COVID-19 hasn’t hampered a flurry of renovations and trail extensions as well as busy foot and bike traffic at Glebe Park and its facilities.
A number of projects are underway: renovated sign kiosks; an accessible path to the washroom; newly-painted signage; the installation of a bear proof garbage can, fixing up the forested viewing platform and more.
On Aug. 12, the Glebe Park and Museum Committee also approved the building of a new flowing mountain bike trail branching off the existing trail system.
‘It’s so nice to see us planning and then work getting done – that’s fantastic,” said committee member Jim Blake.
Blake, also the curator of the park’s Sculpture Forest, said he’s noticed an increase in visitors to the park. “Attendance has been incredible,” he said. “It’s almost impossible to keep the brochure boxes full.”
That’s a trend mirrored in Mike Darlington’s report from the Haliburton Mountain Bike Club, which maintains and uses the extensive trail system. According to him, membership has doubled since last season.
The Haliburton Highlands Museum also reopened its doors July 16. Director Kate Butler said visitors “breathe life back into the place.”
The committee will explore hosting an in-person meeting in the late fall, to share updates and chat about the park’s future.
Board member and Dysart et al Mayor Andrea Roberts said hearing about the park’s use and renovations is “uplifting.”
“I just love hearing the positive, fabulous things we’re doing.”
