I am concerned and disappointed at the continued lack of care for our city’s green space. Spring Creek Couleé (Eleventh Ave to Ninth Avenue N.W.) has been our regular walking path for over 40 years. We have taken daily walks with our dogs and have enjoyed the beautiful water, abundant and diverse waterfowl, and trees and shrubs that are indigenous to our beautiful prairie.
Sadly, in recent years, this lovely park has been sorely neglected. The beautiful waterway is almost completely filled in with weeds and debris. The walkways themselves are covered with chunks of dirt, branches, and are severely cracked and broken down - almost impossible for bikers to enjoy the paths. We haven’t seen many of the variety of ducks, aquatic animals such as muskrats and turtles for years, and the vegetation has suffered as well. There used to be prairie cactus on the hill overlooking the water. But no more. Trees are in disrepair. Many trees have died and haven’t been replaced. Other trees are in need of pruning.
As an artist, I was always inspired by the beautiful sunsets over the water on the couleé. Is it too late to reverse this continued trend into decline? I challenge other concerned citizens to make their feelings known to city employees and voice their concerns with a phone call or letter.
Cathy Sinclair
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
