Mar 17, 2021
A Call to Help
From Bob Shirley, Friends of Island Lake
Island Lake has always been a place I’ve enjoyed spending time. In its early days, the park was a hidden gem. It was used by very few people. Over time, the number of visitors has grown, thanks to the efforts of Credit Valley Conservation staff, the Friends of Island Lake and the local community who have contributed countless volunteer hours and financial support.
As we head into another spring season, I’m amazed at how far we’ve come! Island Lake has grown beyond the original vision and now has so many wonderful features for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can explore the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail, fish the lake during winter and summer months, visit the new natural playground and spend time in nature just taking in the scenery.
When I look around the park, I am proud and thankful for all the ways our friends and neighbours have come together. Island Lake is at the heart of our community and it has become a destination for out-of-town visitors. This is a space meant for everyone to enjoy, with entertainment at the amphitheatre and activities on the trails and lake. This last year has been challenging with the restrictions of the pandemic. Despite this, Island Lake remains a place to go for some much-needed physically distanced activity.
Our local connection to the park and our community remains strong. Our neighbours have been deeply involved with projects at Island Lake and I’m so grateful for all the support we’ve received.
I’m excited for what’s next at the park. The Friends of Island Lake continue to work hard to improve the trail landscape. Our latest addition is a 70-foot covered bridge project that will bring a sense of traditional charm to the park and offer visitors a quiet place to reflect and enjoy nature. We’re almost complete but we need your help!
Please join me in supporting the Friends of Island Lake with a charitable donation toward this project. Your donation, large or small, will help complete the covered bridge and honour local history at the park. Together, we can bring this vision to life.
See you on the trail!
Sincerely,
Bob Shirley,
Chair, Friends of Island Lake