The area now known as Jackie Parker Recreation Area (4540-50th Street, Edmonton, AB) was initially a farmer's field. The original homestead can still be seen on the site, along with Lilac and Carragana bushes, Mayday and Mountain Ash trees.
People were using the field as an off-leash area before 50th street was developed, since it was easily accessible and safe. Later on, this became more formalized, with the addition of garbage receptacles, benches, parking lot, and pick-up bag dispensers.
MCARFA (Millwoods Cultural and Recreational Facilities Association) is a group of volunteers which has been developing many projects for Millwoods residents in the past two decades. In the 1992, a Master Plan (1992) was developed for Jackie Parker Recreation Area, which was approved by the City of Edmonton. This Master Plan included the picnic areas, parking areas, skating shelter, and firepits, as well as the new spray park that was constructed in 2009. The Master Plan did not include a permanent off-leash area. A temporary off-leash area was established in 1994 and the Master Plan was not updated to include this change. The off-leash area has been listed for many years in the City of Edmonton Parks for Paws (the guide issued to owners with their dog licenses listing designated off-leash areas). Since then, off-leash use has increased dramatically.
Development of the ravine trail first took place when a group of mountain bikers built creek crossings and made general improvements to the trail such as clearing downed trees and building steps. Dog walkers used the area more and more as improvements occurred.
The trail system provides a place to walk when winter winds howl or summer heat makes the open area uncomfortable or stormy.
In June of 2009, the City made a decision to deny use of the ravine area for off-leash access. This decision was made without any consultation with dog walkers. We were told the decision was made as a result of conflicts between homeowners and dog walkers, but no effort was made to resolve those issues prior to arbitrarily changing the boundaries.
The City of Edmonton backed off of this boundary change at a meeting in September 2009, due to angry protests by park users. There was an agreement to allow users to continue walking dogs off-leash within the ravine, until the Master Plan could be updated.
The lack of communication has caused confusion and ill will. Dog walkers have used the ravine trail for more than 15 years. Surely we deserve a more respectful and formalized communication process when a major change occurs that affects how we use the park. We believe we can all work together and find solutions that will work for everyone involved.
The consultation process is exploring the options for the future development of the park. The City will be conducting consultations starting January 2010 on this issue. Part of the concern is the co-existence of the newly constructed spray park (the safety of children) with the dog off-leash area.
We want to work together with all stakeholders to ensure everyone who uses the park can do so in a safe and enjoyable manner.