Vancouver's Charleston Park is an off-the-(sea)wall experience

Sitting by myself at the base of this waterfall, it's hard to remember that I am in the heart of Vancouver, just minutes away from the busy Cambie Street corridor and city hall. I have walked, limped, hobbled, and rolled past this quiet oasis as my medical condition has progressed over the years, never entering because I assumed it was strictly an off-leash dog park. This park is clearly much more than a popular spot to let Rover rollick with newly formed packs of 30 or more dogs at a time.

Access to the park's north end is along the seawall between Granville Island and the Cambie Street bridge. If you are arriving via the seawall route I suggest approaching from Granville Island as that section of seawall is much more user friendly to those who use mobility devices of all kinds. Approaching the park from the Cambie Street bridge along the seawall involves a rough and painful roll over poorly laid cobblestone at Leg in Boot Square. If travelling via the Canada Line get off at the Olympic Village station or if driving, park there. Make your way along West 6th Avenue to Leg in Boot Square. Once there you will see the park sign. Follow Sawyer's Lane to the entrance at Greenchain. If you want to reach the top of the waterfall, approach the park from steeply graded Laurel Street and coast down the hill.

My Birder friends tell me this is a Red Shafted Flicker

Once in Charleston Park enjoy the views, the birds, and the serenity. The park is built on a bluff but has good accessible paved paths. The playground is accessible but there is no adaptive play equipment. There are no washrooms but there are lots of places to sit. There are also paths of bark mulch leading to the quieter areas of the park . It takes some power to access these less travelled trails.

Don't forget to join us this Saturday, April 30th. for the finale of the City of Vancouver's month long Earth Day celebration. The event is at Everett Crowley Park (see "Paradise Recycled" posting).  For event details follow the link http://www.earthdayvancouver.org/.