Cyclists in the community will soon be able to take in the spectacular views of the Sackville Waterfowl Park that have been enjoyed by walkers for more than 20 years.
Pending final approval from town council next month, bicycles will be permitted on designated trails around the perimeter of the park for the first time since its opening in 1988.
Todd Cole, Sackville’s director of parks and recreation facilities, said council is required to amend the Waterfowl Park bylaw to allow bikers on the selected pathways – one that runs from the park entrance next to the Drew Nursing Home over past the small covered bridge to the rail bed (Trans Canada Trail); and the other one parallels the highway from the Visitor Information Centre site over to the rail bed.
The trail closest to the highway recently underwent a major makeover that has widened the pathway for bikes as well as bringing it to higher ground to avoid flooding. It now features a partially-bermed pathway with floating boardwalk sections.
An added bonus of the new trail is the opportunity to link the Trans-Canada trail over to the tourist bureau, so cyclists will have a route to take that doesn’t cross the four-lane highway.
Coun. Margaret Tusz-King said the designated trails will be wide enough for both cyclists and walkers to share the route; however the narrower boardwalk within the park will still be off limits to bikes.
First reading of the amended bylaw was approved during council’s meeting earlier this month, and second and third reading are expected to come forward in May.
Opening up the trail system to both walkers and cyclists is a step the town is taking as part of its Active Transportation Plan, which aims to promote a healthier lifestyle while improving upon the community’s quality of life.
