Hundreds of people walked across the new suspension bridge at Cascade Falls Regional Park for the first time this past weekend.
The bridge, only the third one of its kind in the Lower Mainland, officially opened Saturday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
With new viewing platforms on both sides of the structure, many took their time admiring the 30-metre falls. The bridge is about 35 metres in length in is suspended 20 metres above Cascade Creek.
“It’s proving to be a popular place,” said Jennifer Kinneman, manager of communications for the Fraser Valley Regional District, noting the increased traffic at the park will reduce vandalism in the area. “With more people, there will be more eyes around the park.”
The regional district began upgrades to the park in 2012 with a new picnic area and improved parking lot.
The suspension bridge enhances the area, said Kinneman.
Construction for the new bridge was primarily funded by Innergex, an independent power producer. The company approached the FVRD in 2012 with $255,000 to build the bridge and install an educational signboard on hydroelectricity. The FVRD contributed $57,550 to build the trail and stairs leading up to the bridge, while BC Hydro put in $5,000 for educational purposes related to hydro power.
Cascade Falls is located about 30 minutes east of Mission. The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset daily.
