The Sentinel Day Use area in Kananaskis Country has officially reopened after being closed for over five years.

The area was washed out in the 2013 flood, and was a popular spot as it was a trail head for two equestrian trails.

Thea Mitchell with Alberta Parks and Kananaskis Country says the project took a while to complete.

"So planning started on the project a couple years ago, and the site just opened on June 28th."

Mitchell says they did their best to return the trail to it's original state, but a few things are different.

"Prior to 2013 there were lots of trees and picnic sites right on the edge of the river, and so we decided to rebuild the site in the same spot. We used some of the highway flood mitigation berms that were put up, and that's where you'll see some of the parking and a bit of a turn-around loop."

Mitchell adds they've also updated the picnic areas on the West side of the trail head, and have brought in new restroom and garbage facilities.

She says one of the reasons it's exciting to have the trail up and running again, is it accommodates horses.

"The Sentinel Day Use always accommodated equestrian units, and so there is equestrian parking. We have six stalls for our equestrian units, so they can unload there and then choose to cross the Highwood river to go up Cataract Creek, or cross the highway and go up Grass Pass."

Mitchell says the project cost three million dollars.

 

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email news@okotoksonline.com