By Rachel Fioret, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Woolwich Observer
Woolwich Township is home to an abundant network of trails that sees plenty of use, as documented in the recently released parks and recreation master plan.
Those taking part in today’s (November 14) Woolwich Trails Group hike, for instance, will have a firsthand look at the township’s offerings.
Thursday’s event will see Linda Wilbur lead a hike along the Elmira Lions Lake Trail, starting at 1 p.m. from the Floradale Park parking lot.
Rain or shine, hikers will trek through the environment of spruce forest, sugar maple bush and meadow fields via the well-maintained trail around the Woolwich Reservoir. The group expects 10 to 20 people to take part.
“This hike provides an opportunity for folks to explore what trail amenities the township has to offer, try hiking and get active, meet new people, learn about Woolwich trails from the hike leaders and other regulars, and enjoy a hike with other like-minded people, friends or family,” said Ann Roberts, environmental coordinator at the Township of Woolwich.
The hike covers seven kilometres, which is just a small part of the 104 kilometres of trails in the township.
The new master plan notes trails are a strong suit for the township.
“Woolwich provides a high service level for trails at four kilometres per 1,000 residents compared to the regional average at one km per 1,000 residents,” Roberts said.
As such, the number of trails is expected to remain within service levels as the township grows. The newly adopted master plan forecasts some $41 million in spending to provide recreation services as the township’s population grows by 78 per cent to 51,200 by 2051, led by a new arena and pool in Breslau, for example.
Still, an improved trails network was addressed by respondents to a survey that was part of the master plan’s preparations.
When asked about priorities for upgrades or new construction, 44 per cent of respondents indicated the need for improvements for nature trails, and 34 per cent expressed a preference for upgrades or new construction of paved multi-use trails.
Currently, trail surfaces throughout the township range from natural footpaths to stone dust to asphalt, accommodating a variety of uses, such as cycling, hiking, and mobility devices, and used for both recreation and as active transportation routes, the report notes.
Of the total 104 km of trails in Woolwich, 34 km are owned and managed by the township, located primarily in parks and natural areas. The remaining 70 km of trails are either managed by the township as public trails on private property or are a part of other trail networks, such as at Kissing Bridge Trailway maintained by the Elmira Lions Club.
Trails are an accessible way for people to get outdoors, with events such as this week’s organized hike “an avenue for trying something new, connecting with others, living a healthy lifestyle,” said Roberts.
It’s a way to meet new people, explore a local nature trail and spend time outdoors ahead of the winter weather ahead, she added.
Those interested in Thursday’s hike can meet up at 1 p.m. at the parking lot at 12A Florapine Rd. For this one, participants are asked to refrain from bringing dogs or strollers. For more information, contact Linda Wilbur at 519-503-4711.
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