While Eagles Nest Park is open once again for people to get a bird’s eye view of Bancroft, the official re-launch of the park will not be happening until spring 2021.
The re-launch ceremony was set to happen on October 1st, but with Premier Doug Ford announcing new gathering restrictions in Ontario, Chair of Hastings Destinations Trails Inc. Cathy Trimble says they are unable to hold the ceremony as planned.
The park has been closed since April while work was done to improve its accessibility. Trimble says that the work was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains that they had trouble getting the needed materials, which is the main reason why it took so long for the park to open up.
“A new trail to the hawk watch was worked on using old and new parts to make it more accessible,” Trimble says. She adds that now the trail leading to it is accessible to those in a wheelchair or pushing a stroller. Trimble says they also have new signage up to better help people navigate the trails and two washrooms were installed at the entrance of the trail system. More garbage bins have been placed throughout the trails as well. “Making the trails safer was key,” Trimble says.
Next on the list is making the hawk watch platform more accessible. Right now, Trimble says people in wheelchairs aren’t able to get on it, but will once that work is completed. She didn’t give a timeline for when that will be done.
Since re-opening, Eagles Nest has been busy with locals and tourists wanting to get a picture perfect view of the town, but Trimble says everyone still needs to follow the guidelines set by the province.