More than 100 people are expected to converge on the west side of Tabor Mountain this Saturday to celebrate a lengthened and improved mobility trail.
Designed for seniors and people in wheelchairs, the feature along the south bank of Dougherty Creek was first opened two years ago.
Since that day, a second 450-metre loop of trail has been added - doubling the total amount in the process - complete with benches, picnic tables and a drainage crossing, along with two new gazebos.
"As well as that, we've improved the surface by putting finer stuff down so that those with the smaller wheels don't have as much difficulty," said Tabor Mountain Recreation Society vice president Ken Hodges.
Located just 23 kilometres south of the city, the trail has become a popular destination, drawing not only people from in town but, according to the guest book, from as far away as Europe, Australia and the United States.
"It has a maximum grade of five per cent, so it's fairly flat," Hodges said. "We had a lady out there with respiratory issues and an oxygen tank and the benches were separated just perfectly so that she could go from bench to bench and rest.
"We've had young families going out there because the kids love it. We have gnomes and characters spread throughout the trail so they get excited trying to find these things.
"It's the enjoyment of the outdoors in a safe environment for the general public."
Between the grants, donations, in-kind work and volunteer time, the project's cost added up to $87,500. Northern Development Initiative Trust, the federal government's New Horizons for Seniors program and the Fraser-Fort George Regional District were the prime funding sources but not the only ones.
"We had a lady whose son passed away in Japan and he was a very avid outdoorsman," Hodges said. "And she had the donations in lieu of flowers go to the trail and the campsite."
Along with highlighting all that's been added and improved, the plans for revamping the campground will be unveiled during the celebration.
"The existing campground is a little haphazard so we want to make it a little more formal," Hodges said.
The celebration runs from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the public is invited.
To reach the site, take Highway 97 south to Buckhorn Road and turn left (east). Follow Buckhorn Road to Scott Road and turn north. Travel to the end of the road to where the gravel starts and take the first right to the main parking lot. There are signs to guide visitors along the way.
For more information, go to tmrs.ca.
