The first Sunday in June marks exactly 10 years since the purchase of the Okanagan Rail Trail was finalised, so this is an opportune time to celebrate this special community resource! On Sunday June 1st, from 1pm-4pm, the free, family-friendly Rail Trail 10-year Anniversary Celebration will fill the Grist Mill Heritage Park (Rail Trail at Dilworth).
The event includes live music from three wonderful local bands, activities for kids, tours and information stations by local community groups, bike displays from local shops, and opportunities to learn about other ways to engage with and support the Rail Trail. The website for the event is here.
“This event is all about celebrating the trail, and inviting people to use it more!” says Rebecca Tyson, the event organiser and veteran cycling commuter. “There is such a variety of different groups using the trail: I’m sure everyone who comes to the event will learn something new about it.”
Since the trail’s purchase, the Kelowna section has been paved, and is beloved by citizens commuting, recreating, or observing the wildlife along the trail. On a warm sunny day, people of all ages enjoy the safe and beautiful green space next to Mill Creek and well-separated from traffic.
In addition to solo cyclists and runners, many organised cycling and running groups use the trail for recreating and fitness training. You can see many other modes of locomotion on the trail too: Roller-skiing by the Telemark racers, trishaw rides through Cycling Without Age, inline skating and roller-skating, or just plain walking (with or without a dog!).
The Rail Trail is also an important wildlife corridor, harbours endangered species, and offers several kilometres of hiking trails. Mill Creek is an important fish-bearing creek, and the area has cultural significance for First Nations.
The Kelowna Area Cycling Coalition is inviting the community to come and learn about the trail, how beautiful and safe it is, and the many ways that it is used. There will also be a thank you card for Kelowna City Council for the role it played in purchasing the trail, and visitors are invited to contribute thoughts and drawings.
“The Rail Trail is for everyone,” says Rebecca, “and is one of the loveliest green spaces in Kelowna. I hope that lots of people come to the event to learn about it.”
