Ten Mile Lake is the most recent area in the Cariboo Chilcotin to open a new accessible trail. The Kosta’s Cove Accessible Trail opened today and was built in partnership between the Cariboo Regional District, the Parkland Recreation Commission, Northern Development Initiative Trust, Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition and the provincial government through the BC Community Recreation Program.
Just over 2 kilometres long, the trail starts at Kosta’s Cove Community Park and winds along the shore of Ten Mile Lake with the option of traversing through lush forest. Accessible picnic tables, benches and an accessible outhouse are interspersed along the trail route. An information kiosk is available at the trailhead.
“This new trail increases recreational options for residents and visitors of all ages and ability, providing a great incentive to get active and stay fit. I am pleased that through a grant from the Community Recreation Program, along with contributions from the Cariboo Regional District and community partnerships, we have achieved this important project that contributes to the health and well-being of residents for the ongoing prosperity of this community,” said Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.
“It is with great pleasure we are able to officially open another trail in the Cariboo Chilcotin and take the next step towards developing the region as an accessible and inclusive tourism destination,” states CRD Electoral Area B Director Jerry Bruce. “I extend my gratitude to the Parkland Recreation Commission, the province, NDIT and CCBAC for funding this exciting new accessible trail. It has helped us expand access to this site for those with limited mobility and I know it will be a well-used outdoor attraction in our region.”
The trail has a packed, crushed gravel surface and a gentle grade, with a 1 kilometre section of moderate difficulty and a 300 metre section of higher difficulty.
“The Kosta’s Cove Accessible Trail provides a wonderful opportunity to attract a greater diversity of people to enjoy the public recreation site at Kosta’s Cove Community Park,” says Christine Piltz, Facilities Agent for the Parkland Recreation Commission. “It will allow many more residents and visitors of all mobility levels to experience the beauty of Kosta's Cove on Ten Mile Lake. We would like to thank all of the volunteers and partners who helped bring this trail to completion.”
“Northern Development is proud to have provided financial support for this project through our Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program,” says Northern Development Initiative Trust CEO Janine North. “The development of these wheelchair accessible wilderness trails means that more people will be able to enjoy this beautiful part of our province, which will increase recreation opportunities and visitor numbers to the area.”
“The Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition is excited to be a part of this regional project,” states CCBAC Chair, Bob Simpson. “It is an excellent example of how partnerships, cooperation and collaboration can achieve great results. Projects such as the Kostas Cove Accessible Trail improve our communities by making our region accessible to all and enhance the visitor experience in the Cariboo Chilcotin.”
The Kosta’s Cove Accessible Trail is located about 12 km north of Quesnel on Bjornson Road, at the north end of Ten Mile Lake. Ongoing management of the site is provided by the Parkland Recreation Commission.
For further information about the growing list of accessible trails within the Cariboo Regional District, visit us online at cariboord.ca and look under Services -- > Recreation.
About the Community Recreation Program
The $30-million Community Recreation Program was developed to address the unique challenges faced by communities in the Province with respect to meeting their recreational infrastructure needs. The program invests in local government capital projects that make communities healthier, more active places in which to live. Through the duration of the program, the B.C. government provided grants for 98 recreation projects throughout B.C. – to help fund everything from bike paths, trails, fitness facilities and walkways to playgrounds and recreation centres.
About the CRD Accessible Trail Network
The CRD Board passed a resolution in 2006 to work towards developing the Cariboo Chilcotin as a world leader in accessible outdoor recreation and tap into niche tourism markets for persons of low mobility. Other wheelchair accessible sites within the CRD include Tatlayoko, Kersley, Cottonwood Historic Site, 108 Mile/Sepa Lakes, Lac La Hache, Horsefly Salmon Spawning Trails, Gavin Lakeshore Trail, and most recently the Barkerville Cemetery Accessible Trail which was officially opened in June 27. There are currently five other accessible wilderness trails being developed by the CRD, some of which were funded through the Community Recreation Program.
No comments:
Post a Comment