Welcome! metrovancouver.org. Aldergrove Regional Park - Management Plan

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1 Welcome! Aldergrove Regional Park - Management Plan The process to create a Management Plan for Aldergrove Regional Park is underway and we would like your input on the draft Vision, Framework and Concept. Please sign in, pick up a survey and wander through the displays. Park staff is available to answer questions. Be sure to fill out a survey before you leave.

2 INTRODUCTION Who we are and what we do: Metro Vancouver is a partnership of 22 municipalities, one Electoral Area and one Treaty First Nation that delivers regional-scale drinking water, sewerage and solid waste utility services. The region regulates Air Quality, anticipates and plans for growth, provides affordable housing and manages a Regional Parks system consisting of 22 regional parks, 3 reserves, 2 ecological conservancy areas and 5 greenways. Regional parks are located close to the Lower Mainland s population, and in general, are large natural parks that provide recreation and education opportunities and offer protection of unique and sensitive natural features. Metro Vancouver Regional Parks hosted over 9 million visitors in Metro Vancouver s 2011 Regional Parks Plan established the following core goals: Goal 1: Protect ecological health Goal 2: Promote outdoor recreation for human health and wellness Goal 3: Support community stewardship education and partnerships Goal 4: Promote philanthropy and economic opportunity lease lands. Pepin Brook traverses the park adding valuable riparian habitat to the landscape mosaic. Aldergrove Regional Park provides an opportunity to: Promote a variety of outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, horseback riding, cycling, picnicking, nature study, and off-leash dog use. Enhance and restore previously disturbed lands for recreation purposes and habitat enhancement. Conserve regional biodiversity by protecting critical fish and wildlife habitat including spawning and rearing habitat for salmonids and for the endangered Nooksack dace and Salish sucker; and stopover, refuge and corridor habitat for over 200 species of birds and mammals including one endangered and seven vulnerable species. Conserve and manage important regional food lands while preserving the rural character. Hold large gatherings and events. Experience scenic vistas of rolling farmland, distant mountains, and unique features such as the Big Rock, a glacier erratic. Aldergrove Regional Park Part of a Regional System The park comprises 280 hectares; the northern portion consists of second growth forest, recreation areas, and trails, while the southern section is made up of a reclaimed gravelmine and agricultural METRO VANCOUVER REGIONAL PARKS AND GREENSPACE H o w e S o u n d Crippen BOWEN ISLAND LIONS BAY WEST VANCOUVER 1 99 Capilano Watershed Capilano River B u r Lynn Headwaters NORTH VANCOUVER DISTRICT NORTH VANCOUVER CITY r a r d I n l e t Seymour Watershed Seymour River Greenway BURNABY LSCR Thwaytes Landing BELCARRA I n d i a n A r m Belcarra ANMORE PORT MOODY Coquitlam Watershed Minnekhada Widgeon Marsh Codd Wetland P i t t L a k e Metro Vancouver Parks LSCR (Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve) Greenways under development Park Reserves Limited Public Access Ecological Conservancy Areas No Public Access Watersheds No Public Access Strait of Georgia Pacific Spirit Iona Beach VANCOUVER Burnaby Lake 7 91 Brunette-Fraser Greenway Sapperton Landing NEW WESTMINSTER COQUITLAM Fraser River Islands Colony Farm PORT COQUITLAM Surrey Bend Pitt River Greenway Tynehead PITT MEADOWS 7 Barnston Is North Alouette Greenway Derby Reach Blaney Bog MAPLE RIDGE Kanaka Creek F r a s e r R RICHMOND i v e r Deas Island 17 DELTA 99 Burns Bog Delta South Surrey Greenway Mud Bay SURREY LANGLEY CITY Brae Island LANGLEY TOWNSHIP Glen Valley ABBOTSFORD Matsqui Trail 11 Sumas Mtn TSAWWASSEN FIRST NATION Boundary Bay Boundary Bay WHITE ROCK 99 Campbell Valley Aldergrove Regional Park 08/12

