Photos: YK’s Rotary Park & Boardwalk is, at last, complete

Eight years in the making, the boardwalk stretching to Yellowknife Bay from the city’s Rotary Park is now complete.

A ceremony marking the project’s completion was held on Saturday at the terminus of the boardwalk – a rocky outcrop leading down to Great Slave Lake, across from a range of houseboats.

“The park and trail system in Yellowknife is fantastic,” said Norma Jarvis, president of the Rotary Club of Yellowknife. “It is well-developed and maintained, and there is continued opportunity to make it better.

“Yellowknife is a great place to live because of our parks.”

The Rotary Club of Yellowknife and the City partnered to create the boardwalk, which was gradually completed in a series of small, annual stages.

Rotary Park itself was begun as a project in 2003, designed to celebrate Rotary’s international centenary in 2005.

“We had so much fun and satisfaction that, when the park was completed, Rotary approached the City to develop the boardwalk,” said Jarvis.

Linda Bussey – representing the City in her new and brief role as deputy mayor, before standing down at next month’s election – paid tribute to the completion of a “longstanding collaboration.”

“It enhances the Great Slave Lake waterfront,” she said, “and provides additional opportunities for residents and visitors to access the waterfront. This park helps the City achieve our goal as we strive to maintain quality green space.”

Rotary thanked its members, City staff, and residents who supported the project by pitching in to help work parties.

The group’s next project involves helping the city’s mountain bike club to construct a bike skills park near Bristol Pit.