A plan put in motion in early 2023 sees boardwalks rising in Uplands Park this winter to optimize users’ winter experiences in the popular Oak Bay park.
“What we’re doing is we’re creating a winter walking loop. We’ve had a lot of concerns expressed that the park is too wet,” said Chris Hyde-Lay, Oak Bay manager of parks services.
The 30-hectare natural area is home to dozens of endangered and listed plants, and drainage is sensitive, particularly on the inland side of the park. Being a popular urban park, it’s important to find a balance to co-exist.
“We can’t go in and change the environment where the rare and endangered plants are established,” Hyde-Lay said. “We will also be working on some educational signage for the park, talking about what a great spot it is.”
Two sections of boardwalk and segments of gravel with screening overlay will create a trail around the perimeter of the park. The framing, sourced from Wickcraft Boardwalks through Habitat Systems, is made out of metal – rather than noisy aluminum – and yellow pine panels.
The longer section is about 100 metres on the Dorset Road side of the park in the meadow and the second is an area always underwater in the winter.
The goal is to make it more inclusive while keeping folks on the trail. Each spring, the central meadow blooms purple on a lush green backdrop, but in the winter, it’s less clear to see the endangered plants that lurk beneath the muddy field. As trails get muddy, walkers widen their paths into what can be sensitive ecosystems.
“It will enhance the winter walking experience. When it’s all done I think it will enhance the park in a really good way,” Hyde-Lay said.
The build is underway, with hopes to finish by the end of February.
While feedback on-site has been mixed, Hyde-Lay said, it does lean toward the “it’s needed” side.
It's a well-used park, and a diverse variety of people visit even in winter to bird watch, dog walk or just get out and about in nature.
“We like to think of it as an ecological reserve. … There are more iNaturalist postings from people in Uplands Park than really any other park,” Hyde-Lay said. “Creating the winter walking loop is just one piece in managing all the recreational demands on the park. I look at this as a benefit.”
The boardwalk doesn’t change the leashing rules in the park. Dogs must be on from April through June, during bird nesting season.
