SD83 OUTDOOR LEARNING

Directions: Heading west from the walkway at the Prestige here the walkway reconnects with Beatty Ave. west of the Prestige Hotel, turns right/west and continues along the sidewalk all the way to the Thrift Store. Turn right/north onto Narcisse St. (3rd Ave. NW) and walk toward the water.  Alternately you can turn right onto Hudson St. NW (a dead-end road) and you'll find a small trail there that will bring you to the east side of the park.

 

 

Description of site: There is lots of room for your class to explore and learn on the foreshore trail. The terrain is pan-flat making it accessible even to kinderdergarten students. The ecology is unique and complex enough for high schoolers.

 

The trail to the park from the wharf area is great for a variety of activities, but it does not have any cover, and you do have to walk along the road for a stretch, though for the most part the sidewalk is quite broad.

 

The park itself has one covered area with one large picnic table, with another table that is not covered.  Both of these tables are in the southwest corner, accessed most easily via Narcisse St.  There is a wide open area here that is quite flat, with a large area of native plantings in the middle of the park.  You have excellent views of the lake and foreshore all along the north and east sides of the park.

 

 

Click here for additional info and trail updates on this location from the Shuswap Trail Alliance website.

 

 

Suitable for grades: K-12

 

 

Teaching space: There is lots of space in the park itself, though it is best used with one or two classes.  The space is flat, so with lots of kids you would never be out of eyesight and earshot, which would take away from the experience here.  The native plantings are separated by a swath of grass, which is great to use when you're trying to divide your class up into groups for different purposes.

 

 

Other pertinent details: 

 

Picnic tables: Yes

Bathrooms: Yes

Cell phone reception: Yes

Adequate parking if necessary: Unlimited if you park by Interpretive Centre but limited parking for 5 or 6 cars at trail head.

Shelter for students: No

Other useful amenities: Interpretive center at the wharf with a large parking lot, covered area in the park itself

    

 

Lesson plans: awaiting submissions from teachers!

 

 

In the news:

 

 

Curriculum connections: Ecosystems, native vs. non-native plants and trees, birds (migration for shorebirds, songbirds and waterfowl, and breeding for lots of waterfowl including the Western Grebe), physical education, team building, art, among others!

 

 

Additional resources: www.sabnes.org