Urban provincial park offering guided walks for health
Lisha Van Nieuwenhove
In an effort to encourage Uxbridge residents to explore local trails and the benefits of nature at the Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park, the Township of Uxbridge is offering free guided trail walks at the park this Friday, July 18.
The date marks Healthy Parks - Healthy People day, created by Ontario Parks to help promote the physical and mental benefits of nature.
According to an announcement issued by the township, “being outside in nature is good for your physical health and helps reduce stress.
Ontario Parks recognizes Healthy Parks-Healthy People day each year by offering free day admission to most Ontario Parks and free programming at select parks.
Walks will take place, weather permitting, at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. This is a drop-in program, no pre-registration is required. Parking and admission to Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park is free. Ontario Parks staff will also be on site that day with discovery table and exhibits.
Participants are asked to meet at the main parking lot at 565 Old Stouffville Rd. up to 15 minutes ahead of the planned start time. Long pants, close-toed shoes, and bug spray are recommended. Inquiries about the program can be made at events@uxbridge.ca.
For more information on how to enjoy a free visit to other Ontario Parks on July 18 visit ontarioparks.ca/hphp/freedayuse.
This event is sponsored by the Township of Uxbridge.
Now only one year old, the Uxbridge Urban Provincial park is made up of 532 hectares (1,315 acres) of lands in unconnected properties in the township. Instead of a single parcel of land, the park is made up of individual parcels of lands within the Uxbridge area.
According to the Township’s website, the park “will strengthen the long-term protection of biodiversity and important habitats within the park while providing opportunities for visitors to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.”
The website outlines that the parcels of lands making up the urban provincial park include several unique types of natural spaces that need protection; contain important wetland areas and older-growth forest in good condition; contribute to watershed protection; and contain significant features such as species at risk and a provincially significant area of natural and scientific interest.
Motorized vehicles, hunting, camping and campfires are not permitted in the urban provincial park at any time.