Parks & Trails day 2023
On Saturday, June 3, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, the Fredericton Trails Coalition hosted our annual free celebration of family, fun, fitness, and food on Fredericton’s trails!
This year’s event, which coincided with International Parks & Trails day, was tempered by the cool and damp weather, but still declared a success. Several hundred trail users still enjoyed themselves and celebrated Parks & Trails Day with an upbeat and positive outlook as we all head into our summertime activities. The official opening began with a ribbon cutting ceremony with Fredericton’s Mayor Kate Rogers at 10:00 am. Then she dropped by the pop-up Speaker’s corner which was continually occupied with an attentive crowd listening closely to speakers with something to say.
The Beaverbrook Art gallery children’s crafts and face painting by the Multicultural Association of Fredericton saw a steady stream of children, while both the free BBQs saw a constant demand. The Nashwaaksis Lions Club BBQ at Picaroons Courtyard actually ran out of their 300 hotdogs before the day was done; while, the Crowne Plaza-Beaverbrook BBQ was close behind, but was rumoured to have the best tasting chili-dogs. The UNB Reds table were able to sign up 60+ interested folks for free trial memberships and the Outdoor Enthusiasts of Fredericton discussed their outings with interested trail users.
Trail users frequently discussed trail safety issues at both of the Trails Coalition tables and voiced their concerns while applauding the new Fredericton Trail Safety Bylaw L19.1. The new Trail Security Patrol, which had two patrolling officers present on their ebikes, were very sharp looking as they looked in on the events.
Trail Safety and education were promoted and actively discussed at both the City Recreation kiosk and the Fredericton Trails Coalition tables, who collectively gave out 100+ bike bells to both young riders and older walkers and joggers to allow them to move through the crowds and alert pedestrians in front of them as they passed by. Its always amazing how chewing on a free CLIFF bar will prompt conversations!
A representative from Trans Canada Trail visiting for the event commented on how great our trail system is. He had never seen so many seniors on bike/ebikes out actively enjoying themselves regardless of the weather that morning. He was impressed at the amount of active transportation happening on our Fredericton trails. Thanks for the thumbs-up, Brenden!
Art on the bridge, hosted by House of Art, was rained out on Parks & Trails day but was able to host the event on the following weekend with much nicer weather. Over 50 artists attended and the event was a roaring success!
Special shout out to our 2023 Parks & Trails Day event photographer, Carol Mulholland, who endured the weather (both good and bad) to capture some of the fun. Thank you Carol!
So weather aside, thank you to the 28 event participants and 32 volunteers (even if you got washed out at the last minute). We would also like to thank our generous event sponsors: Trans Canada Trail and Columbia activewear, Canadian Tire, Atlantic Superstore, Crowne Plaza, Bella Foods, Nashwaaksis Lions Club, Picaroons Roundhouse, Rewind 93.1 and Costco. And lastly, all you hundreds of trail users who ventured out on a questionable morning, to our trail event. You ALL made this a successful event celebrating the trails, greenspaces, and the active and healthy lifestyles we are able to enjoy on our Fredericton trails.
Parks & Trails Day 2023 was proudly sponsored by:
