Over the past few years at SCI BC we’ve noticed a wonderful trend of community groups developing accessible trails across the province. These trails are a positive addition to the available recreation options for our members, but they don’t just benefit people with spinal cord injury. Family members and friends also use them, as do people with other disabilities, seniors, parents with baby strollers, and many others. The real beauty of these trails is that they are for everyone.
Community groups often ask SCI BC about best practices for trail grades, surfacing, parking, and other accessibility questions. Our staff members have provided information on a number of trail initiatives and have been pleased to attend the openings of several accessible trails recently.
Our Northern Peer Coordinator, Brandy Stiles, has tried out a number of the accessible trails in her area over the past few years. On Sept. 19, she attended the opening of the Great West Life Mobility Trail at Dougherty Creek near Prince George. This trail was built by the Tabor Mountain Recreation Society. The work was done primarily by volunteers, with materials paid for through the support of a number of groups; the main financial supporter was Great West Life.
Here’s Brandy’s perspective on the new trail and how it compares to other accessible trails she’s visited.
“I was invited to check out the site before the area had been developed so it was amazing to see the transformation from a wilderness no go zone for wheelchair users to an accessible pathway anyone can utilize to enjoy all that nature has to offer. The folks at Tabor Mountain Recreation Society really worked hard to apply the concept of universal design to this project. I am very excited about this particular trail as I happen to live nearby and look forward to taking advantage of its close proximity. There is also a small campground at the site that’s scheduled for upgrades next year, it will make a nice spot for SCI BC’s annual peer group camping trips in the future!”
Check out the beautiful forest views, take a picnic, and have a break from the city by spending some time at this new trail.
To visit the Great West Life Mobility trail from Prince George, take Highway 97 South to Buckhorn Lake Road; turn left. Follow Buckhorn Lake Road for 6.8 km until you reach a major bend in the road; turn left onto Scott Road. Travel to the end of Scott Road (2.4 km) to where the gravel starts; take the first right (at 0.2 km) and drive until you reach the main parking lot and trail head.
OTHER NEARBY ACCESSIBLE TRAILS:
SCI BC would like to extend to our sincere thanks and appreciation to all those groups who have built or helped fund accessible trails in BC. In particular, we’d like to acknowledge the Tabor Mountain Recreation Society, Great West Life, and all other funders and supporters for their work on this latest trail.
You can check out a video introducing the Great West Life Mobility Trail here.
