Parks Day

 July 17, 2016

I can’t believe it has already been more than a week since I was out in Fishcreek Park enjoying the annual Parks Day. This year the event was combined with Creekfestl. There were a lot of people out enjoying the sun and the music as well as using the pathways. There were many organizations spreading information about nature and the environment.

Alberta Parks Push to Open nature ambassadors (that’s  me) were out showing off the Park Explorer and the trailrider to incite people to get outdoors and enjoy the many trails to be found.

Getting closer to nature is good for everyone’s health.

Some lovely AB Parks ambassador volunteers 

I had a blast, until the thunderstorm hit. We stayed relatively dry and luckily I had on enough layers not to get too chilled until my ride came.

Sikome Lake opening

June 23, 2016

Tonight I went to the re-opening of Sikome Lake in Calgary’s Fish Creek Provincial Park.  It is in the SE corner of Fish Creek near the Bow Valley Ranche. I arrived after a rain shower. I could smell the moisture in the air.  The sun had come back out and the evening was mild and the wind had subsided. It was a perfect night to get out the beach wheelchair. I ended up just watching a few people take it into the water, but it was fun to see the enjoyment it offered.

The enthusiasm was catching. My fellow Push to Open ambassadors were on hand. It was good to see many of the people in Alberta Parks who are advocates and leaders in the inclusion model within Alberta Parks. I am excited to go back and “get my feet wet” using the beach wheelchair.

Remember: “Everyone Belongs Outside.” So, go enjoy Sikome Aquatic Centre and get your feet wet in the outdoors. For more information go to Sikome Aquatic Facility

Pilot project- Fish Creek Provincial Park minibus

May 26, 2016

 

Tonight I am on my way to the Bow Valley Ranch on the SE part of Fish Creek park to pilot using a minibus in conjunction with Friends of Fish Creek and Alberta Parks to offer tours to people with limited mobility or other people who want to see the park, but have no means to do so. We were checking for accessibility and for any impediments that could be removed. I love this idea as we also had a guide who had intimate knowledge of the park. I think more people would be willing to see this fabulous place with a little incentive such as this.

The weather was not cooperating tonight. The sky looked dark and ominous as I was driven down to the site. I knew we would be under the covered minibus, but it wouldn’t stop the cold and wind from chilling us all. Even with this prospect, we were all still excited about seeing the park. Many of our group had not been there at all before and I had only seen a fraction of this area.

photo courtesy of Mary Salvani

We all got into the minibus and we were then given a basic history of the area as well as information about what the night would hold.  Our driver, Don, started us down the paved path.  We had a few showers, but after 30 minutes of rain, the sun came out. We learned so much about the natural history of the park and what was done to reclaim the areas to make it the wonderful natural space it is now.

I think it was a successful pilot. Now we just have to spread the news.

Red Winged Blackbird- photo courtesy of Mary Salvani

Look for tours through Friends of Fish Creek... Minibus tours