay the project, so this is our quickest path to bringing these two staples for summertime enjoyment back into operation.”

Despite the ongoing repair work, Echo Dale Regional Park will continue to welcome visitors. The historic farm, South Saskatchewan River boat launch, ball diamond, multi-use trails, beach volleyball, select picnic sites, and the campground are all open and the barn shelter is available to rent. The concession will operate on modified hours until both the boat and swim lakes are fully functional.

There will be limitations to the park’s grass irrigation, which could temporarily affect its appearance. Normal irrigation will resume once the boat lake repair is complete.

Crews continue to remediate the park from the July 2022 tornado, addressing bare spots with new sod and trees.

Echo Dale is unable to accept school bookings in 2023. Schools are invited to book swim sessions at our outdoor pools, Crestwood Recreation Centre, or Big Marble Go Centre by calling 403-502-8564.

Outdoor pools

Hill Pool and Strathcona Pool open Friday, June 2, 2023. Visit www.medicinehat.ca/swim for more info.

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