RIVERS
BANNER August 18, 2017
ersary v i n Celebrating our 109th An
Gazette-Reporter
Serving the Rivers, Rapid City and Oak River areas for 108 years
Volume 110, Issue 7
89¢ + tax
Rapid City boasts a renovated beach front By Sheila Runions Banner Staff
O
n A u g. 19, 2 016 we r e p or t e d t he swimming area of Little Saskatchewan River at Rapid City had been drained for the purpose of bulrush removal, berm building and general beach overhaul. Rapid City Reservoir and Beach Committee was organized in June that year and in those six weeks, successfully worked with Manitoba Infrastructure & Transportation for that purpose. At that time, committee chairman Jim Meakin encouraged this newspaper to contact him in a year for a follow-up report; here is their latest news. “A year has gone by and our committee is very proud of what has been accomplished. Last summer the water levels were lowered so we could use a backhoe to remove vegetation in front of the beach and dam sites. With funding from RM of Oakview and Western Economic Diversification Canada (WEDC), we were able to restore the sand and put topsoil and sod on the berm built last fall. We also purchased a swimmers’ f loating dock from a local Manitoba designer. There was an old grass volleyball court with a tattered net that was totally redesigned with a new net and beach sand — the beach volleyball court was made possible by funds raised ($1,700) and donated by our local co-op store. Volunteers helped with the placement of the dock and beach volleyball court. “We have had nothing but good comments on the work done and we are seeing the beach, volleyball court and campgrounds being well used. It is great to hear kids laughing, playing in the sand and jumping off the dock.” Navdeep Bains, minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and minister responsible for WEDC, says, “Public spaces like beaches create safe spaces for people to
With a revamped beach and new dock, all ages are enjoying a revitalized beach front at Rapid City.
gather and our children to play; they enhance the well-being of communities as a whole. The renovations to Rapid City beach amenities will have tangible and lasting benefits for residents of the community and surrounding area.” Wit h Phase 1 work completed, the committee, which now oversees t he pav i l ion, playground, washrooms and campsites, is considering other options and long-term projects. One such option mentioned last year was “maybe an update to the washrooms.” When asked to comment on that statement, Meakin says, “The beach washrooms are now being monitored throughout the weekends, providing a much cleaner look.” A long-term project mentioned last year was possible dredging; he now says, “Phase
2 is to dredge and remove the excess silt and vegetation in and around the reservoir. This will be a big undertaking and will require help from all levels of government. We will be approaching the private sector as well as looking at what we may be able to get in grants. Our committee is a determined group and we do not want Phase 2 to fall between the cracks. “Phase 3 will be maintenance of the reservoir and beach for the future. A lot of time and money goes into these projects, so the more solutions we can find now to help reduce the silt and vegetation, the better off our next generation will be in the future. With help from Little Saskatchewan River Conservation District, we may find ways to reduce the amount of erosion upstream and help reduce the
silt. Also a low level slide gate at the dam would help clear the silt building up in front of the dam and reduce the stress that silt may cause. Dragging the reservoir bottom yearly would help in controlling some of the vegetation. Financial planning would be important for future dredging — maybe a little funding set aside each year [to] build so we would be ready when the time comes to dredge again in 20 years or so.” Last year the committee had hoped 12 months would be sufficient time to complete Phase 1, which included a rebuilt beach and swimming dock. They exceeded their goal by f inishing that work in less than 10 months. The beach area was excavated on Aug. 3 and by June 19, it was completed and ready for use. Jim says, “It is
Photos by Sheila Runions
totally amazing what a group of dedicated volunteers can achieve. There were numerous volunteers who donated time and equipment (trailer for picking up the dock, etc.)” Phase 1 work was 50/50 cost-sharing with Oakview and WEDC, through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. The committee was approved for a $20,000 expense, but they came in under budget. Rapid City & District Chamber of Commerce donated $163.70 in tip money from their trivia night last spring and Sara and Lachlan Kopytko donated the $10 they accepted in donations for their “sale” of lemonade. Cando Contracting provided two culvert gates for the berm and Mitch the Pool Guy donated a ladder for the swimmers’ dock.