by Maria Kirkwood
SUDBURY, Ont. — “Paddle far, refuel often! Need a refreshment after your adventure? Stop by the Crowley Lake Outpost (Kivi Park) for a drink and a snack. Then kick back and enjoy a picnic by the lake at one of our picnic tables. Whether you are cooling off after a hike, spending the day paddling or just soaking up the sunshine, we’ve got the perfect snack to complete your visit. See you at the lake. A big thank you to Sudbury Solar Solutions Inc. for powering the cold drinks, frozen treats and smiles at Crowley Lake.”
“Through our Trailblazer Sponsorship Campaign business and community partners directly support the growth, maintenance and long-term vision of our trail networks at Kivi Park. Being a part of something bigger and creating outdoor experiences that bring people together and keep riders coming back. Your support helps: revitalize and maintain trails, support future trail development, improve sustainability across the network and build toward the vision of a future skills park. It is an investment in the community, outdoor access and the future of recreation in Sudbury. Trailblazer sponsorship helps build what comes next at Kivi Park.”
Kivi Park recently held an “Adaptive Rental Open House.” Talk about exciting; talk about innovative! The community was invited out to a special day to focus on accessibility, inclusion and outdoor adventure. People can explore the park in a whole new way and experience the incredible adaptive rental bikes which are now available. If you are interested in adaptive cycling yourself or supporting a loved one or just curious about inclusive outdoor recreation – this is for you!
The adaptive bike fleet includes the combination Fun2Go2 + FunTrain 2: a side-by-side tandem bike that allows riders to cycle together while one person steers. Perfect for shared adventures with family, friends, caregivers or support workers. Plus, the FunTrain 2 attachment allows two additional riders to join the ride. Then there is the VeloPlus 3 a very innovative wheelchair transport bike that allows riders to remain in their own wheelchair while enjoying the trails – no transfer required. And the Bowhead Rogue Adventure E-Bike, a powerful adaptive electric mountain bike built for trail riding, exploration and outdoor freedom. And last but not least, the E-Azteca a stable and supportive adaptive cycle designed for comfort, confidence and accessibility on the trails. We can expect this at Kivi Park: hands-on bike demonstrations, opportunities to try the bikes plus there are staff and volunteers ready to help. Also, helmets are provided for your safety. And, to top it off, complimentary transportation to and from the park is available for attendees with accessibility needs or who require transportation assistance, thanks to Aaron Taxi and Lockerby Taxi.
It is apparent Kivi Park is building a more inclusive outdoors and believes everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the physical and mental benefits of being outdoors. This adaptive rental program is an exciting step toward making recreation more accessible for the entire community.
All is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, and Derek and Angele Bain plus, an anonymous donor.
I swear Mrs. (Kivi) Fielding is smiling from heaven. She donated the 450-plus acres of property for Kivi Park in 2016. She would be so impressed!
It’s the season many wait for fishing seasons to open. In our area bass season opened near the end of June. Many years ago, when we had our camp on Tyson Lake, a fishing derby was organized by the marina each summer. I had decided the year before I was going to participate the following summer come hell or high water. I had never taken part but had heard many stories about it. When the time came, I went to the marina and registered; the fee was $20 per person. Your catch had to be entered on the day of the derby — not the day before, nor the day after. Well, wouldn’t you know it, my sister invited my siblings and us to their camp for a barbecue on the same Saturday as the derby was being held. Now what? Oh well; what could I do? Our camp was minutes away from the marina by boat. I decided my only fishing opportunity for that day was to troll all the way from our camp to the marina and see what I could catch during that one boat ride. Well, fishing was not the best around 1 p.m., but it was my only chance. Here we were “puttsing” along, my husband driving the boat and me trolling. Finally, I felt a gentle nudge on my line. I reeled it in and there it was, a perch approximately 6 inches long. My husband said, “for sure that would not do.” But I said, “That’s it; this is my entry.” There was no time for more fishing; we had to get to my sister’s. I brought my catch to the marina and entered my “trophy” fish. We continued with our day; had a great time at my sister’s and back at our marina by dusk. There were lots of people still there having a good time after the derby results were in. We started walking from our car down to the dock and heard yelling. We were being summoned to come up to the marina. We said no, it was too late, it’s getting dark. They insisted; reluctantly we went up. Next thing I knew I was handed an envelope and told to open it. On the envelope it said, “To the most honest fisherman.” There was a round of applause! Inside the envelope was a $20 bill (the same amount I had paid for my registration)! My entry had won a prize! First time in a fishing derby and I won a prize! Now, how great was that? Just confirms there are folks out there who have a great sense of humor; and I love a good sense of humor!
Be safe, stay healthy.