To celebrate British Columbia’s “Move for Health” Day, MLA Laurie Throness will join representatives from the Fraser Valley Regional District as they unveil the newest addition to the Cheam Lake Wetlands.
On Saturday, May 9 the Popkum Multi-Use Trail System will be officially complete. The project, supported in part by a $114,567 grant through the Government of British Columbia’s Community Recreation Program, provides new opportunities for walking, cycling and healthy living in the FVRD’s Electoral Area D.
This family friendly community event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at the park on Elgey Road. Visitors can join a guided hike, build a birdhouse, and learn more about the importance of the Cheam Lake Wetlands to our ecosystem.
“The Fraser Valley is filled with opportunities for people to go out and enjoy park life that we are so fortunate to have at our doorstep,” said Throness. “This is a four season trail and I encourage everyone to come and enjoy this tremendous example of B.C. wetlands.”
The Cheam Lake Wetlands is a 107 hectare park where over 180 bird species have been recorded.
“The Cheam Lake Wetlands has tremendous biodiversity and the FVRD is committed to protecting these areas,” explains Patricia Ross, Vice Chair of the FVRD. “By establishing a community park and trail system, we can help to better educate the community about the value of this ecosystem as well as encourage active, healthy living.”
The 6th Chilliwack Scouts will be on hand to plant trees at the May 9 event.
“The residents of Popkum and surrounding area are very committed to wetlands, and have already contributed many volunteer hours to help build this trail system,” said Bill Dickey, Director for Electoral Area D. “It is really gratifying to see this park finally completed and I look forward to watching it grow and develop in the years to come.”
The provincial $30-million Community Recreation Program was developed to help local governments meet the costs of capital projects that make communities healthier, more active places in which to live. In total, 98 recreation projects throughout B.C. were funded through this program to help build everything from bike parks, trails, fitness facilities and walkways to playgrounds, rinks and recreation centres.