The construction of Boyle’s Centennial Historic Walking Trails has finished for 2015.
The construction on the trail network started in June of 2014 and will eventually have four phases. The plan is to eventually connect the residential and recreational areas, the senior facilities, the village administration building and go around the school.
“Most importantly, this project will serve as entertainment, a place for quiet reflection with nature at its best, as well as healthy living for young and old, for joggers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts, for residents and visitors alike,” stated their website. “We hope it will also be a huge drawing card for young people and motivate them into choosing this community as their own.”
Phase Two of the project starts at Wildberry Pond and loops around near the other edge of town. The section that just finished construction connects to the existing trails near the RV campsite to the back baseball diamonds, and continues east to Hwy. 831.
“Trails look amazing. Work was done quickly and efficiently thanks to Lawrence Raaflaub and Gene McDowell — and on budget,” said Terry Mudryk-Harbarenko, a director on the Boyle Community Betterment Committee.
Also included in the plans is the creation of a gravel parking lot near the baseball diamonds and a culvert as a driveway. That, however, isn’t part of the trail system itself.
“The village is doing their own construction on the ball diamond parking lot as our request was denied,” she said. “This project is separate of the trails and will not affect the construction of the trails in any way.”
Due to the dry conditions this summer, the trees and shrubs may need to be planted next spring. Some extra gravel and packing may also be needed next year after the new section is used a bit and has had a chance to settle.
“Some awesome huge Saskatoon bushes full of berries, raspberries and hazelnut trees loaded with nuts can be found along the trails, as well as the sounds of nature (which) make for a very interesting walk,” said Mudryk-Harbarenko.
“For those of you that have not seen the trails, I encourage you to go and check them out,” she continued. “Come out and enjoy it. It’s a great way to get some exercise and fresh air.”
