A local group dedicated to the development of a first class trail system wants to hear from trail users.
Bluewater Trails Sarnia has launched a survey to get a better understanding of how residents use the trail system.
Committee Chair Brittany Jenkins said they plan to use that input to support or solidify future projects, which are funded by the City of Sarnia.
"Some of the future projects would include things like looking at providing waste stations, we're looking at what people think about having e-bikes on the trails, but we also want to make sure that people are using the trails safely," she said. "We're also looking at getting trail counters on the trail, so how many people are using the trails, what time are they using the trails and how are they accessing the trails, whether it be on a bicycle or a person walking or running."
Jenkins said another area the group regularly oversees are pedestrian crossings.
"We've done a lot of them but the future one that we're really looking at is getting a nice, safe crossing from the Howard Watson Nature Trail to Mike Weir Park, which is right between Sarnia and Bright's Grove area," she said.
Jenkins said one thing they're doing with the Rapids Parkway extension, which goes into the area of the Howard Watson Nature Trail, is replanting trees in a one to three ratio.
"So for every one tree removed, another three will be planted," she said. "Because of the limited spacing, we'd like to know some more input on different areas that you'd like to see those trees. Maybe it's on the Howard Watson Trail, maybe it's in another park in your community. That feedback will be actually implemented once we kind of finish that project up."
Jenkins said the trails are increasing in popularity.
"Now, we're also seeing them increase with usage for people using them as a commuter route to and from work or school," she said.
Jenkins said the main trail the group looks after is the Howard Watson Nature Trail, but they also support grant applications, provide recommendations for different parks, and do partnerships to upkeep the parks.
For a link to the survey, click here. The deadline to fill out the survey is October 6.