Alberta Parks

Plan for Parks

Updated: August 29, 2007

Key Components of the Plan for Parks

This text is replaced by the Flash movie.

Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture has a mandate to develop a plan for provincial parks and recreation areas to accommodate population growth and improve quality of life opportunities.

The plan will provide a framework for decisions regarding funding, protection and improvement of Alberta's parks. It will build on the current services and experiences offered by Alberta's parks and plan ahead for the future protection of the land.

The following seven key components were developed based on current and previous Government of Alberta research and consultations. They reflect needs identified in discussions with key stakeholders, municipal park authorities, First Nations organizations and in public opinion research.

Each component speaks to a distinct, proposed area of focus for the new Government of Alberta Plan for Parks, to be reviewed by the Minister of Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture in fall 2007.

Involving Albertans

The Government of Alberta is accountable for the long-term health and well-being of the provincial parks system. Providing opportunities for Albertans to participate in a meaningful way in specific parks and the services they offer is critical. The continued success and relevance of parks depends on the ability to respond in a timely, fair and wise manner to the needs and expectations of Albertans. This plan will focus on improving dialogue, expanding the opportunities for Albertans to voice their needs, and learn about or get involved in Alberta parks.

Stewarding Park Resources

The opportunities provided through provincial parks are clearly linked to the Government of Alberta's ability to wisely and effectively manage Alberta's natural resources. To achieve the vision and mission of Alberta's parks program, the provincial parks system must be effectively managed and informed by the best available information and scientific understanding to protect, and where necessary, to restore ecosystems within parks. This plan will put a priority on science and research and focus on ensuring the wise and sustainable management of our natural and cultural resources.

Park Facilities

The condition, design, and placement of park infrastructure is a critical part of every visitor experience - from basic needs like clean water and sanitary washrooms, to exploring parks on trails, to providing information for visitors in state-of-the-art visitor centres.  Infrastructure is required for information, transportation, accommodation, food, safety and recreation. This plan will focus on ensuring parks facilities and infrastructure can meet the needs of Alberta's growing population.

New Parks to Accomodate Population Growth and Demand

Economic growth must be balanced with planning for the future, the protection of landscapes, and the development of tourism and leisure opportunities. Adding new provincial parks in Alberta can help to achieve appropriate representation of the natural diversity and special features in the province; and provide opportunities to meet the recreational needs of a growing population. This plan will focus on bringing new parks and protected areas into Alberta's provincial system for future generations to enjoy.

Park Experiences for All Albertans

The Government of Alberta plays a role in providing opportunities for Albertans to enjoy nature. Everything from appreciating fresh air and natural space with family or friends, to learning new skills, or cultivating a better understanding of the complex issues surrounding the environment and natural systems. Positive, meaningful and memorable experiences in parks and protected areas can be achieved through the development and implementation of a comprehensive visitor management program that considers the entire visitor experience. This plan will focus on coordinated marketing and communications efforts, staff interactions, planning and on-site facilities and services to strengthen the overall visitor experience.

Partnerships in Parks

Although the Government of Alberta is accountable for the overall success of Alberta's parks, it shares responsibility for the management of parks and recreation in the province with others.

There are recreational opportunities on public lands, and rural and urban municipalities provide park services through municipal parks. Many successful partnerships have been established to improve programs and these have often been important in leveraging financial resources or lands needed for park establishment. Key partnerships in the past have included philanthropic donations or trusts for land and funding, successful volunteer programs, and private sector involvement in park delivery. To ensure continuing availability of quality nature experiences for all Albertans, it is imperative that the Government of Alberta, rural and urban municipalities, and the private sector continue to work together to ensure protection of the environment inside and outside parks. This plan focuses on the continuation of these kinds of partnerships.

Continuous Improvement

CompassThe world, nature and the needs of Albertans are continually evolving. A truly successful, world class park system will demonstrate excellence in leadership and management commitment, visitor satisfaction, effective long-range planning, teamwork and partnerships, continuous improvement and benchmarking against best practices. Innovation, leadership, communication and teamwork are important in achieving continuous improvement in Alberta's parks system. Sharing and recognizing success, or seeking out solutions with the help of partners and stakeholders, will ensure that staff and Albertans remain engaged in the business of parks.