The municipality acquired the forest behind its water tower in 2021, and now it’s open to the public as the municipality’s first multi-use outdoor trail space. Over three kilometres of trails criss-cross the area for various summer and winter activities, including hiking, biking, snowshoeing, skiing.
“It is now possible to ski and hike in the forest near Larocque Park,” said Manon Besner, Chair of the Larocque Woods Advisory Committee. “For a few months now, an advisory committee has been working on the development of the Larocque Woods. It is with gratitude to the members of this committee, Mr. Dominic Côté, the people who participated in the fall clean-up and the employees of the Parks and Recreation Department of the municipality of Alfred & Plantagenet that it is now possible to enjoy these trails safely as a family. So bundle up and come enjoy the great outdoors at Larocque Woods. Come and play outside this winter.”
To celebrate, the Larocque Woods Advisory Committee, the Alfred 150 Committee, and the Alfred Optimist Club hosted a Family Day outing on February 21. They led a walk through the woods with hot chocolate and coffee, and the skate shack was open for people to warm up in. In addition, several prize draws were held throughout the day featuring prizes donated by the Optimist Club.
“The acquisition of the college forest, now better known as the Larocque Woods, by the municipality is a very important investment to enhance the identity of the residents of the township and their sense of belonging to it,” said Ken St-Denis, parks and recreation director. “It is with passion and pride that the Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the community, plans to develop this prime site over the next five years.”
Larocque Woods is a sprawling, picturesque vista perfect for recreational outings, and visitors have already begun enjoying the new trails. Gail McCourt took Loki, her Italian mastiff-cross, out for a romp along the paths of the new Boisés Larocque Trail in Alfred on Saturday around noon.
« I love it in here, » said McCourt. « I love the woods. This is a nice little trail. »
The trail map is available on the township’s website. The township reminds all visitors that all public health measures must be observed while visiting.
