Motorized Vehicles Not Permitted On Public Parks, Trails: City

Motorized vehicles aren’t allowed on public trails like this one on Merritt Island, nor on parks, the city says in a media release issued today. /Joe Barkovich file photo.

WELLAND – With the warmer weather of spring brings increased use of the City’s public parks and trails. The City of Welland reminds all residents that using motorized vehicles on public parks and trails is strictly prohibited. Those violating by-law 2000-175 face a $500 fine for the first offence; subsequent offences carry a $1,000 fine.

City parks and trails are meant for passive use, and motorized vehicles, such as ATVs and E-Bikes, can cause damage to the natural state of the areas and pose dangers to those using these areas on foot.

“Use of motorized vehicles in our parks and on our trails creates a safety risk for everyone,” said Rob Axiak, director of community services. “Our parks and trails are critical pieces of social infrastructure, and motorized vehicles cause damage to the landscape. The City will not tolerate the sense of unease motorized vehicles create on trails for the rest of the community.”

The by-law states that vehicle means the following: automobile, motorcycle, motor-assisted bicycle, scooter, trail bike, dune buggy, mini-bike, go-cart, trailer, traction engine, farm tractor, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), motorized snow vehicle, and any other vehicle drawn, propelled, or driven by a power whatsoever.

Signage indicating the improper use of the parks and trails is on-site, and city staff continue to monitor areas where unlawful motorized vehicle usage is reported. Anyone with questions or who would like to report a concern should contact the Niagara Regional Police. 

(Attribution: City of Welland media release)

Gadabout Gardener

Nice to see this tribute to long-time City of Welland employee Peter Boyce, now retired, in Chippawa Park.

Boyce retired in November 2021 as interim manger of parks, facilities and canal lands.

As the inscription on the plaque says, “Playing in Welland Parks for 36 years”. Based on interactions over many years, I can say it was never “work” to him.

Boyce was always a pleasure to work with especially when it came to Welland parks, horticulture and special events. An example of the latter is the annual tulip bulb giveaway each spring. He was a big part of it since its inception and played a key role in promoting the popular event.

He went out of his way to answer questions about horticulture, yes, roses included and if he didn’t have the answer, would turn to someone else in parks staff to be of assistance. As a frequent beneficiary of that kindness, just want to say, “Thanks, Peter.”

Story/photos by Joe Barkovich

(Gadabout Gardener is a recurring feature on the blog, with a focus on randomly selected or recommended garden spaces in the city. Do any sights or sites come to mind as photo suggestions? Contact Gadabout Gardener at: fromareportersnotebook@gmail.com.)

People Make Parks: City Seeks Playground Feedback

WELLAND – The City of Welland is seeking citizen feedback on new playground designs for Elmwood Park, Chippawa Park, Cooks Mills Park, and Glenwood Park.

The public can sign-up on the city’s online public engagement platform YourChannel to learn more about these community projects and submit feedback on one, or more, of the four proposed projects. Public feedback is open until Nov. 30, 2020.
Visit Design Your Playgrounds at YourChannel to learn more and join the conversation.

The following city parks are presently open for public input:

ELMWOOD PARK

CHIPPAWA PARK

COOKS MILLS PARK

GLENWOOD PARK

For more information on City of Welland capital projects, visit www.welland.ca, or for more information on Welland’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, visit https://www.welland.ca/RecCulture/pdf/WellandPRCMasterPlan.pdf. 

(Source: City of Welland news release)