Projects

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Friends of Madge Lake undertakes projects that benefit all visitors to the park. The projects must meet one or more of the core priorities established to ensure that the benefits will accrue to the public and the environment:

The core priorities are:

• Health and well-being: The benefits of recreational, physical, cultural and social activities cannot be overstated. FOML wants all visitors to the park to feel more connected to nature, our community and our families through inclusive recreational, educational and cultural programs, services and events.
• Safety and stewardship: Renewing and improving infrastructure ensures safe and natural public spaces are maintained throughout the park. Preserving and protecting the ecosystem ensures the forest environment, wildlife and waterfowl will be available for public use and enjoyment into the future.
• Education: FOML believes that through education, the general public will increase their understanding and knowledge of  the forest environment, wildlife and waterfowl within the park. Additionally, the corporation promotes initiatives that address physical inactivity and sedentary behavior among all ages and abilities.

Each of the projects below meets one or more of the core benefits. Some of the projects have been completed and some are on the planning list for future funding. 

Trail signs: 

There are many hiking and biking trails throughout the park. Visitors are provided maps of the trails, but there was no signage or markers on the trails, making it difficult for the general public to identify where the trail begins, how long the hike will be and the level of difficulty. As some of the trails are long, through heavily forested areas and crisscross with other trails and clearings, some of these trails could be considered challenging or dangerous for some members of the public. The signage provided by FOML at the head of the trail identifies the trail by color, has a map of the trail, the distance and level of difficulty indicated and also indicates if the trail is suitable for biking as well as hiking. FOML also provided markers for the trail which were color coded and placed every 150 meters to ensure hikers knew they were on the right trail.

Wake-free zone markers: 

This project involves the placement of 50 buoys in the lake at strategic locations which are at least 100 meters from the shore. The change in types of boats using the lake has changed in recent years. Some boats used on the lake create a huge wake which can be dangerous for smaller craft on the water and for waterfowl who nest close to shore, and may cause erosion of the shoreline. The buoys are placed in areas used by those kayaking, canoeing and swimming. This initiative also supports a group of volunteers who monitor the loon population and report annually to Bird Studies Canada and Nature Saskatchewan.

Improved sound system for the Community Hall: 

The Community Hall is in the center of the Madge Lake recreation area and is used for formal programs set up to educate the public regarding the wildlife, waterfowl and vegetation in the park. The community hall is owned by the Duck Mountain Provincial Park and is available for rent by the public. Various volunteer groups including Friends of Madge Lake use the hall to host fundraising activities. The sound system was inadequate and needed to be replaced. 

Resurfacing of the basketball and tennis/pickleball courts: 

The courts are located in the central recreation area of the park. The park administration office lends out equipment to the public. The asphalt on these courts had deteriorated to the point of making them unusable. FOML funded the resurfacing of the courts and made them usable once again. The courts are available to all visitors to the park. The resurfacing of the courts allows for the playing of pickleball, tennis and basketball adding to the physical activities available within the park.

Offleash dog park: 

Park rules state that all dogs must be on leash while in public areas, therefore there was a need to provide the public with a safe place to run their dogs freely. 

The following projects are planned, but are subject to available funding:

• Upgrade of the Community Hall: Estimated funding required is $50,000. The facility is does not have proper handicap access and requires upgrading. The entry and the bathrooms need to be upgraded to be wheelchair accessible.
• Natural playground: Estimated funding required is $50,000. Playgrounds within the park have deteriorated and are not considered interactive or safe. The planned playground will be a "natural playground" which will be interactive and much safer. The playground will be centrally located within the Madge Lake recreation area and will be accessible for all visitors in the park. 
• Continuing improvement of the walking/biking/hiking trails: Estimated funding required to be determined. Includes resurfacing of trails and further informational signage.
• Development of materials and resources related to educating the public of the park’s eco system.