Access Smithers is in the finishing stages of its multi-year effort to improve accessibility at the Willowvale Marsh Wetland.
Representatives presented an update to Smithers Council during Tuesday night’s meeting, announcing that new outdoor furniture was recently installed.
“The marsh is one of the only accessible places in Smithers where people have easy viewing access of wildlife,” said spokesperson Glenys SnowDymond.
Work on improving the accessibility of the marsh trails started in 2014 after she and her family moved to town and took a walk through the woods.
“At that time, I was able to walk well enough to participate and was determined to complete the distance from around the marsh,” SnowDymond said.
She added there was only one place to rest along the trail at the time, and visitors had to either climb a bank to Pacific Avenue or walk back to the parking lot once they were finished.
Since then, various benches, picnic tables, signage, and a loop to join the trail ends have been added to the trails.
The trails are also part of the town’s perimeter trail network.
“The chamber of commerce says this is one of the most popular places that they can recommend to visitors and locals for a safe place to be outside,” SnowDymond said.
Access Smithers asked for the town to add an accessible outhouse to be installed at the parking lot, with existing local interest to provide maintenance.
To celebrate the accessibility improvement project coming to a close, Access Smithers and BC Parks is hosting a walk on Friday starting at 11:30 a.m.
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