Grand Bend Trail Keeps on Developing

The Rotary Club of Grand Bend has created a wonderful walking and biking trail for residents and visitors alike, skirting the tree line and meandering along the stretch of Hwy. 21 between Grand Bend and Pinery Provincial Park.

Supported by the Town of Bosanquet, Village of Grand Bend, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Natural Resources and other interested groups, the 10 kilometre path of recycled asphalt, known as the Rotary Nature Trail, provides a great link between the camping facilities at the park and the numerous tourist, entertainment and shopping opportunities in Grand Bend.

Though the trail runs along busy Hwy 21, it is set back a good distance from the roadside and is nestled under the spreading branches of the trees which line the walk.  The smooth surface makes for easy biking and comfortable walking. A great addition to the trail has been the benches and small parkettes located intermittently along the length.

While 10 kilometres may be a strenuous walk, regular rests to observe passing motorists or enjoy the cool shade will make the trek a pleasure. For the jogging enthusiasts, the distance and casual rolling pathway provides some challenge, but would require less strain than that needed for making the journey along the beach. The idea for the trail began a few years ago and after three years of planning and fundraising, the project got underway.

Trail Committee Chair Hank Krech said when the Rotary Club was looking for a major community project several years ago, they set up four groups to look at different options. It was the trail committee which made the winning presentation. After raising approximately $230,000 locally, the first phase of the trail project was completed. Expected to take as many as 20 years to complete, it is hoped the project will be capped with a 21-acre park at the old landfill site, south of the community. The property, now free of methane gas, has mature trees and open grassed areas.

The Rotary Nature Trail will be a place to visit year after year as it expands to incorporate more of the beautiful natural surroundings.