We are seeking your support to help us develop a year round recreation park in the community of Salmon River, Colchester County, on the grounds of the former Salmon River Elementary School. 

We believe that this municipally owned property is a natural asset for our community, and our county, that should be protected and preserved for future generations.  Please sign this petition to send a message to the County of Colchester that you support this initiative.  

A Community Asset
This 16 acre property has long been an important part of our community, first as the Salmon River Elementary School, and now as a green space used by the community.

After the closure of the Salmon River Elementary School in 2008, ownership of the school and the property was transferred to the County of Colchester.  In the years that followed, the school site was the target of vandalism and other criminal activities, and the building was subsequently demolished in 2017.

Since demolition of the school, a large number of individuals and families starting using the property to exercise, walk their dogs, and meet with friends and family, even though the property wasn't maintained as a community green space.  

A Special Place
The grounds of the former Salmon River Elementary School are used by many local residents, and residents from neighbouring areas, for walking, dog walking, sledding, horseback riding, and biking, just to name a few. 

This property is a very special place in our community, and we believe that it is an ideal location for a community recreation park which could support a variety of recreational opportunities including, but not limited to:

• An off-leash dog park
• Walking trails in nature
• Community sledding hill
• Picnic areas
• Public washrooms and rest areas
• Community gardens
• Lawn bowling
• Washer toss
• Children’s play areas

In addition to being an ideal spot for a recreation park, this green space also serves as an important habitat for wildlife, plants, and trees, and gives the residents of Salmon River and the surrounding area an opportunity to benefit from a natural setting. 

This property was a lifeline for area residents during Covid-19 lock down restrictions because it gave them an opportunity to exercise, meet friends and family at a social distance, and benefit from being in nature.  For many, this property played an important role in maintaining and improving mental health/physical well-being during this difficult time, and plays an important role in fostering a connection between community residents and the natural environment that surrounds them. 

Site Description
The area is approximately 16 acres in size, of which approximately 30% is forested.  The forested area is on the back eastern hill, and a smaller area on the northwest corner, near the brook.  The remaining area is grass covered, with a baseball backstop on the old ball field area.

The former school building site is located on a steep hill overlooking the playground area below, which has long been a popular attraction for winter activities such as sledding, snowboarding, and sliding.  There is also a clearing/field above the former building site that was originally used as a soccer field.  A fresh water brook runs along the west side of the property, creating a tranquil, peaceful natural environment for many leisure activities.

What We're Seeking
To help us protect and preserve this important community asset, we are seeking a commitment from the County of Colchester to formally designate this 16 acre site as a permanent municipal park/green space.

We would also like to see the County of Colchester facilitate this property's use as a community green space by:

• Creating a parking area at the north entrance for visitors to the site. 
• Installing trail barriers and signage at the all entrances to the site to prevent unauthorized vehicles from accessing the grounds.
• Adding crusher dust to all existing trails
• Providing ongoing maintenance of the property (mowing, trail grooming, etc.)

Please help us protect and preserve this precious public green space for residents of Salmon River, the local community, and future generations (our children, grandchildren) by petitioning the County of Colchester to formally designate it as a park/green space.  

Thank you for your support, and stay tuned for updates!