A Metro Vancouver park that has never been open to the public will soon see limited access.
Widgeon Marsh Regional Park is around a half-hour drive from Coquitlam Centre, and the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) says the park is a “special place” for numerous reasons.
The park will open starting Nov. 1 for limited public access.
“Widgeon Marsh Regional Park is a remarkable ecological treasure, and we’re proud to take this important step toward welcoming the public,” said Mike Hurley, chair of Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors, in a statement.
MVRD
“This marks the first time the public will be able to explore one of the region’s most ecologically significant natural areas,” MVRD said in a release.
The park is going to be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., except during times of severe weather or construction.
MVRD
For those who don’t drive, MVRD is offering a free option to get to the park.
“Visitors will be able to access the park by making a vehicle parking reservation, coming by bicycle, walking in, or paddling in via Widgeon Slough. On Saturdays and Sundays, visitors can also reserve seats on the free shuttle that will pick up and drop off in the vicinity of the Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station,” MVRD says.
Part of the reason why the park hasn’t been accessible to the public is due to its ecological vulnerability.
“Widgeon Marsh is part of southwest BC’s largest freshwater wetland and is home to some of the most sensitive lands in the region, and preserving its natural habitats and ecology is a top priority.”
MVRD is warning visitors to prepare before a visit, reminder park users there’s no proper drinking water in the park, and cell service is minimal.
“A highlight of the park is a four-kilometre, accessible paved trail. To preserve the park’s ecological integrity, dogs are not permitted except for service animals. This will be strictly enforced.”