New signage has just been installed at the Island Lake Conservation Area park and trail system. The signage program has been in the design and planning stage for over two years. The purpose is to provide guidance on how to find all of the connecting trails, distance and location to washrooms and gatehouse. Another goal was to provide improved safety for park and trail users.  Signs located at all kiosks and strategically located pedestals indicate location, distances, emergency number to call and post trail marker numbers.

According to Eric Mailloux, Property Management Superintendent, Conservation Parks. there are now stations clearly marked one to fifty three along the system of trails. A noticeable change to regular trail users is that the Baker Trail is now called the “Hockley Trail”. All trails are now identified by a particular colour.  The Hockley Trail is purple. Vicki Barron Trail is gold. Sugar Bush Trail is red. Memorial Forest Trail is green and the Family Trail is yellow.

Many of running friends have posted on Facebook that they have noticed newly installed benches located along the “Hockley Trail”. One bench is in memory of our running friend Paul Elford who loved running at Island Lake.

Another major park improvement is the change in location of the canoe/kayak/paddleboard storage area. The new storage area is significantly larger to meet the growing demands for storage space.

The Natural Playscape, which is a joint project of the Orangeville Lions Club, Orangeville Rotary Club, Friends of Island Lake and the Credit Valley Conservation Area, is now in the construction stage after years of planning. Terri LeRoux, Senior Manager, PARCS, has stated that the Natural Playscape is scheduled to be complete this fall. A formal “ground breaking ceremony” is scheduled to take place next week.

I would like to remind my blog readers to seriously consider going to the Orangeville Rotary Club’s 10^th Annual Ribfest this weekend! While you are there, visit the Orangeville Lions’ Booth to enjoy the best fresh cut fries in town! I will be working at the Lions’ Food Booth on Sunday so please drop by and have a friendly chat!

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