A yearlong project to provide more cost-free leisure activities to Creston’s downtown core is closer to completion after the recent paving of 1.3 kilometres of trails south of Cook Street.
Town engineering manager Colin Farynowski said yesterday that concrete pads are being put in this week so that park benches and trash containers can be installed.
The entire project, which includes the trails, an off-leash dog park, green gym fitness equipment, lighting, signage and parking areas, is a partnership between the town and two local Rotary clubs. A $400,000 community and recreation grant was boosted with $134,000 in contributions from the Creston and Creston Valley Rotary clubs.
“The paving is the most visible aspect, so it seems like it all coming together quickly now,” Farynowski said.
Paved trails will have posts installed at entry points to prevent access by motorized vehicles, but there are no plans to restrict bikes, skateboards, scooters and the like.
“This is planned as a multi-use trail,” Farynowski said. “We will see if anything becomes an issue as time moves along, but there is no intent to restrict anything but motorized recreation vehicles at this time.”
The trail has two segments. One, known as Steve’s Ride in memory of the late Steve Hernandez, a longtime town employee and avid cyclist, starts at a paved parking area off 11th Avenue South and runs down along Dodds Creek and up to the newly constructed dog park that is accessed from Cedar Street, west of the railway tracks. A parking lot has also been paved at that location. The other segment starts at Cook Street, near the town’s RV parking site, and runs north of the railway tracks, behind Millennium Park, across Cedar Street and on to Creston Valley Public Library.
A green gym, featuring sturdy outdoor equipment similar to the one in Centennial Park, will feature 17 pieces constructed by Triactive Fitness. Signage will include instructions on how to use each piece for a healthy outdoor workout.
A fountain is being installed inside the dog park this week and just outside the fence will be a water bottle filling station for pedestrians. At regular intervals along the trails, park benches and trash receptacles will be installed, along with “dog waste centres” which include plastic bag dispensers.
A total of nine signs are under construction. Five will include trail maps and the others will feature general information. Lighting, with the same design as the current light standards behind Millennium Park, will be installed in the dog park and parking areas. Light standards will include banner extensions.
“Coun. Judy Gadicke and her committee are working on the designs for the banners now,” Farynowski said.
“This project is a tremendous example of how a community works together,” said Mayor Ron Toyota. “Our town staff did a great job of putting together a grant proposal that was successful and they have worked with volunteers and the Rotary clubs to create a partnership, to the benefit of our residents. They all deserve our thanks.”