The Preeceville Lions Club undertook a major project with widening and continuing the clearing of trees along the walking and ski trail around the Town of Preeceville, according to Ralph Ager, Lions member.
"We created this idea for making improvements to the existing trail and creating walking and cross country ski trails where individuals could walk or ski around the town when completed," said Ager.
The multi-purpose trail will be funded by the proceeds from the Chase the Ace. A committee was established to oversee this project with members from the Lions club, Kelsey Ecological Society and community members.
The trails will be groomed by four committee members: Ralph Ager, Florian Balawyder, Joe Firman and Phil Murrin, who will take turns grooming the trails throughout the winter months.
"We will continue making trail improvements in the spring with the addition of putting down reject gravel. We have also built a warm-up shack that will be placed at the entrance located west of the Wildlife Park entrance. The shack was built by the Lions Club members and made financially possible by a combination of the old Nordic ski club funds, the Lou Roste in memory funds and Lions club," said Ager.
The Lions continue to work on community development that attracts people to the community and promotes fitness.
The Preeceville Lions Family trail has developed into a multi-purpose trail for cross- country skiing in winter and walking and biking in summer. The trail is a simple loop with a couple of cross paths. It covers about three km in the loop. It is an easy trail, mostly flat. It winds through aspen trees and hugs Annie Laurie Lake to the north. The trailhead is located at the west end of Preeceville at the Wildlife Park. There is easy access from several other spots in town. The trail committee maintains the ski trail with two tracks. The committee plans to expand the trail and include warm-up shelters and improved signing.
There are four concrete benches along the trail around the Annie Laurie Lake and two are located along the trail. The benches are dedicated in memory of past Lions members, Ron and Rob Neitling, Peter Predy and Nestor Maksymiw. The benches are scheduled to have plaques paced on them in memory of the past members.
The Lions club would like to expand and add more benches and another warm-up shelter in the near future.
