Following the opening of the "Take It Easy" wheelchair access trail in Hidden Grove on May 13, there is now even more to celebrate at the Groves.
The Sechelt Grove Society (SGS) has completed the installation of an entrance kiosk. With logs donated by the Sunshine Coast Community Forest and manufacturing donated by West Coast Log Homes, the kiosk will provide an out of the rain sitting area and large signage with important information about the Groves.
SGS trail builder volunteers completed the installation of the kiosk on July 7. The signage is currently being prepared and should be installed later this month.
One volunteer, Rupert Clark, was seriously injured during the kiosk roof installation and suffered a broken back when he fell from a ladder. Society members are pleased to report that Clark (known to friends as "The Roop") is quickly recovering and pledges to be back volunteering at the Groves by fall.
On July 21, the machine work began on a second wheelchair accessible trail. It will be about 480 metres long and loop into a lovely area south of the main entrance and parking lot. The trail starts just to the right of the kiosk. Major funds for this new trail came in a grant from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.
With the trail builders taking a summer break, it is expected the trail will be completed in September or October.
This means there will be over a kilometre of trails in the Groves suitable for wheelchairs, walkers, strollers or for those who need an easier route into the Grove woods.
With the new features the Hidden Grove is gaining in popularity for residents and visitors alike. Rough counts indicate over 250 visitors on some days and yet it never seems crowded. Maps and pictures, including virtual tours, are on the SGS website at secheltgroves.com.
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