A group in Condor is proposing to turn an abandoned rail bed east of Charlotte Small School into a community recreation area.

The proposal would see a trail developed from Condor Road to Range Road 4-4. The space could be used as a walking trail for residents and a safe play area for students, among other uses.

Charlotte Phillips of the Condor Playgroup and Penni Lougheed of the Condor Community Centre presented the idea to Clearwater County council on March 24, requesting the municipally owned land be designated as residential.

The trail, tentatively named the Alberta Central Railway Trail, would also highlight the area’s history with signage recognizing the original railway built in 1904.

The proposal has received community support, including letters from Charlotte Small School and the Wild Rose School Division (WRSD).

WRSD Superintendent Jodie Mattia said the project would benefit students by supporting events such as the Terry Fox Run. She added it would improve safety by providing a space away from traffic in the community.

View of a proposed recreation space over an abandoned rail trail east of Condor. (Condor Playgroup/Condor Community Centre)

Clearwater County’s director of planning, Kim Gilham, confirmed the land is county owned and has been identified in an area structure plan as a potential future trail.

Because the site is a former rail bed, some levelling, as well as tree and brush removal, may be required.

Council accepted the presentation for information and will consider the proposal further — including signage and a potential budget — at a future meeting.