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Marysville Falls Walkway rebuild being studied
Since the Sullivan Mine closed in 2001, Kimberley has leaned on our amazing recreation amenities and pure mountain air to attract visitors. These resources are the mainstay of the local economy and well supported by Kimberley’s largest employer, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) and by many local organizations.
The downtown Platzl with its boutique style stores and shops also draws visitors from a wide area. In fact, the 20-minute proximity to Cranbrook has created a “super-community’ that shares recreation, shopping and jobs.
One of Kimberley’s significant attractions is Marysville Falls, a 10 metre (30 foot) waterfall. Access to the falls is by a 300-metre (1,000 foot) walkway. The original walkway was a Kimberley Rotary Club project completed about 37 years ago and was dedicated to honour the first Rotary District 5080 Governor (1964-65) from Kimberley, Al Fabro.
The walkway starts where Highway 95A crosses Mark Creek and is easily recognized by the large Rotary Sign at the trail head and also by Rotary signage at the observation point above the Falls.
Over the years, the Kimberley Rotary Club has undertaken spring clean-up along the walkway and the City of Kimberley has undertaken repairs and maintenance as needed. However, it is now nearing the end of its useful lifespan and is not accessible for those with limited mobility.
This summer, the Kimberley Rotary Club contracted with ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd. to help determine the feasibility of rebuilding the Marysville Falls Walkway to make it safer and accessible to everyone.
The first phase, a topographic survey and assembly of existing information has been completed. The second phase, developing a preliminary structural design is underway. The third and final phase, the detailed design and feasibility report is expected to be completed this month.
Funding for the feasibility assessment has been provided by Columbia Basin Trust, Teck, and the Rotary Foundation with a matching grant from the Kimberley Rotary Club. The City of Kimberley provided in-kind donations of existing surveys, drawings, and records.
A decision on moving ahead with a new more accessible walkway will be dependent on the results of the feasibility study and the estimation of the costs.
Photos submitted by Kimberley Rotary Club
Kimberley Rotary Club