3 MANAGEMENT PLAN PROCESS What is a Management Plan? A Management Plan clarifies the desired program, services, development and conservation priorities for the park over the next 20 years. The planning process has included inventory and analysis, First Nations, public and municipal engagement. We are currently in the concept development phase. This fall draft concepts will be presented for public, municipal and First Nations input before a final management plan is prepared for Metro Vancouver Board approval in early When will it be implemented? In phases over the life of the plan, proposed amenities and landscape improvements will be implemented through Metro Vancouver capital funding, grant programs, partnerships and volunteer initiatives. Management Plan Process INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT REFINEMENT Public Open House 1 held June 2011 First Nation Engagement Township of Langley and City of Abbotsford Input Metro Vancouver Environment and Parks Committee Update May 2012 First Nation Engagement Township of Langley and City of Abbotsford Input Public Engagement - workshop with user groups & public held November 2011 Public Engagement Event A day in the park held June 2, 2012 Metro Vancouver Environment and Parks Committee Draft Concepts for Approval July 2012 Public Open House 2 Fall 2012 Metro Vancouver Environment and Parks Committee Draft Management Plan for Update Continued Public & Agency review late Fall / Winter 2012 We are here: Open House to present and test draft park concepts Metro Vancouver Environment and Parks Committee & Board Adoption of Management Plan Early 2013 Past Public Engagement Events Next steps: Refinement of the draft park concepts, Committee approval and Board adoption Open House #1 - June 2011 Workshop - November 2011 A Day in the Park event- June 2012

4 SUSTAINABLE REGION INITIATIVE... The draft park program features a robust trail system providing a variety of trail lengths and experiences for pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists. The park as a gathering place will be supported through story sharing and programming. Park event and group gathering spaces are enhanced, providing support for healthy and strong communities. Nature play, learning and adventure opportunities for children and youth provide a new focus for the main day-use area that will, in combination with ongoing habitat enhancement and interpretation, connect visitors to the park s natural features and ecology. The dog off-leash area will be expanded to include an off-leash trail walking loop experience and other amenities. Astronomer s Field Node Lefeuvre Road Aldergrove Regional Park is envisioned as a multi-use park providing a range of recreational opportunities in a significantly altered and ecologically diverse landscape. Overall Concept Plan 272nd Street DRAFT PARK CONCEPT PLAN 8th Avenue / Huntingdon Road This existing staging area will continue to provide roadside parking and access to Pepin Brook Trail. North East Park Staging Area & Dog Off-leash Experience (see Area Enlargement Plan) This new staging area will allow park visitors to access Pepin Brook Trail from the eastern park area. Creation of a new park entry with parking stalls. a connecting trail with viewpoints and ancillary facilities (pit toilets, kiosk, benches & planting) is envisioned. The adjacent Dog Off-leash Area will be expanded into this area with looping trails, a potential agility area, and supportive facilities (dog watering station, dog waste station, benches). Pepin Brook Trail (Pedestrian) Equestrian Staging Area This staging area is expanded allowing for additional parking for equestrian use (10-15 stalls) and circulation improvements. Amenities include picnicking, potential warm-up ring, water access and improved pit toilets. This area also provides access to the adjacent service yard. Multi-use trail connection to 272nd Avenue Existing Dog Off-leash Area This existing staging area will continue to provide parking and trail access to the dog off-leash expansion area. Proposed enhancements for this area include a dog watering station, shelter, pit toilets, benches and plantings. Bowl Trailhead Main day-use and Blacktail Picnic Area This existing trailhead will continue to provide parking and trail access. (see Enlargement Area Plan) This area is envisioned as a family-focused nature play, adventure and learning node as well as continuing to accommodate group activities and events. An accessible loop trail will provide a popular walking experience, linking viewing, children s nature play and youth adventure areas. Additional opportunities to experience the charm of Pepin Brook will be provided. Group picknicking and event facilities are improved with new picnic shelters, lawn areas, and a cohesive trail network. This node will also provide cyclists with a new trailhead and quick access to Rock n Horse multi-use trail. A portion of the parking area is gated, for event use only. Event / Multi-use Area This node is envisioned as the main park event area and will continue to support a diversity of recreational activities and use. Youth recreational opportunities will be provided through nature adventure facilities and active recreational programming. Proposed improvements include parking area upgrades to increase aesthetics and utility and picnic shelters for group and event use. A recreational stocked fishery at the Marsh Pond, with enhanced viewing opportunities, is being explored. Trail improvements include upgrading the Marsh Pond Loop to meet accessible standards, upgrading the perimeter trail, an upgraded cycling trail and improvements to the Rock n Horse multi-use trail for site lines. Rock n Horse Multi-Use Trail (Pedestrian/Equestrian/Cyclist) Future Plataeu Trail (Pedestrian/Equestrian) Gordon s Brook Staging Area This new staging area will provide access to Gordon s Brook interpretive trail loop and a neighbourhood trail connection. A potential trolley stop would provide a transit alternative to access the park. The staging area will include pit toilets, kiosk, benches and parking stalls along with school bus parking and turn around. Viewdecks and platforms will provide additional wildlife viewing opportunities while resting areas and shelters will enhance trail use. This area is envisioned as a research and education node within the park. Aldergrove Bowl Marsh Pond Fishing Access South Park Trail (Pedestrian/Cycling) Gordon s Brook Interpretive Loop Trail Camp Elkgrove Camp Elkgrove An agricultural zone of influence will be retained surrounding Camp Elkgrove. An accessible trail connection to the Marsh Pond trail loop will be provided. Loucks House & South Park Staging Area The farming history is strengthened by an innovative agricultural program, allowing the public to experience sustainable farming in a park setting. This area is envisioned to provide southern trail access with parking stalls. Basic facilities will be accommodated (kiosk, benches, planting). The Loucks House, a heritage structure, will be retained along with the barns and an active re-use of the buildings sought. Legend 0 Avenue Forest Core Agricultural Program Residence Washrooms / Pit Toilets Equestrian Loading Meadow / Grass Area / Open Space Existing Barn Parking Event Staging / Amphitheatre Existing Multi-Use Trail (Pedestrian, Equestrian, Cycling) Interim Agriculture Licence Area / Future Active Agriculture Program Heritage Structure Picnic Area Agricultural Program & Activities Proposed Multi-Use Trail (Pedestrian, Equestrian, Cycling) Proposed Habitat Creation & Enhancement Service Yard / Maintenance Picnic Shelter Habitat Enhancement & Creation Proposed Pedestrian & Cycling Trail Parking Areas Pedestrian Use Proposed Pedestrian & Equestrian Trail Viewpoint / Seating Area Dog Off-leash Area Major Park Node Pedestrian / Cycling Use Children s Nature Play Area Recreational Fishery (Stocked) Youth Adventure Area Interpretive Signs Existing Pedestrian Trail Proposed Pedestrian Trail Future Pedestrian & Equestrian Trail (long term) Watercourse Secondary Park Node/Staging Area Multi-use (Pedestrian/Cycling/Equestrian) Accessible Use N

