Kinsmen Park officially open for summer season

NEWS RELEASE
KINSMEN CLUB OF SAULT STE MARIE
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With the spring sunshine promising warmer weather it is a great time for our community to enjoy Kinsmen Park; one of Sault Ste. Marie’s local jewels. The health and well being of our community is crucial during these difficult times. 

Local outdoor recreation continues to be a safe way for our community to weather the lockdown. The Kinsmen of Sault Ste. Marie welcomes our community onto the Hiawatha trail system and Kinsmen Park during the lockdown to spend time outdoors and get fresh air close to home.

The Kinsmen Club of Sault Ste. Marie operates under a mission of ‘supporting the community’s greatest need’ and our community needs outdoor spaces to bring their families to recreate and get exercise.

Kinsmen Park, located at the junction of Fifth Line East and Sixth Line, is the trailhead for access to the Hiawatha Highlands trail system. The Kinsmen Club of Sault Ste. Marie owns and operates Kinsmen Park which encompasses approximately 232 acres of land and maintain a year-round land use permit with Infrastructure Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to use an additional 563 acres of land which captures the broader trail network. 

This beautiful area supports non-motorized recreation throughout the year including mountain biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, bird watching, and exploring. Visit the trail head map near the big pine tree the Soo Finnish Ski Club’s blue club house to get your bearings. Or check out the mountain bike trail system.

As a small volunteer organization the Kinsmen want to say thank-you to all the volunteer community groups that work hard keeping the trails safe and fun such as the Voyageur Trail Association, Sault Cycling Club, and the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club. 

We are truly grateful for the support and enduring dedication of these volunteer partners. Countless hours go into to ensuring the trails provide a beautiful all-season haven right in our community’s backyard. Thank-you community volunteers; your contributions have a big impact! 

Interested in doing your part? Everyone can contribute by keeping the park area clean and pristine while you visit. Or get involved by joining one of these volunteer organizations! 

With more people enjoying outdoor pursuits safely close to home, the park is a busy place. A big thank you to Sault MP Terry Sheehan who has always supported Kinsmen Park and the Hiawatha Highlands area. With Mr. Sheehan’s help the Kinsmen have been able to hire extra staff who are on hand to assist with trail development, park improvements and maintenance.  

Our staff do their best keep the park safe, enjoyable and clean. While you visit, please remember you are in a natural environment. We cannot guarantee that all surfaces are sanitized. 

Please use proper precautions while using the amenities within the park such as wearing gloves and washing or sanitizing your hands after touching surfaces within the park. 

Give others a friendly hello and maintain two metres distance if passing them on a trail.  Keep your dog on a leash at all times and please be bear aware.  Wildlife encounters at the park are common as we share this gorgeous habitat with a variety of flora and fauna!

While enjoying Kinsmen Park and the Hiawatha area please share your photos on https://www.instagram.com/kinsmenparkssm/

If you have a comment or suggestion about the park, please contact [email protected].

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