Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Skills Development ... Forum
September 22, 2009 - The ideal location for the proposed Skills Centre is in the area between the West Gate and Heron Lake. Structures in the centre would ideally include a 3500-4000 square foot main facility suitable for 4-season use, in proximity to the existing parking lot, pumphouse and washroom facilities. A smaller lake-side 'water-skills' facility would be located at nearby Heron Lake. Part of an existing cross-country ski trail would be improved to provide linkage between the two facilities.
Photos of the possible West Gate / Heron Lake site of the proposed Skills Centre are available here.
September 10, 2009 - Improving individual campers' skills is paramount in both achieving campers' safety and sustaining park values. Amongst ABR objectives are "Minimize backcountry recreationalists' impact on Algonquin Park's campsites, portages and hiking trails." and "Minimize backcountry recreationalists' impact on Algonquin Park's environment .. its forest and lakes."
The ABR's hope, for campers to have educational opportunities toward these objectives, is greatly encouraged by Park Superintendent John Winters' efforts to establish a Skills Centre .. a facility for the teaching of outdoor recreational skills and the promotion of the importance of the park's ecological integrity. John Winters indicated in the 2009 Algonquin Information Guide, that he is "very interested in your thoughts on such a project". The ABR is fully supportive and intends to provide advisory input to this project.
June 5, 2009 - News Item: ABR Supports 'Skills Centre' ... "The park is exploring options for a 'Skills Centre'. John Winters describes the concept as being two-pronged. As well as teaching outdoor recreational skills, it would also promote the importance of the park's ecological integrity and 'walking softly on the environment' of the park ...
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Skills01.htm ... updated September 22, 2009