Those looking for an excuse to take out their bike for a spin, well, good news. The Galloping Goose connector trail is now open.
The multi-use connector trail connects the northern (and asphalted) part of Sooke River Road Park to the southern gravel side facing towards Sooke Road. The idea was to connect the Galloping Goose Regional Trail to existing multi-use trail networks in Sooke.
One of many, of course.
“It’s a start, like everything else. We made a commitment as council to get this project on track and to make it happen, and we did,” said Coun. Rick Kasper, Sooke’s representative on the SEAPARC board.
The trail’s projected cost was $150,000, but came under budget at $120,000.
“We’ve now got access that was never there before, clearly defined with a trail leading right down to the big flats,” Kasper said.
The project includes 400 metres of paved, separated multi-use trail along Sooke River Road from Kirby Road to Sooke River Road Park, 400 metres of gravel trail through the park to Sooke Road, along with signage and pavement markings, as well as a crosswalk.
The trail also runs alongside the horseshoe pitch vis-a-vis Fred Milne Park soccer fields, accommodating both bike, foot, and … horseshoe.
Some minor details are yet to be finished, but it’s a solid start to a more connected Sooke, noted Kasper.
“There are still a few little things to be done, like some curbing at the end, but it meets safety concerns and requirements,” he said, adding that people can now travel safely between the town centre and the Galloping Goose.
