Fort Edmonton Park faces 2-year closure for major utility work
One of Edmonton's major attractions may close down next summer for up to two years to modernize aging utilities.
Fort Edmonton needs to update its infrastructure including sewage, water, electricity and gas.
"My understanding is it will cause the park to be closed for at least two full summer seasons and so it's about an 18 or 20-month period but it will affect two summer seasons," said Lyndon Decore, president of the Fort Edmonton Foundation.
"It doesn't make us happy. As a fundraising organization it makes it very difficult to continue to try and raise money for the park," Decore said. "I think it's very unfortunate for the people in Edmonton, especially the kids."
It's possible the work could be done in stages to avoid a complete closure, but officials with the Fort Edmonton Management Company admit that's unlikely.
When the gates will close remains to be determined.
In the meantime Decore said the foundation hopes to work with city council to find an alternative.
Neo Bacani, 10, was visiting the park Friday. He hopes they can find a way to keep the park open.
"It's kind of sad because at our school we have field trips here so it's going to be disappointing."
Danielle Panizzon volunteered at the park as a teenager and is a regular visitor.
"My sister-in-law has a three-year-old and and a one-year-old and she comes here all the time with her kids. It's my plan too.
"There's so much history here and heritage. It makes me feel really sad that it's not going to be around for a couple of years. It kinds of survives on the regular family visit."
