Media Release - Forest Trail Park Grand Opening!

Tay Valley Township Celebrates the Grand Opening of Forest Trail Park Thanks to $327,000 in funding including $98,300 OTF Grant From Ontario Government

Tay Valley Township Councillors, staff, and funders, and members of the public gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Forest Trail Park, located at 4337 Narrows Locks Road, which was made possible thanks to over $327,000 in funding from multiple funders.

“Congratulations to the dedicated, hard-working crew who followed through on a vision that is now known as Forest Trail Park” said Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston MPP John Jordan.  Provincial grants at every level have provided you with the tools and resources needed to create a natural path forward for an active, healthy population. This community-led project is perfectly aligned with the Ontario Government’s plan for an inclusive, multi-generational venue that encourages people of every age to get outside and enjoy all the benefits of outdoor recreation.

The Tay Valley Township would like to thank all the funders who made Forest Trail Park possible through their support on behalf of the community:

• $98,300 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation. The grant funded the building of a timber framed pavilion to protect from inclement weather. The project included site preparation, accessible pathways, accessible picnic tables, bear proof garbage receptacles, and signage
• $95,000 from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to fund the construction of accessible trail pathways, bike racks, benches and accessible equipment.
• $59,500 from the COVID Safe Restart Program which funded the installation of fencing along the trail.
• $Inclusive Communities Grant - $48,000 - accessible exercise equipment
• Over $10,000 from Northland Power through a future energy node and the donation of the land that the park sits on.
• $6,250 from Seniors Community Grant Program for the purchase of accessible exercise equipment.
• $5,000 from Lanark and District Civitan Club - $5,000 to purchase a trail bench
• $5,000 from Lanark County to fund the building of an information kiosk.
• Finally, a special thanks to Stan Strickland, a volunteer, for the building of the information kiosk

This newest recreational space creates an inclusive outdoor space with countless opportunities to connect with nature, family, and friends, encouraging a healthy lifestyle while enhancing the rural community for residents and tourists alike. Forest Trail Park highlights a newly constructed timber framed pavilion with accessible picnic tables, accessible trail pathways, accessible exercise equipment, an information kiosk, accessible washroom (mid May to mid October), bear proof garbage receptacles, and signage. These amenities enhance the Townships newest recreational addition by offering accessible upgrades that will be enjoyed by the community for years to come.

“We couldn’t be happier with how the Forest Trail Park has come together, adding a fantastic new recreational opportunity within the Township,” said Reeve Rob Rainer. “The parks accessible features provide an inclusive opportunity for everyone to get outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer, year-round.”

Tay Valley Township is an inclusive rural community that honours our cultural, heritage and natural landscape, where people strive to improve the quality of life for all.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

Accessible Pathway through Forest Trail Park

Forest Trail Park Information Kiosk

Forest Trail Park Stationary Exercise Equipment

Forest Trail Park Timber Framed Pavilion with Accessible Picnic Tables and Bear Proof Garbage Receptacle  

Park Bench donated by the Lanark and District Civitan Club

For further information contact:
Amanda Mabo, CAO/Clerk
Tay Valley Township
217 Harper Road, Perth, ON, K7H 3C6
613-267-5353 ext. 123
cao@tayvalleytwp.ca