THE EDMONTON RIVER VALLEY

These notes relate to Parks found along the North Saskatchewan River. It will include pictures of the Louise McKinney Park, Gold Bar Park, Rundle Park, Hermitage Park and the Wetlands.

DOWNTOWN


A good view to the west showing the River Queen: This vessel plies the river when the river's depth and weather allow.	Another view of the River Queen and the trees and shrubs growing along the river bank	A view of the Edmonton Convention Centre, built on Grierson Hill, that could not be built on! By now the building was supposed to have slid into the river. The building directly behind is Canada Place which houses many Federal offices.

A better view, from the north-side of the river, of the River Queen and showing one of the many platforms jutting out over the river. Plaques give descriptions of the area	The North Saskatchewan River, looking east. Showing both banks of the river and the bend in the river	The north banks of the river. The trail seen in the left hand portion of the picture is part of the Trans-Canada Trail

Leaving the downtown portion of the park. Who is that lady! .	The parks cover many acres [hectares] and take many forms

HERMITAGE


There's that lady, again... heading along a path that borders the swath of deciduous trees abutting the North Saskatchewan River	One of the many ponds in Hermitage Park; this is the Kennedale Lagoon	A smidgen of river can be seen between the trees! .

Can you have too many ponds? Another delightful area with picnic tables nearby	OK, so you need binoculars to see it... but it is there! John Tidridge and his wife Maureen had to make several trips before they saw the blue heron.	Another View of another pond.. the background, 'on top' shows some of the industry that lies just beyond

THE LAGOON


General View of the Wet Lands.	A view of some of the other countryside around the wet lands....	General View of the Wet Lands, with that lady, again!

General View of the Wet Lands.	General View of the Wet Lands	General View of the Wet Lands.

Hey, who is that lady!

RUNDLE PARK


This comprehensive map of the Rundle Park area is just north of the concession	The building houses concessions and provides a chang-ing area for skaters, ice skaters,in the winter. The adja-cent pond is home for hundreds of water fowl	The building houses equipment such as canoes for paddling when the water is high enough.

Volley ball is but one of many activities that can be persued...think Frisbee golf, tennis, baseball...	There are many picnic areas, with cooking facilities, throughout the park. These areas can be booked in advance.	A view of the North Saskatchewan River, not really a pretty river, but it does add much to the city. Some want to turn it and its environs into a busy, recreational area...

There is a very long system of walks, paved and other-wise, that will take one from one end of the city to the other.. .offering safe walking and bicycling...	The city has provided many informational plaques along the routes... giving much information about the habitat and the creatures living there....	A huge children's play area exist in the park and this is well used by children visiting..

Another of the large 'lakes' in the park	Well placed and maintained flower beds dot the area around the concession building...	These paddlers are just about to float across a water basketball court....

The mini-golf course: all the Tidridge children and grandchildren have played a round or two here.	The water fountain....	The Adminstration Building....

Water polo 'courts'...	A view of the west end of the park, showing the Ainsworth Dyer bridge...that leads to Gold Bar Park....	A memorial to a soldier lost in the Afghanistan conflict... Corporal Ainsworth Dyer

A close-up of the memorial to a soldier lost in the Afghanistan conflict... Corporal Ainsworth Dyer.	Looking west from the bridge	The Ainsworth Dyer Bridge, crossing the North Saskatchewan River, looking east.

GOLD BAR PARK


The Ainsworth Dyer Bridge, crossing the North Saskatchewan River	Memorial Benches, dedicated to loved ones, are dotted throughout the park system. Benches are usually placed by family members. For more information on the procedure call 311.	People and dogs do not always mix...here dogs are given freedom...

An information posting.	More park information .	And yet more.....

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John Tidridge