The Credit Union CUPlex is frequently in the news in the Battlefords and that is as it should be.
Many have worked hard to have the dream of a multipurpose recreational facility become a reality in the community.
A recent noon hour hike on Finlayson Island inspired a notion this unassuming recreational facility deserves a little hype in the press as well.
True this is a rustic setting, featuring only a few wooden benches, but up to date fire pits, picnic tables and an open air pavilion. (I'd better mention the somewhat new flush "facilities" that keep the site from being completely rustic.) What it lacks in posh amenities it makes up for in experiences.
For no admission fee visitors are welcome to picnic, hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe or just hang out and listen to the birds.
My outing last week was on Wednesday. It was ridiculously windy that day, but once on the island trails, I forgot about the wind. The sun was warm on my back and all was well with the world as I crunched along the leaves lining the trail from last fall, while peering up into the trees for signs of new life.
I startled a pair of ducks out of the water at one point, and later on lost count at 14 of the robins I saw. One trio let me get dangerously close before they darted off into the safety of the bush.
Unlike the manicured riverbank settings you will find in cities such as Saskatoon, the Finlayson Island trails put you close to nature. My encounters have included porcupine, rabbits, deer too numerous to count and birds of all kinds, including brave little chickadees who will take seeds out of your hand.
On the flora side of the ledger, in season, you can find vibrant Western Red Lilies, delicate Lady Slippers, asters, golden rod, Indian Paint Brush the list is endless, Just remember, look but don't pick. In the background you can enjoy the soft music of the leaves on the trees. In the spring and fall, the symphony also includes the sound of hundreds of honking geese that settle into the water not far from the trail's edge.
And the island isn't just a spring, summer and fall delight. It also offers cross-country skiing adventure in the winter. Even this winter, when snowfall was sparse, enough collected on the protected trails for shooshers to make their own tracks and many enjoyed the season even without the benefit of groomed trails. If the snowman co-operates, the City of North Battleford grooms trails on both sides of the island. Town crews maintain the trails the rest of the year.
Joggers, cyclists and walkers of all ages are welcome, but please take your ATVs and snowmobiles elsewhere to play. They are not welcome on Finlayson Island.
A trip to the island is low cost, with no frills, but the opportunity for adventure is endless.
Do you have a favourite no frills recreation facility in the Battlefords? Why not share with your Battlefords Vignette?
