The capital region is an outdoor lover's paradise, especially in summer when the days are long and even the rain takes a vacation. Today, the Times Colonist presents the final instalment in our summer series Eight Hidden Gems, in which our reporters and photographers introduce you to some of the region's lesser-known outdoor getaways. Today we visit Outerbridge Park in Saanich.
It's easy to pass by Outerbridge Park, but that would be a mistake.
Saanich's hidden gem is off Royal Oak Drive. After walking 20 paces past the entrance, it's difficult to remember that you came from a major thoroughfare. Sounds of busy traffic are muffled by chirping birds as peace and relaxation sets in.
The 3.8-hectare park, originally named ShangriLa Bird and Nature Sanctuary by its founder, Jo Ann Outerbridge, was acquired by Saanich in 2005. It has undergone extensive restorations to bring it back to its former glory. Outerbridge, a naturalist and horticulturist, created the park in the late 1980s by subdividing the plots of six neighbouring properties.
Plant life surrounds a pathway shaped in a figureeight, large enough to accommodate wheelchairs. One area has been left in its natural state, where tall trees and overgrown grasses line a path littered with pine cones. In contrast to this rugged area is a carefully cultivated garden and pond, with a stone bench and knobby plum tree.
Marlene Russo, Outerbridge's close friend, said the tree's history shows the love that Outerbridge poured into the park. "It would have been destroyed in the middle of the night," Russo said, adding that Outerbridge woke up at 2 a.m. to have the tree moved into the park from a neighbouring property.
Outerbridge, originally from Bermuda, is an inspiration, Russo said. "She's shown us not only what one person can do, but that you can do it in your 70s."
Outerbridge started the park shortly after coming to Canada in 1987. Now 91, Outerbridge can watch her park come back to life, after it had gone into disrepair.
"When she developed the park, she had an area for hummingbirds, an area for butterflies," said Russo, who spoke on Outerbridge's behalf.
Saanich Parks manager Rae Roer said restorations have been done in partnership with the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific, which looks after day-to-day operations. "They've been doing a tremendous amount of invasive-species removal," Roer said.
In 2008, the main trail was upgraded, a new wooden bridge was installed and overgrown plants were brushed back. A year later, a parking lot was added. Private donations and Saanich park funds have paid for continued restorations.
An irrigation system to water shrubs and plants was also installed, allowing non-native plants to thrive in a new habitat.
For Roer, Outerbridge Park is a unique oasis. There are plans for more benches and the addition of interpretive signs. "We're getting it back to where Mrs. Outerbridge is very proud of her creation," Roer said.
OUTER BRIDGE PARK FAST FACTS
Location: 1181 Royal Oak Drive
Size: 3.8 hectares
Difficulty level 1: Anyone can enjoy the park's well-maintained paths. Most of the park is wheelchair accessible.
Named for: Jo Ann Outerbridge, a naturalist and horticulturalist who created the park in the late 1980s by subdividing the plots of six neighbouring properties.
Previous Hidden Gems
July 12 - Sea Bluff Trail, Metchosin
July 19 - Tod Inlet, Central Saanich
July 26 - Colquitz River Trail, Saanich
Aug. 2 - Devonian Regional Park, Metchosin
Aug. 9 - Chinese Cemetery, Oak Bay
Aug. 16 - Horth Hill Regional Park, North Saanich
Aug. 23 - Mystic Vale, University of Victoria
Story archive: timescolonist.com/gems
