This is just a reminder that the Muskeg Creek Ski Trails are, first and foremost, for cross country skiing in the winter – although snowshoeing and walking are permitted, as it is a public park.
People who bring dogs on the trails must have them leashed and, of course, are expected to pickup the dogs excrement or get it off the trail in some manner.
Many skiers, snowshoers and walkers are afraid of loose dogs and some have even been jumped upon by them.
This is not right.
There are other trails in the area that can be used if they want to let them loose.
The Athabasca Nordic Club grooms these trails, with volunteers that spend many hours making them skiable for club members, which include the Jackrabbits, the school’s competitive club, the school kids, snowshoers and even some walkers.
We have also produced many competitive skiers because of the trails.
These people pay dues to help buy the equipment that grooms the trails so nicely for everyone, including the many people who come from out of town to ski here. Our trails are well known throughout the province.
The Nordic Ski club facilitated the grants to create these trails.
They also designed and helped to build them.
Thank goodness the town and university had the foresight to allow this park to be created on their land.
The trails have been a boon to drawing university staff to work here and provides a sports and recreation venue for them in their back yard.
They are a tourism draw for the town as well.
To the responsible people who do keep the dogs on their leashes – a thank you, but please keep them off the ski tracks.
Lets keep this treasure safe and clean for all so that more restrictions do not have to be placed on such a well used trail system.
Rod Kerr
Athabasca
