Lacombe County holds grand opening of new Burns Nature Park, donated near Sylvan Lake

The 20-acre nature sanctuary, now stewarded by the County, features roughly two kilometres worth of hiking trails to the shoreline of the lake.

The Burns, who ran BURNCO, a family-owned sand and gravel business, bought the 26-acre property in 1991.

The couple described how they had created the current trails by hand over their 32 years, following the paths of animals that live in the area. Patricia said that just recently, an app on her phone recorded the calls of 21 different birds in the park in just a couple of hours.

In 2020, the Burns approached the County to donate 20 acres of land for the purpose of a free public park. The remaining six acres would be private land where they reside.

Aerial shot of Burns Nature Park. (Lacombe County website)

“There comes a time when you realize, you can’t take it with you,” Patricia joked. “So, our greatest wish is that this will be a place of peace for all who enter. We have tried to preserve all the natural beauty here to allow mother nature to do her thing.”

With the help of Director of Planning Services Dale Freitag, County Reeve Barb Shepherd said council discussed the financial and time commitment that would be required as custodians of the land, like upkeeping of the trails, but believed it was worth the investment.

“Sylvan Lake is one of the few lakes in Alberta that is still whole. It’s pretty clean, it’s pretty pristine and it’s taken a lot of commitment from the citizens of the area,” she said, adding that the park now provides an additional access to the lake for passive use.

“They could’ve developed these 20 acres, they could’ve had all kinds of houses, they could’ve had all kinds of money, but they opted for keeping it as a park. It’s a privilege for us to be able to help them with that but it’s also a privilege for us to be able to use it as a park.”

Trail map signage at entrance of Burns Nature Park. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

She estimates the County has spent roughly $20,000 towards the park for signage, widening and mulching of the trails, fence making, garbage receptables, and a bench overlooking the shoreline, dedicated by the Burns for their son Jeff who passed away from cancer a few years ago.

Shepherd says she hopes visitors will explore and respect the nature in the park as well as find an escape from the “hustle and bustle” of everyday life.

“It’s becoming more and more prevalent and known that people who spend time in nature live longer. Their stress levels are reduced. I think we’re going to find that, as time goes on, they will have people who are mentally healthier and physically healthier because of the opportunities they have to just spend the time here contemplating and just enjoying the nature,” she said.

The Burns said they hope visitors stay on the designated trails to preserve the area’s natural state and enjoy the tranquil environment to collect their thoughts without disturbance.

“There are no motors roaring around or anything; it’s very quiet. That’s what we’re after: to help people find a bit of peace in this rushed world,” said Patricia.

James said he hopes their donation inspires others to discover areas that can also be preserved as future parks.

by Alessia Proietti

Lacombe County holds grand opening of new Burns Nature Park, donated near Sylvan Lake

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