|
Springbrook/Penhold/Red Deer area
Mynarski Park
 now
called Springbrook
 Springbrook is the current name of what was originally called
Mynarski Park, dedicated to the memory of Second World War Pilot Officer
Andrew Mynarski VC, who died in combat saving another before their plane
went down.
 It's a hamlet of around 1,000 people in Red Deer County next to the
Regional Airport Red Deer that was created as a result of the sale of
the military housing to developers in 1995.
 The original housing was built in 1954 as married quarters for the NATO
training. Some houses were built in the last 10 years by developers and
several new houses are currently under construction. Many of the houses
were rehabilitated as a result of a severe hail storm in August 2006.
For more info on the Springbrook area, see
Springbrook-Waskasoo Life
Penhold
In 1941 and 1951, the town of Penhold, about 3 km. from Springbrook,
only had about 200 people. Now the town boasts 2,000 people and is
growing.
 Gasoline
Alley
For many years, Gasoline Alley along Highway 2 and south of Red Deer,
was known for a scattering of motels, gas stations and the odd
restaurant. Now the area has expanded with several restaurants, fast
food outlets, gas stations, motels, big box stores like Costco, Leon's
and Staples, RV and motorcycle sales, automobile sales, retail and home
improvement stores. Soon to open is a 10 screen movie theatre. Plans are
in the works to create a community of up to 8,000 with schools, green
spaces and trails.
Red Deer
 In
1941, the city of Red Deer had a population of about 3,000 people,
expanding to 8,000 by 1951, expanding again to 20,000 by 1961. In 2007,
the city boasts 85,000 people with all the services and amenities you
would expect from any large city while maintaining some of its town
character, and only a ten-minute drive from Springbrook.
 Red
Deer is well known for its green spaces, trails and interpretive centres
along the Red Deer River in a large natural area called Waskasoo Park.
Due to its location half way between Calgary and Edmonton, it is also a
convention hub with superb facilities including the Centrium in
Westerner Park. Several golf courses, recreational facilities, parks,
shopping centres and historical sites exist in the city and the
immediate area. One of the biggest changes from the 1950's is the
relocation of the railway yards from the downtown to the west side of
the city.
Sylvan Lake
 In
1941 and 1951, the town of Sylvan Lake had less than 1,000 year-round
residents with the population swelling in the summer due its beautiful
lake and beach. The town now has a permanent population of close to
11,000 people. It is one of the fastest-growing towns in Canada and has
one of the highest property values for tourist-destination sites in the
country. There are also parks and small communities around the lake. A
four-lane highway now connects the town with the city of Red Deer.
Innisfail and area
 In
1941, Innisfail had a population of 1,400, expanding to 2,300 in 1951,
expanding again to 3,400 in 1961. The population is now 7,700. The
Innisfail Legion has acquired a CF-104 Starfighter Type F trainer jet,
only one of two now in existence, that it has mounted at an 80 degree
angle. The town is an industrial centre with many recreation and
historical attractions in the area. To the west of Innisfail are the
historical hamlets of Dickson and Markerville. The biggest change since
the 1950's is the creation of the large man-made recreational Glennifer
Lake as a result of the building of the Dickson Dam on the Red Deer
River.
Alberta Aviation Museums and other museums of
Central Alberta
|
