Yes, it will be a day for the dogs in the Hidden Grove this Sunday, April 7. Everyone is invited, but dog owners are especially encouraged to bring their canine pets -on leash to start, please.
The occasion is the official opening of the second wheelchair accessible trail in the Groves -this one more than 400 metres long, 1.5 metres wide and surfaced for wheelchairs and walkers. The new trail loops from the entrance kiosk into some very pretty forest. There is a lovely ridge area and an abundance of plants of several species among the trees. The official opening ceremony starts at 2 p.m.
This new trail, like almost everything in the Groves, was built by the volunteer trail builders of the Sechelt Groves Society, a group of seniors who turn out regularly to do real manual labour on this community project. To assist in funding the project, a generous grant was received from the small project component of the enabling accessibility fund of the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. Locally, Swanson's Ready-Mix Ltd., Lehigh Materials and the District of Sechelt all contributed.
The Groves are dog friendly for well-behaved dogs and even designated a legal District of Sechelt off-leash area. But this trail is even more special. It is officially called Monty's Way in memory of Monty, the beloved springer spaniel of Society president Bob D'Arcy.
During the 12 years of working on saving and developing the Groves, Monty was always at D'Arcy's side. His last official act was as the model for the virtual tour photos of the first accessibility trail the day after its opening, May 13, 2012. He passed away that same day at age 13, his duty done.
Most of the dedicated volunteer trail builders are doggie guys, so they too celebrate the recognition of the dog on this special opening day. Recently the Society had to expand its membership categories to include dogs as they received a photo application from Lucy, a real cutie, along with a nice donation cheque. Super dog membership donations are now seriously encouraged.
The Sunshine Coast branch of the SPCA will have a special table at the opening and they will be asking for donations from all in attendance before they take their first trip around the new trail. Master of ceremonies for the opening will be Dave Lasser of the Sunshine Coat Community Forest, and there will be an official ribbon cutting by the District's accessibility advisory committee chairperson, Bill Conway, with his guide dog, Captain Midnight.
The Sechelt Groves Society invites everyone to come with or without dogs to this fun event that celebrates a new facility for those with mobility issues and supports the SPCA, too. See more details about this and about the Society at www.secheltgroves.com.
- Submitted
