Park Board Teams with BC Rehab to Make Stanley Park Trail Accessible

October 18, 2004 (No. 77) - The Stanley Park trail that links the Seawall to Beaver Lake is now accessible to park users with physical disabilities. The accessible trail, a joint project of the Park Board, BC Rehab and Classic Rock 101, was officially opened Sunday, October 17th.

Reduction of the trail's grade, an all weather surface of granite screenings and log curbing ensure the trail will now provide safe travel year round. BC Rehab, with the support of the radio station, Classic Rock 101, raised more than $50,000 for this project. The redesigned trail provides access to the quiet and beauty of Stanley Park, allowing vsitors with physical disabilities a more intimate experience of the flora and fauna found in the understory of the park's west coast forest. Interpretive stations are also being planned for a later date. To ensure the safety of trail users, no cycling will be permitted on the trial.

Park Board Chair Anita Romaniuk, had this to say about the project: "The Park Board is grateful to community partners BC Rehab and Classic Rock 101 for initiating this project. They have worked for more than three years to help the Park Board provide those living with a physical disability an opportunity to enjoy the enriching experience of Stanley Park's inner forest - something that the rest of us might tend to take for granted." BC Rehab and Classic Rock 101 raised funds to create the Beaver Lake Accessible Trail in 2002, and joined forces once again to improve access from Beaver Lake to the Stanley Park Seawall. BC Rehab's Advisory Committee has provided immeasurable counsel on accessibility issues to assist the Park Board in meeting the needs of park users with physical disabilities.

The engineering firm Golder Associates provided consultation and design for the accessible trail and the project was completed by Wood Projects, Ltd.

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Contact: Carol DeFina, Communication Coordinator, at 604-257-8440.

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.

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