Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, located in the Bow River valley between Cochrane and Calgary, is now open to visitors.

"Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park showcases an important part of Alberta's natural heritage and cultural history," said Premier Ed Stelmach.  "Glenbow Ranch will become a signature site in our provincial parks system that will be enjoyed by Albertans for generations to come."

The Alberta government purchased more than 3,200 acres of ranchland from the Harvie family in 2006 to establish this park.  Over the past five years, work has been done to ensure the valuable foothills fescue parkland is preserved and to put visitor services, parking and trails in place.  The main trail running through the park will now be registered as part of the Trans Canada Trail system, closing a gap between Calgary and British Columbia.

"The Alberta government has worked with the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation to ensure this special landscape is ready to welcome Albertans," said Cindy Ady, Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation.  "From educational programs to walking and cycling trails, Glenbow Ranch will help to foster appreciation for our natural spaces and meet the growing demand for recreation."

"The Government of Canada is proud to have invested in this project through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program," said Blake Richards, Member of Parliament for Wild Rose, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. "Today's official opening is a reflection of our commitment to enhance recreational lifestyles for Canadians, while providing residents and visitors opportunities to experience and appreciate natural spaces."

"Our Foundation and the Harvie Family have invested almost $7 million since the family sold this land for half its market value to create this park with Government of Alberta," said Andy Crooks, CEO of the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation.   "We now welcome Trans Canada Trail as a new partner; our Calgary to Cochrane trail will be part of this wonderful national system," he added.  "As we continue to fundraise, we thank our donors, Minister Ady, the federal government, and especially the Harvie Family, for their passionate commitment to create one of the greatest parks in North America."

The Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation offers educational programs about the park's ecosystem and history.  To learn more about these programs visit www.grpf.ca.  To learn more about provincial parks visit www.AlbertaParks.ca.