HUMBOLDT — The City of Humboldt has officially approved a new municipal park beside one of the community’s most recognizable landmarks, with plans to gradually enhance the space for residents and visitors.
City council approved the designation of Water Tower Park during its May 25 meeting, formally recognizing the City-owned greenspace north of the historic water tower as part of Humboldt’s park system.
The recommendation was presented by Michael Ulriksen, director of community and leisure services, who said the initial focus is on formally establishing the space before future improvements are considered.
“The initial goal was to get the park designated so that we can work with the Water Tower Committee and the Humboldt & District Museum and Gallery Board to determine how to enhance the park in the future,” Ulriksen told SaskToday.
The site, identified as Parcel No. 164232413, is approximately 0.257 hectares, or 0.63 acres, and has long been maintained by the city as open greenspace, though it had never received an official park designation.
Council also authorized administration to support future enhancements in collaboration with the Water Tower Committee and the Humboldt & District Museum and Gallery Board.
According to the report presented to council, the committee expressed interest in improving the area to better support visitation to the water tower and create a welcoming public gathering space.
Potential future enhancements include benches, picnic tables, pathways, landscaping, tree planting and park signage. Some naturalization work, including fruit tree planting, has already taken place through community support and donations.
Ulriksen said there are no immediate construction plans, but the city expects to gradually incorporate the space into its broader parks network.
“Our first step will be to add the space to our park network through our website and to encourage people to enjoy the space through our media channels,” he said. “I would anticipate that by the end of this year we will have signage in place at the park to match our signage throughout the city.”
Water Tower Park becomes Humboldt’s 11th municipal park, joining Centennial Park, Carl Schenn Park, A.E. Kilcher Park, St. Elizabeth Park, Peace Park, Civic Park, Glenn Hall Park, Water Ridge Park, Bill Brecht Park and Wilf Chamney Park.
Ulriksen described the park as a smaller, passive greenspace intended to complement the historic site rather than serve as a heavily programmed recreation area.
“The designation of the greenspace is largely to bring additional attention to the historic water tower and expand the experience for local residents and tourists who visit the water tower,” he said. “This will be the only park in the community that has a historic site within it.”
The city has not committed funding for major development at this stage, though administration may request future budget allocations for amenities such as lighting, benches and pathways.
“This decision of council further emphasizes the importance the city places on getting people out into the community to explore and enjoy what the community has to offer,” Ulriksen said.
He added the project reflects the value of outdoor spaces within the community.
“Whether it’s historical buildings, art installations, sports fields, walking trails or just open greenspace — the immense value that comes with being outdoors cannot be quantified,” he said. “Being able to invite people to a park space adjacent to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks is very special.”
By Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SaskToday.ca
Original Published on May 28, 2026 at 09:42
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