The Government of Canada recently celebrated the reopening of the Twyn Rivers Day Use Area in Rouge National Urban Park (Ontario). This $2.6 million federally funded project is set to enhance the visitor experience with renewed facilities and park infrastructure.
The project is a testament to Parks Canada‘s commitment to improving access to greenspace for those living in cities while conserving and sharing the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
Significant improvements have been made to existing trails, and a new accessible trail section has been added. Two new pedestrian bridges have been constructed over the Little Rouge Creek, and a renewed and expanded parking area now offers 83 vehicle parking spaces.
The recreation and day use area has been enhanced with a larger greenspace, gardens, accessible furnishings, and solar lights. A year-round accessible washroom facility has also been added.
In addition to these enhancements, the renewal of this site will guide visitors through various trails to a single crosswalk on Twyn Rivers Drive, reducing the number of on-road pedestrians. In collaboration with the City of Toronto, a controlled pedestrian crosswalk light will be installed for greater visitor safety.
The Twyn Rivers Day Use Area parking lot has been reoriented to create a greater natural buffer between the parking area and Little Rouge Creek, according to a news release.
The area now features a “bioswale garden,” which traps toxins and prevents them from flowing into the creek. Newly planted native trees and shrubs, alongside existing mature trees, will provide shade and habitat around the parking lot.
To preserve the cultural heritage in the area, the below-ground foundations of the historic Rouge Valley Inn, dating back to the early 1900s, have been kept, and a portion of the Inn’s former dam has been repurposed and incorporated into the design. Visitors can view the heritage structure at the base of the fencing near the creek.
Through infrastructure investments like this, the Government of Canada is helping visitors foster meaningful connections with nature in Rouge National Urban Park, while protecting biodiversity for future generations.
The reopening of the Twyn Rivers Day Use Area is expected to have a positive impact on local campgrounds and campers, offering enhanced facilities and a renewed commitment to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
Nature lovers and history enthusiasts! How awesome is it that Twyn Rivers Day Use Area got a fabulous upgrade? Now, you can enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in the history of the area with the old Inn’s remains on display. The improved safety, green features, and upgraded facilities make it an ideal spot to unwind and connect with nature. Cool stuff, right?