Over the last two years, the CMBA and volunteers have been working with the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society and Fish Creek Provincial Park to move forward on a project to designate a single track trail network. Some background information is provided in a message from Jim Stomp (Site Manager - Fish Creek District for Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture), which appears at the end of this page.

As of spring 2010, there is a published map/brochure from Parks that shows the single track trails between 37th Street SW and MacLeod Trail. Below is a picture of the map on a reduced scale, refer to the Parks website for the full scale map and brochure. On-going efforts will focus on improving the conditions of the existing trails to ensure long-term sustainability and enjoyment for all the users of the single track trails.

With growing numbers of mountain bikers frequenting Fish Creek Provincial Park in search of quality trail to ride, it became apparent to the Friends of Fish Creek Park that proper management of trails was essential for their continued sustainability. In 2008, the resurgent CMBA joined forces with the Friends to help develop and expand the existing trail system in the West end of the park near Shannon Terrace.

While the relationship between the Friends and the CMBA initially had its ups and downs, trust has grown between the two groups. Now, the CMBA is directly involved with the design and planning of the trail system, helping to ensure that it will work for cyclists, walkers and runners. Development of the trail system will occur for the next several years, culminating in an unpaved singletrack loop that will span the Park from the Bow River to 37 St. and back. The CMBA will continue to provide design expertise based on IMBA best practices, volunteer labour and a strong infusion of enthusiasm to keep the project rolling.

I was thinking, hey, wouldn't it be great to write a brief history of the development of trails in Fish Creek Provincial Park? I did it anyway, so read and enjoy.

That's no pond, that's a Stormwater Retrofit!