Bluewater Trails Committee is pleased to have received a grant from the Sarnia Community Foundation to finance 5 new benches for the section of the Howard Watson Trail between Exmouth Street and Confederation Line. These benches fill a need in this 2.5 kilometer trail section which previously did not have any seating for users.
“The Parks and Recreation Department is grateful to the Sarnia Community Foundation for their generous contribution which has allowed the hardworking Bluewater Trails Committee to improve the Howard Watson Nature Trail for the enjoyment of all users,” explains Ryan Chamney, Manager of Recreation and Planning.
Benches allow for seniors, families, and people with disabilities to enjoy an outing on our trail. They provide a respite where one can sit and enjoy the outdoor setting. Recent accessibility surveys by both the city and county, as well as surveys conducted by Bluewater Trails Committee volunteers had found a shortage of benches on this section of trail.
Additional benches are available for a $1500 per bench donation. This price includes the heavy-duty bench itself, the installation, ongoing repair and maintenance, and includes a memorial or honorary plaque to remember or celebrate trail advocates and users. Upwards of 20 benches have been donated.
Grants from upper tier governments and foundations combined with donations from local industry have allowed Bluewater Trails Committee to update this trail in an effort to meet Government of Ontario accessibility standards and become a first in class urban pathway for residents’ recreation needs. Benches are one of many requirements to achieve these standards.
Bluewater Trails Committee is a volunteer committee of Sarnia City Council which advises City Staff and Council on the management of the more than 60kms of city trails and safe street routes used to connect these trails and city parks. The Howard Watson Trail is a 16km linear park which was originally a rail line.
Ryan Chamney
Manager of Recreation and Planning, City of Sarnia
ryan.chamney@sarnia.ca or 519-332-0527 Ext. 3202