5 SUSTAINABLE REGION INITIATIVE... MAIN DAY-USE AREA ENLARGEMENT This site is envisioned to continue as a major park node, focusing on group use and nature play, adventure and learning opportunities. An expanded accessible trail will provide a popular walking loop, linking picnicking, viewing, and nature play areas. Group picnicking and event facilities are improved with new picnic shelters, welldrained lawn areas, and a cohesive trail network. This node will also provide cyclists with a new trailhead and quick access to Rock n Horse multi-use trail. KEY AREA Pepin Brook Trail Lefeuvre Road 272nd Street 8th Avenue / Huntingdon Road Service Yard Main Day-use & Blacktail Picnic Area Youth adventure area Pepin Brook Trailhead Pepin Brook view deck 0 Avenue Cycling Trailhead Nature social play opportunities (0-5yrs) Gated Event Parking only Adventure play area (5-12yrs) Existing Rock n Horse Trail Nature learning & play area Accessible nature exploration loop trail Rock n Horse Trail re-alignment N Legend Washrooms / Pit Toilets Existing Pedestrian Trail Parking Proposed Pedestrian Trail Picnic Area Proposed Pedestrian & Cycling Trail Picnic Shelter Existing Multi-use Trail (Pedestrian/Equestrian/Cycling) Proposed Multi-Use Trail (Pedestrian, Equestrian, Cycling) Viewpoint / Seating Area Pedestrian Use Watercourse / Waterbody Pedestrian / Cycling Use Forest Core Pedestrian / Cycling / Equestrian Use Meadow / Grass Area Accessible Trail Interim Agriculture License Area / Future Agricutural Program Children s Nature Play Area Proposed Parking Area Youth Adventure Area

