If you look at the extinct volcano from the southeast you can quite clearly see why this unique municipal park is called Giant’s Head.
From the first rough road made by the late Summerland resident, Don Agur, and a few of his friends, this local treasure now challenges thousands of walker, hikers, and mountain bikers each year.
The mountain is also the venue for two popular events that are growing in participants year over year: Giant’s Head Freeride, a boarding competition, and Giant’s Head Grind, held on Memorial Day Weekend.
The Giant’s Head Grind, organized each year by Ellen Walker-Matthews and the Summerland Rotary Club, raises funds for colon cancer research (in memory of Christopher Walker) and for the rehabilitation and upkeep of the trail system in the park.
In late May, at the public Committee of the Whole meeting, the mayor and council heard a presentation from Bench Site Design regarding the Giant’s Head Trails Re-Development Master Plan.
This design is the first step in the work Summerland Rotary Club and the District have agreed to undertake to remediate the many trails on Giant’s Head. Highlights of the presentation include an updated parking and park entrance, allocation of separate trails for walkers/hikers/uphill bikers and downhill bikers, and decommissioning of trails to reduce erosion and habitat loss.
The District of Summerland recognizes the value of recreational amenities to the livability and vitality of its citizens and supports and facilitates the active, healthy lifestyle of its residents and visitors.
This support is demonstrated through a wide variety of outdoor and indoor spaces, an assortment of recreational programs, and financial and in-kind support for high-quality special events.
The addition of bike lanes to the Garnett Valley water and road upgrade project currently underway, as well as the addition of a bike trail off Sinclair Road to join with the existing pathway at Dale Meadows Park are two recent initiatives; both of these projects were funded, wholly or in part, by grants.
Over the past several months, staff and consultants have been working diligently with the District’s recreation committee to update the recreation master plan.
A public open house to learn more about the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and share your thoughts with District staff and the consultants is scheduled for June 20 at 7 p.m. in the arena banquet room.
On my most recent climb up Giant’s Head, I had the pleasure to meet two young people, Braedy and Shaelyn Hays, and their mother, Heather.
I first met them about one-half the way up the hill; Braedy was particularly energetic as he ran ahead of his family. Shaelyn was recovering from a recent track and field event and was a “wee bit sore.”
Both athletes are at the district meet at the Apple Bowl in Kelowna.
Although the Hays do not live in our beautiful town, they climb The Giant weekly. I do not hesitate in writing that our collective future is hopeful with youth such as the Hays, and I know there are hundreds here who are equally active and intelligent.
On a sad note, Summerland lost an icon with the passing of Fred Urchyshyn on May 25.
For decades, Mr. Urchyshyn could be seen walking briskly from his home on Solly Road up the hill to downtown Summerland. His family, neighbours, and many others in our community loved him dearly.
Happy Trails, Fred.
Toni Boot is a Summerland municipal councillor.