August 2003

absolutely no excuse for not cleaning up after their
pet.

3. The West Side Off-Leash Dog Park

Opened February 2003, the West Side Off-Leash
Dog Park at 7th Avenue and 23rd Street features a
large open space, plenty of trees, recycled-bag dis-
pensers, garbage bins, running water, and a few
benches. Bordered by roadway on three sides, the
drone of traffic is always present, but having traffic
nearby makes it a fairly safe place for women to bring
their dogs, and the street lighting makes the park
more accessible in the late evening (or early evening in
winter). Also, because of the park’s proximity to the
22nd Street SkyTrain Station, police officers drive by
frequently, providing additional security.

The gate system at this off-leash park is far more
advanced than the one at the Hume Park facility. A
double-gate system creates a small fenced-in alcove
where people arriving can enter without being afraid
of having the unleashed dogs accidentally escape. The
only disadvantage is that the entrances to the park are
at the Marine Drive entrance and at 7th Avenue at
23rd Street. Many users of the park would prefer
another entrance closer to 22nd Street.

Street parking is available along both 7th Avenue
and Marine Drive. The park is officially closed from

 

A view of the Fraser from the pier at Sapperton Landing Park

dusk to dawn.

4. The Glenbrook Ravine

Within the old BC Penitentiary site lies New
Westminster's little bit of wilderness, complete with
coyotes. This wonderful park, stretching from
Jamieson Court almost up to 6th Avenue features sev-
eral paths, a meadow, and a creek at its more rugged
end. The groomed area, closer to Jamieson Court, is
home to several small fish in a bridge-covered pond
with a waterfall and an impressive and well-main-
tained flower garden. Fresh and invigorating all year
round, Glenbrook Ravine is especially beautiful on
those rare occasions when the snow falls and stays
around for a bit.

To access the ravine, go along the back lane behind
Miner Street at Richmond Street and follow the
wooden stair path down to the meadow, or enter off
Jamieson Court. There is also a steep, ungroomed
trail off Glenbrook Drive between 6th Avenue and
Beth Street, but it might be difficult to navigate with
a leashed dog.

5. Sapperton Landing Park

One of the GVRD’s newest regional parks (estab-
lished in 2001), Sapperton Landing Park provides a
lovely change of scenery, with a riverfront trail for

Features ¢ the other press ©

pedestrians and canines (cyclists must use the paved
area nearby). Marshes, native grasses and flowers,
impressive bronze Salish artwork, and a bird habitat
create this park’s serene ambience. From the park, you
and your pet will be treated to a view of bridges, tug-
boats, and everything else the Fraser River has to offer.

This is a great trail for a run with the dog and an
even greater trail for a leisurely stroll. Stop and take in
the scenery from one of the many benches or from the
pier. There's even a covered picnic area and washroom
facilities so you can plan on staying for a while.

To access the park, go north along Columbia Street
until just before Cumberland Street and take the
turn-off to the right. Alternatively, you can park on
Cumberland and walk across Columbia at the pedes-
trian-controlled intersection.

New Westminster ranks high in dog-friendliness.
So enjoy what the city has to offer. Your dog will
thank you. But please, remember to be responsible for
your pet’s behaviour both on- and off-leash and
always clean up after him. It would be a shame to ruin
the great relationship this city has with the canine
community and their humans.

 

 

 

 

 

SATURDAY AUGUST 23

@ the coquitlam skatepark on pinetree-way,,.

I2PM-6PM_ *

BEGINNER/NOVICE - GIRLS - EXPERT
PRO DEMOS - MUSIC - PRIZES

registration: $10 before Thursday, August 21
or $15 on site registration

AGES 9 - 35

SPONSORED BY CB3A and TEN PACK

for more info + registration:
604-927-6958
WWW.CB3A.COM

 

http://www.otherpress.ca

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