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Sample Orienteering Map of Watershed Park
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In the summer of 1999 the Outdoor Education Committee
constructed an orienteering course within the confines of the park,
consisting of 30 permanent control markers. The park was also entered
into the OCAD mapping program and there is now a computer
generated map labelling the trail system of the park with the 30 controls.
The maps have now been printed and are available to school and community groups on a
loan basis through the Delta School District Media Library. An orienteering unit
has also been published and was issued to all Delta schools in September of
2002. Extra copies
are also available for loan from the Delta School
District Media Library. |
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Controls such as these are located
throughout North Delta Watershed Park |
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In-Service sessions for implementing the new
orienteering unit are scheduled to take place in the Spring of 2003. Revisit
this site for dates and times or watch for announcements in the Delta District
Super Bulletin. |
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| As for mountain
biking, Watershed Park has a network of easy to intermediate trails,
a few short, sharp hills if you look for them, and some clandestine
teeter-totters and ramps. The relatively light use (for an urban
area) means ruts and puddles are rare, just curvy, rollicking pine-needle
trails long enough to let you ride for a couple of hours before you
start repeating yourself. |
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WATERSHED PARK…THEN... |
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Watershed Park is Delta’s largest parcel of park reserve.
The municipality acquired the majority of the lands now identified as
Watershed Park in the 1920’s and early 1930’s to facilitate the
development and preservation of a dependable water supply for East Delta
and Ladner. This was based on the existence of artesian wells on the
land and is the source of the park’s name. |
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Turn of the Century Blockhouse |
Most of the area now known as Watershed Park was logged in the early 1900’s.
The majority of the tree growth, particularly in the uplands area, is second
growth conifers approximately 65-70 years old. The dominant species are
Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar and the occasional Western Hemlock. At some
locations within the park, there are remnants of large, old growth cedar
stumps with spring board slots still evident, giving an indication of the
size of the trees that once stood there. |
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WATERSHED PARK…NOW... |
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The installation of gravel trails and two footbridges reduces the impact of
people and horses on trailside vegetation and streams in the park, allow for
better accessibility and complete trail loop linkages. This also allows for
a more diversified use of the trail system within the park. |
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2002 Watershed Park improvements include the development of gravel trails,
footbridge crossings, park signage and a promontory lookout and picnic area. Signage upgrades
include seven information kiosks, fifty-five directional signs, two park
identifier signs and three interpretive signs to help people navigate their
way through the park. The meadow area has been enhanced with plantings of
creeping fescue and other grasses. Native shrubs and trees have been planted
along the meadow edge as well. A promontory look-out in the meadow provides
a clear view of Mud Bay, making this a perfect spot for a picnic. |
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Watershed Park is an oasis of claim in the middle of a busy suburban area.
Walkers, bike enthusiasts and horse riders use the trails daily and hundreds
draw water from the natural aquifers each week. The park offers the
opportunity to observe native plants, wildlife and some beautiful views. |
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E-Mail: outdooreducation@deltasd.bc.ca
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This web page was created by Brian Holden with
the assistance of Dave Williams. |
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It was last updated on September 13, 2009. |
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