Work got underway this week on the Crystal Lake Arboretum, a new nature space being built at Crystal Lake Park in Grande Prairie, Alberta. The project will turn an open area south of the existing Bike Skills Park into a place filled with native trees, walking trails, and signs that tell the stories behind each species.
The arboretum is expected to wrap up by the end of August 2026, as long as the weather cooperates. While crews are on site, some nearby trails may see short closures or detours, but access to the Bike Skills Park and other amenities will be maintained wherever possible.
The interpretive signage will cover how each tree fits into the local environment, share traditional Indigenous knowledge and uses, and highlight why healthy forests matter for the region’s economy and way of life. It is a hands-on way for residents to connect with the natural world right inside the city.
Funding comes from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, known as FRIAA, through sponsorships from three major forestry companies: Canfor, Weyerhaeuser, and West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. Those firms are among the largest forestry employers in the Grande Prairie area.
The arboretum is a real-world step forward for the City’s Urban Forest Strategy. City Council approved that plan in July 2025 to protect and grow Grande Prairie’s tree canopy over time. It also fits with the city’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, which puts a spotlight on creating high-quality public spaces that make neighbourhoods more liveable.
Mayor Jackie Clayton, who has led the city since 2021, has pointed to projects like this as key to building community pride and connection to nature. Once the arboretum opens later this summer, residents will have another reason to explore Crystal Lake Park beyond its popular lake loop and bike trails.
