Local residents say Ryders Park south of Bentley is a hub for illicit activity (Photos: Lacombe County)

By Troy Gillard

“dumping ground” annoys nearby residents

Lacombe County fencing off Ryders Park to cut down on illicit activity

Jun 30, 2020 | 11:12 AM

Lacombe County is taking action to address a piece of reserve land that nearby residents say is a dumping ground for stolen vehicles and garbage.

Those who live near Ryders Park south of Bentley also say the undeveloped land is a popular party spot where fires are often left to burn unattended.

The land is a 2.15 acre parcel that was donated to the County in 1967 by an adjacent landowner. The area is referred to as Ryders Park by area residents and is named after the Ryders family who owned land in the area at the time.

A camp kitchen, washroom and well pump that were placed on the Reserve parcel a number of years ago are no longer there. An undeveloped statutory road allowance on the south side of the property has a makeshift trail on it which is used to access the backside of the land and the Blindman River.

“The trail is in extremely rough shape and appears to be used as a party spot and dumping ground as well,” according to a report presented to county council last Thursday.

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“Though we have received few complaints about these properties in the recent past it is highly evident that both are being used for partying and illicit purposes,” the reported added, also noting that the county spends about $5,200 a year cleaning up debris at Ryders Park.

A county inspection of the land found burning barrel remnants, piles of tree debris, wire insulation, burned pallets, and various other types of debris including beverage cans and bottles, blankets, old drywall and fast food containers.

County council approved the fencing off of the west boundary of Ryders Park along with the undeveloped road allowance immediately to the south. The work will be completed this year.