One of Steinbach’s well-trodden trails is up for a facelift, and a group of locals is calling on the community to help make it happen.
Ellery Burton is co-organizing a GoFundMe to rebuild some of the pedestrian bridges on Blind Creek Trail, which he says were washed out last fall due to flooding.
"Over the last few months, a few of us have been working away at recovering those bridges," he says, noting they have taken on a bit of damage.
Restoring the bridges is an important project, he says, particularly given the unique escape Blind Creek Trail offers Steinbach residents.
"We don't have a lot of waterways," he says. "For me, I always enjoy being able to get down near the water and have a coffee, or sit quietly."
It's also a spot he's noticed others enjoying, whether that's a family picnic, or wedding photoshoots.
"We didn't want to let (it) fall by the wayside, and wanted to put some energy into keeping it open for people to use and enjoy," Burton says.
The GoFundMe target is set at $1,250, he says, though the budget was originally set at $2,500.
"One bridge needs to be completely resurfaced, like all new boards on the surface. So that was about $600 or $700 worth of lumber," he explains. "Then we thought we'd look into handrails and even getting some dirt in there so it's level."
Depending on the support and interest from the community, Burton says much more could be possible—even an extension of the trail.
He hopes to fix the bridges soon, and use extra funds for upgrades throughout the season.
All are invited to come and enjoy the trail, he says, noting a group has already been out mowing and caring for the trail.
Burton adds that a club is forming for those that want to volunteer to help maintain the trail by cutting grass, cleaning up fallen trees, and find ways to improve the pathway.
Interested people can email Burton at elleryburton9@gmail.com.