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Accessible trails make it easy to get out into nature
Thursday, August 13th, 2009 by GetawayBC.com
There’s no denying it: the Tri-Cities is a haven for hikers. Mundy Park, that 435-acre gem in central Coquitlam, is full of nature lovers and dog walkers at all times of the day. Bert Flinn Park, a new 126-acre sprawl in Port Moody, offers a crisscross of paths that follow old logging roads. And the 13-kilometre Diez Vista Trail, north of the village of Belcarra, is also popular albeit for more experienced walkers and runners.
But these types of trails are hard to navigate when you’ve got a set of wheels: a baby buggy, a walking stroller or a wheelchair. Pushing them uphill on non-paved surfaces with obstacles in the way make for a tough workout for new parents or the disabled.
This summer, The Tri-City News contacted parks and leisure representatives in the Tri-Cities to see what universally accessible trails they had in their jurisdictions.
COQUITLAM
- Town Centre Park: Users can take two routes: the one-kilometre loop of Lafarge Lake or the 2.7-kilometre perimetre path that circles the entire park between Guildford Way and David Avenue. The shorter trail has plenty of rest stops and picnic areas while the longer way includes views of the Evergreen Cultural Centre, in the south, and sports fields, in the north. The city is also planning to open a demonstration garden, at the corner of Guildford and Pipeline, within the next few months. For those looking for a completely even surface, there’s a path around the Perry Percy Stadium. Park on Pinetree Way or on Park Roadway.
- Hoy Creek: Close to Town Centre Park is the unpaved Hoy Creek Trail, which the city considers an accessible pathway. The complete route starts at Barnet Highway, meanders north to Glen Drive and continues up to Guildford Way before it intersects with the Trans-Canada Trail. Stop to take a look at the Hoy Creek salmon rearing pond and hatchery before proceeding to White Pine Place, west of Pinetree secondary. The trail re-starts above Pinewood Drive, west of the Town Centre firehall, and up to David Avenue before the connection begins for Westwood Plateau trails.
- Mundy Park Community Path: This paved perimetre trail, between Como Lake and King Albert avenues, goes through Hillcrest middle and passes by Spani Pool, the disc golf course and sports fields before heading to the north end of Carmen Street. The trail then diverts to King Albert Avenue and Hickey Street before re-entering the park and north along the hydro right of way. The city asks dog owners to have their pooches on leash while on this trail. Best to park off of Mariner Way.
- Como Lake: Though this unpaved trail is not officially designated as an accessible trail, the terrain is flat enough for a baby buggy – and the view is peaceful and pretty as well. The lakeside loop is 1.2-kilometres long and passes by a wetland, picnic areas, Como Creek, fishing docks and the Kinsmen Kiddie Playground. The city plans to tear down and replace the washrooms this fall. Park off Gatensbury Street.
- Mackin Park: This unpaved perimetre trail is designated as an accessible path by the city. Located at 1046 Brunette Ave., in Maillardville, the trail passes by three softball fields and a Little League baseball field as well as Nelson Creek.
Trail maps can be picked up at Coquitlam civic leisure facilities including CCAC, Chimo Pool as well as the library branches and city hall. For more details on the accessibility of Coquitlam trails, call 604-927-3546.
PORT COQUITLAM
- Traboulay PoCo Trail: This 25-kilometre flat trail circles the city; however, the only paved part is from Lougheed Highway to the Red Bridge. Still, users can pass by a varied landscape that includes forests and creeks, meadows and marsh, riverfront and urban development. Started in 1967 as part of a national centennial project, the trail didn’t take shape until the early 1970s when the PoCo Trailblazers stepped in. In 2001, the city added the name “Traboulay” to honour the late mayor Len Traboulay. For a virtual tour, visit the city’s website at http://www.seevirtual360.com/themes/2/theme02.aspx?listingID=5224.
PORT MOODY
- Shoreline Trail: This three-kilometre, horse-shoe shaped paved path follows the inlet between Rocky Point Park pier and Old Orchard on the north shore. There are two parallel trails: a dirt trail for walkers and a paved pathway for cyclists, inline skaters, baby strollers and wheelchairs. The trail connects the city’s six waterfront parks: Rocky Point, Inlet, Town Centre, Shoreline, Old Orchard and Tidal parks. Best to park at Rocky Point Park.