Alberta Environment and Parks has moved forward with converting the parking lot at Devonshire Beach, Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park, into a small campground.
The 100-unit parking lot, located at the south end of Devonshire Beach, was originally built for use by beach visitors. However, the parking lot is under-utilized as visitors prefer to park along the beach road where access is shorter and easier.
The campground will contain 13 pull-through sites to accommodate large RV units. The paved surface of the parking lot will remain and only minimal infrastructure changes are needed, for instance brushing, landscaping and installation of picnic tables. Toilet facilities already existed on the site but were upgraded as well. A loop at the north end of the parking lot for about 20 vehicles has been left for day use parking. The campground and parking lot will be ready for use in 2016 and will be operated on first-come, first-served basis.
Between March 2 and April 30, 2009, Albertans were invited to share their feedback on the proposed conceptual design for facility development at Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park.
The draft conceptual design addressed facility upgrades and expansion in the park in light of Alberta's growing population and increasing recreational demands. Among many things, it proposed to: convert Devonshire Beach parking lot into a campground; move the main beach area to the viewing platform with improved parking along the beach road; and, options to close, partially close, or keep open the beach road. Please see the What We Heard and What We Have Done document for that 2009 consultation. A number of the initiatives outlined in the concept plan have been completed or are under way.
Should you have any questions about this campground development, please contact Calvin McLeod, Parks Division at (780) 538-8010.
Alberta Environment and Parks
AEP.Mediainquiries@gov.ab.ca
780 427-8636
