Benchlands Lookout Park trail repairs complete ahead of fall season

Crews from the Parks and Trails team finished resurfacing and repairing a 1.2-kilometre stretch of the Tamsin River Trail System at Benchlands Lookout Park last week. The work wrapped up on August 8, 2025, just in time for the busy fall hiking and festival season.

The repairs fixed erosion and uneven paving along the downhill segment near the festival grounds and the lookout point. City crews replaced the damaged base layer, laid fresh compacted gravel, and installed new drainage culverts to handle heavy autumn rains. The project also included updated wayfinding signs and reflective markers to improve visibility for early-morning and evening trail users.

Maya Chen-Watson, Parks Planner, says, "We wanted to make sure the trails were safe and accessible for everyone before the fall weather sets in. These upgrades will help protect the trail surface and keep the path clear for hikers, runners, and families visiting the park."

The Tamsin River Trail System spans 64 kilometres across the city and is a key part of Wrenford’s green spaces. Keeping these connections in good shape helps you walk, cycle, and roll between neighbourhoods while enjoying the natural landscape. The Benchlands Lookout section is especially popular for its views of the Tamsin River and the Wrenford Falls, as well as its role as the main venue for the annual Benchlands Folk Festival.

In addition to the physical repairs, the City is launching the Trail Stewardship Volunteer Program this September. Residents can sign up to help with seasonal clean-ups, report trail conditions, and learn about local ecology. This initiative builds on the City's commitment to maintaining safe and welcoming public spaces for everyone.

For more information on park projects, trail maps, and how to get involved in local green space stewardship, visit our Neighbourhoods section.

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