2.2.3 Outdoor Recreation
The natural features throughout the Town of Tillsonburg are widely acknowledged and appreciated by the community as valuable assets for recreation. Outdoor programs can provide a critical benefit to the health and well-being of people of all ages, particularly children and teens. With the increased awareness of the value of outdoor recreation opportunities in the post COVID-19 period, coupled with a growing awareness and concern about climate change, outdoor recreation programs are an essential feature of a holistic approach to program development. While there is nothing preventing people from being active outside on their own, there may be opportunities for the Town to increase participation in both structured and unstructured outdoor activities. For example, taking indoor programs (e.g. yoga, group fitness, and educational workshop) outdoors during the late spring, summer and early fall can both activate park spaces and benefit participants. The following section discusses the programmatic opportunities for trail-based, and water-based programs.
sports and physical activities, placing these options prominently among preferred recreational activities. Additionally, trail- related recreation opportunities were also notably favored in the findings of a random household survey. However, despite this, only 17% of user groups participating in the user group survey reported incorporating trails into their programs, events, or activities. Given this gap between interest and actual usage, the Town of Tillsonburg should consider the expansion of trail-centric programs, activities, and initiatives. The 2022 Tillsonburg Recreation Survey shed light on several trail-based programs that garnered interest from respondents, such as Nordic pole walking, outdoor hiking groups, and educational ventures into the realms of plant identification, foraging, and conservation ecology. This demonstrated interest in trail activities presents a variety of avenues for support, each adaptable to specific programs, activities, and the resources available. Strategies for bolstering trail activities could include encouraging local volunteer groups to oversee specific programs, forming partnerships with existing providers to deliver introductory sessions on the town’s behalf, or directly hiring skilled instructors to impart knowledge in areas like foraging or outdoor survival techniques. Furthermore, trail-based activities can serve as a conduit for exploring local heritage, arts and culture, early childhood education, community stewardship, and an
Trail-Based Activities
Trail-based activities offer a unique blend of affordable, self-guided, and informal recreational opportunities that align well with the preferences expressed by residents of Tillsonburg. The feedback gathered through the online resident survey highlighted a significant interest in utilizing trails and engaging in self-directed
32
Town of Tillsonburg | DRAFT Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting