Landscaping and work at Summit Woods for nature preservation and user safety
Starting July 29, 2024, work will begin at Summit Woods to close unauthorized paths, encourage renaturalisation and improve user safety. This is the first step toward a renewed plan to ensure the protection of Summit Woods as a bird and nature sanctuary, and to ensure continued enjoyment of the Woods by all for generations to come.
Landscaping obstacles such as boulders, rocks and vegetation will be installed at various points around Summit Woods to block unauthorized paths, and signage will be updated throughout. These interventions will serve multiple purposes:
- Discourage disruption of the natural environment
- Blocking access to unauthorized paths will allow renaturalisation initiatives to take root in severely damaged areas.
- Improve drainage
- Rocks and boulders will act as filters for water runoff, preventing excess debris from clogging the sewer drains around the Woods.
- More clearly identify authorized paths
- Landscaping obstacles will make authorized paths more evident.
- Updated signage and trail maps will make it easier for users to orient themselves, and for emergency services and park patrol to locate persons in need of assistance.
- Promote understanding and adherence to park rules
- New signage will ensure that the code of conduct and rules of Summit Woods are made evident to all who frequent it.
The project details are as follows:
- Work begins on July 29 and will continue into fall 2024.
- The parking lot at Summit Circle will be closed during work hours, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., from July 29 to August 2. Two parking spaces will remain closed outside work hours for equipment storage.
- Fencing and signage within the Woods will indicate restricted areas as work is ongoing.
- Off-leash hours for dogs will remain unchanged, but owners are advised to take extra caution when walking their dog near work sites.