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Abide by the signs at Coopers Green

Hi everyone! As the hot, dry weather continues, we are all struggling to stay cool and hydrated. Our gardens, plants and veggies are suffering along with wildlife and creatures of the ocean.
halfmoon

Hi everyone! As the hot, dry weather continues, we are all struggling to stay cool and hydrated. Our gardens, plants and veggies are suffering along with wildlife and creatures of the ocean. We can all do our part in conserving water and adhering to the water restrictions along with encouraging our guests to be mindful of our precious water.

Coopers Green Park is a popular place for friends, family and visitors to enjoy throughout the year and especially during the summer months. There are several picnic tables, clean and well-kept public washrooms, a change area, sand volleyball court, lots of grass areas to spread out a blanket or play bocce ball. The shoreline is rocky but easily accessible and the water is crystal clear.

It is also one of very few places to launch a boat so the area can be quite busy with boaters trying to get out on the water. There are several No Parking signs posted near the boat ramp and along the narrow roadway so that vehicles with their boat trailers can manoeuvre down the ramp and safely back out without parked cars hindering their path. Unfortunately, some visitors either don’t see the signs or choose to ignore them. Whatever the reason, no parking means no parking. The signs are not posted as an inconvenience to those wanting to visit the park, the signs are there for the safety of those using the ramp, swimming in the area or lounging at the water’s edge.

Along with No Parking signs and other common signs at regional parks, there are also No Overnight Camping signs located in a few visible places. Over the last few weeks, there have been campers and camper vans occupying valuable day use parking spaces. As there are facilities to use only feet away and fresh water easily accessible, the campers are enjoying the beautiful park with little regard to parking restrictions. Signs, rules and restrictions are put in place for a reason, so it is up to us to abide by them and respect areas that we visit and encourage visitors to do the same.

The Halfmoon Bay Community Association is hosting its first post-pandemic event on Sunday, Aug. 1 at Coopers Green Park. The Seaside Shuffle runs from 3 to 9 p.m. with family fun, kids’ entertainment, live music, food and libation vendors. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets! Everyone is encouraged to use the “Shuffle Bus,” ride their bikes or walk, as parking will be at a premium. The boat ramp must be made available for boaters and emergency use, so visitors are reminded to not park anywhere near the boat ramp. Redrooffs Road is also very narrow through this section with no room to park on the shoulder. Please do not block the roadway as it is the only access in and out. For more information about the event and to view the Shuffle Bus route, please visit hmbcommunity.org/2021 Upcoming Events or send an email to hbcacommunications2021@gmail.com.

As we celebrate B.C. Day on Monday, Aug. 2, let’s enjoy the great weather, spend some time with family and friends and be safe out on the water.

Be gentle and always be kind. Have your “Say at the Bay,” please contact me before 5 p.m. on Mondays. cindy.kisser@telus.net.