6 NORTH-EAST PARK NODE & DOG OFF-LEASH AREA ENLARGEMENT The node will focus on trail and area access as well as providing for an enhanced dog off-leash experience. A new park entry is envisioned to accommodate parking stalls, a connecting trail with viewpoints and ancillary facilities (pit toilets, kiosk, benches and planting). Trail users will be able to access the popular Pepin Brook Trail from the eastern park area. The adjacent dog off-leash area will be expanded to provide looping trails, a potential agility area, and other facilities (benches, shelter, dog watering and dog waste stations). The existing dog off-leash area will be enhanced with tree and shrub plantings, pit toilets, a shelter and a dog watering station. The existing parking will remain and the trail connection to the new area formalized. KEY AREA Huntingdon Road 272nd Street 8th Avenue / Huntingdon Road Enhanced Dog Off-leash Area Lefeuvre Road Area Containment Fencing Garbage Dog Off-leash Area Maintenance Access Dog Waste Station Dog Watering Station Dog Watering Station Dog Waste Station Small Dog Off-leash area Lefeuvre Road Long Grass Area 0 Avenue New Trail Connection Bench Potential Agility Area New Trail Connection Dog Off-leash Area Garbage Pepin Brook Trail N Legend Existing Pedestrian Trail Existing Forest Core Proposed Picnic Shelter Parking Proposed Pedestrian Trail Proposed Dog Off-leash Trail Existing Meadow / Grass Parking Areas Proposed Viewpoint / Seating Area Dog Off-leash Area Watercourse Park Boundary Fencing Washrooms / Pit Toilets

7 AGRICULTURE Agriculture within the park will move towards a sustainable program featuring public interaction and learning opportunities to enrich the visitor experience and support sustainable food systems. Partnerships with the community, academic and agricultural agencies will be explored to provide an innovative and self-sufficient sustainable farming program that incorporates public education and recreation. Opportunities to repurpose and reactivate heritage farm buildings within the agricultural program will be sought. The south park trail, winding along the southern park slopes, will traverse the agricultural lands providing trail users with the opportunity to view and interact with working farms. Camp Elkgrove will be supported by maintaining an agricultural sphere of influence which furthers the Camp s goal of providing recreation and agricultural learning opportunities to disadvantaged children. CULTURAL HERITAGE Park visitors will be connected to the rich cultural history of the park through innovative programming and interpretation. Programming will focus on the themes of natural history, First Nation culture, and farming and pioneer heritage. An ongoing partnership with Matsqui First Nation to preserve and present their culture and heritage will be sought. An interpretive experience connecting visitors to the Big Rock will be explored as a priority along with the area s history as a First Nations gathering place. This gathering place theme will be furthered by continuing facility and program support for the gathering of families, community events and festivals, and recreational groups that has emerged in the park s more recent history. The Loucks heritage house will be preserved and an appropriate repurposing of this building will be considered. A partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society will be pursued enabling an Urban Sky Park designation of the bowl area and provision of educational programming.

8 RECREATION A diverse range of high quality, accessible recreation opportunities for both individuals and groups will be provided, strengthening connections with the outdoor environment. The expanded and enhanced trail system will allow visitors to experience a variety of landscapes as they travel by foot, horse or bicycle around the park. Neighbourhood connections will be provided as will community connections to both the South Langley trail corridor and Abbotsford trail linkages. The main day-use and Blacktail picnic area will provide recreational opportunities focused on nature play, learning and adventure. An expanded, accessible trail loop will connect children s play stations as well as viewing and seating areas. Additional group picnicking facilities will be provided with adjacent lawn areas for informal play. Aldergrove Bowl will be enhanced as a major park node with new programmed activities for youth such as adventure play and challenge courses; supporting facilities for group events as well as outdoor festivals; and a potential stocked fishery in the Marsh pond. The Marsh Pond Trail will be upgraded to provide an accessible trail loop with ancillary facilities upgraded for accessibility. Additional recreation opportunities for dog owners and their pets will be provided in an expanded dog area including an off-leash walking loop trail. Partnership opportunities for additional amenities, such as an agility area, will be explored. ECOLOGY Regional biodiversity will be conserved by protecting critical fish and wildlife habitat for several endangered and vulnerable species within the park. Regionally significant upland forest and riparian areas will be enhanced, strengthening ecological diversity and resilience. Previously disturbed lands will be restored for habitat enhancement or creation as well as recreation purposes. Protection and enhancement of several key areas will include the forested panoramic ridge, the at-risk plant community north of the bowl, vernal wetlands, Pepin Brook corridor and the Gordon s Brook wetland areas. Ecological diversity will also be supported by controlling invasive species and enhancing native species within the park. Further research partnerships and interpretation opportunities will be explored. The park s role in providing valuable ecological services and habitat will be recognized.