Best-kept secret trail in Kelowna has seven parks, playgrounds

Brandt's Creek Linear Park is a jewel in the city's trail system and the best-kept secret in Kelowna. Fortunately, the Sheriff and Constant Companion Carmen live nearby so they regularly use it to get from the Glenmore Valley to the Parkinson Recreation Centre and the Okanagan Rail Trail. It's the latest entry in my Wild and Wonderful Walks series. If you Google the name, you will find complimentary references to it on Tourism Kelowna, Hike the Okanagan and the All Trails websites. Tourism Kelowna describes it as: "A lively link between nature and neighbourhood—a green ribbon running through Glenmore's heart, an inviting urban greenway that blends nature, art and community spaces, perfect for walking, cycling and family outings." It is 4.3 kilometres one-way with a 100-metre elevation change. It's a gentle incline with paved and gravel sections, weaving through seven neighbourhood parks along a shaded creek corridor. The stroller- and kid-friendly trail passes wetlands, ponds, landscaped parklands, multiple playgrounds, bridges, benches and local art. Look for muskrats, ducks and other birds right beside the trail and in the ponds. If you check the City of Kelowna's website, you'll just get, 'amenities: trails, dog status: on-leash, type: park, area: 5.11 ha.' And there's a map showing a thin green line. It's as if the neighbours petitioned he city not to tell anyone about this incredible trail because its their secret. The best route is to start at the intersection of Summit Drive and Valley Road. Off-road parking is available on a wide, gravel pull-off almost immediately heading north on Valley Road. The first section from Summit north has no signs (shame, parks department) and is a wide asphalt sidewalk but the best part is just north of the first driveway to multi-unit residences. The best view is walking right next to a metal railing and looking down at Brandt's Creek where the ducks and their ducklings think you can't see them during swimming practice. You enter another world after crossing Yates Road and entering Valley Glen Wetland at 530 Valley Road. A concrete flow structure holds back the water for the wetland, where ducks have a private island and share a floating log with numerous turtles. At the far end of the pond, just before you reach a wooden arch bridge, you will find the first of seven 2007 granite, quartzite and onyx abstract sculptures entitled 'Growth' by Karl Ciesluk. They look like giant stone fruit cut in half with the stone still intact. A well-worn plaque, barely legible, explains: "The works evoke seed pods or fruit, symbolizing renewal and transformation and remind us of the Glenmore Valley's agricultural roots." The Sheriff can't help himself. Every time he enters the first (of two) corrugated metal tunnels, in a deep, resonating voice he yells: "Caaaaaarrrrr-mmmmmen!" But the journey has just begun. Around the corner is Sutton Glen Park, with its wonderful and huge community garden. By this time, you realize all seven parks have the same middle name, Glen, signifying their location in the Glenmore Valley. After crossing Kane Road using its pedestrian-activated walkway and going across the shopping centre driveway, you will find Whitman Glen Park with another playground. Through the second tunnel, look for the waterfowl hiding in the series of small ponds before you cross another wooden bridge. Then, there is a short section of Glen Park Drive (no crosswalk to a sidewalk) and large Matera Glen Park with a basketball hoop and skateboard park. Finally, it's the last short wild section of Brandt's Creek Linear Park phase one. Glenmore Road also has a pedestrian-activated crosswalk to get across its busy four lanes as you enter phase two. A short tree-lined walk takes you between apartment blocks to Snowsell Street and a short walk north to Biggar Road and Cross Glen Park at 307 Biggar Road, with its playground and tennis court. Watch out for loose playground gravel next to a chronically wet trail at the far end. When the Sheriff first discovered the linear park, there were no signs linking phase one and two from Glen Park Drive to Biggar Road. So he phoned the city's parks department. Someone checked it out but said it would take until October to fabricate and install signs. As a result, the Sheriff used his laptop and printer to produce a series of paper signs, inserted them in plastic covers and used plastic wire ties to fasten them to fences and poles to show users the proper route. That fall, proper signs were installed and the Sheriff's temporary signs were removed. From Cross Glen Park, short trails lead across side streets to Newport Glen Park (playground, bench, bridge) and Millard Glen Park. However, there is final wildlife treat at the north end of this final park. Walking across the grass on a slight sidehill, you will discover what the Sheriff has labelled Secret Pond because you can't see it from Millard Court West. Stay there long enough and resident ducks will waddle over expecting the same treats they receive from neighbours. It's a great place for photos. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.