The community walking trail project is making definite strides, as the trail between
Fireman's Park in Bellevue and the
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre is near completion thanks to the efforts of the
Katimavik volunteer group and other local enthusiasts.
The trail building is a major project for this latest group of Katimavik youth volunteers, who come from across Canada. Five of the seven members work on the trail at a time, and have been busy getting it ready for public use. Walking trail project coordinator Jenice Smith and employees from the
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre have assisted in their efforts.
Members of the public are being invited to an inaugural trail hike with the Katimavik volunteers on Friday, August 13, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre's parking lot. Smith says that this will be a special sneak peek of the finished trail, and she encourages people to bring proper footwear and water. Anyone taking part will need to sign a liability waiver.
The trail winds its way around the far edges of the Frank Slide, including a specific viewpoint overlooking the century-old rock slide, where a bench will likely be installed in the future. For part of the trail, walkers will use the old wagon trail that was once used to bypass the Slide area. The trail runs through a scenic route, avoiding cliffs and nesting nighthawks, skirting wet areas and crossing a small, intermittent stream.
Walkers are treated to rare views of the Slide as seen from its far side. Smith says that many people who have seen the trail so far have noted that they had never been through that area before.
The trail is designed for both walkers and cyclists, but is designed as a natural, recreational trail. Smith says that they aimed to cause as little disturbance as possible, using natural trail surface.
