Sunridge Park

49.65348 , -112.87604

Sunridge Park is a small city park encompassing approximately 12 hectares (29 acres) of land in southwest Lethbridge. Established in 2006, the park lacks large trees, but the habitat has improved significantly as the vegetation has matured. It has attracted at least 130 species of birds to date. According to the city's website, Sunridge Park "celebrates nature and the ability of wetland ecology to improve water quality." The park features a storm pond system, about 1.8 kilometres (~1.1 miles) of trail, a playground, a waterfall, two foot bridges, and fountains. Many native species of flora were planted when the park was built, and thick shrubbery abounds, providing excellent habitat for songbirds.

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The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by David Scott : 49.6535/-112.8760 (2021-08-24 21:51:32 )

Site name was set by David Scott as "Sunridge Park" (2021-08-24 21:51:32 )

Edited by David Scott on 2021-08-25 15:30:36

Sunridge Park is a small city park encompassing approximately 12 hectares (29 acres) of land in southwest Lethbridge. Established in 2006, the park lacks large trees, but the habitat has improved significantly as the vegetation has matured. It has attracted at least 130 species of birds to date. According to the city's website, Sunridge Park "celebrates nature and the ability of wetland ecology to improve water quality." The park features a storm pond system, about 1.8 kilometres (~1.1 miles) of trail, a playground, a waterfall, two foot bridges, and fountains. Many native species of flora were planted when the park was built, and ~~think~~ thick shrubbery abounds, providing excellent habitat for songbirds.

Edited by David Scott on 2021-08-24 22:05:10

Sunridge Park is a small city park encompassing approximately 12 hectares (29 acres) of land in southwest Lethbridge. Established in 2006, the park lacks large trees, but the habitat has improved significantly as the vegetation has matured. It has attracted at least 130 species of birds to date. According to the city's website, Sunridge Park "celebrates nature and the ability of wetland ecology to improve water quality." The park features a storm pond system, about 1.8 kilometres (~1.1 miles) of trail, a playground, a waterfall, two foot bridges, and fountains. Many native species of flora were planted when the park was built, and think shrubbery abounds, providing excellent habitat for songbirds.

Top species

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List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

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Timing and strategy

Sunridge Park is most productive during migration, when warblers, vireos, sparrows, grosbeaks, and other songbirds can be found in the many patches of trees and shrubs surrounding the storm ponds. Morning is the best time of day to visit during the breeding season; timing is less important during migration and the winter months. The park has relatively few coniferous trees and is rather quiet in the winter, though it can host the odd overwintering sparrow. Plan to spend from half an hour to two hours or more birding the park. One hour is usually sufficient, but not on good migration days.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by David Scott on 2021-08-24 22:12

How to get there

Most visitors will access the park from University Drive. From University Drive, exit the roundabout west on Sunridge Blvd. W. The park is on the west side of the next roundabout. There is a city bus route through the subdivision.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by David Scott on 2021-08-24 22:16

Access

The park has many access points from adjacent roads. There is no parking lot, so visitors arriving by car will need to park on a nearby street. The park is never closed, and is freely open to anyone.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by David Scott on 2021-08-24 22:18

The park has many access points from adjacent roads. There is no parking lot, so visitors arriving by car will need to park on a nearby street. The park is never closed, and is freely open to anyone.

Other attractions

Sunridge Park has a playground, and a small skateboard park can be found just to the west of the park, across Rocky Mountain Blvd. W. When snowy, a hill offers sledding opportunities for young children. Folks interested in butterflies and odonates will usually tally a few species on walks during the summer months, and Mule Deer are frequently observed in the park.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by David Scott on 2021-08-24 22:23

Facilities

Sunridge Park does not have washrooms.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by David Scott on 2021-08-24 22:25

Sunridge Park does not have washrooms.

Security & annoyances

There are no security issues or annoyances that would be atypical for a small city park. The park is partially lit at night, but there are dark areas.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by David Scott on 2021-08-24 22:26

There are no security issues or annoyances that would be atypical for a small city park. The park is partially lit at night, but there are dark areas.