Editor:
Monday, Sept. 26 is the 18th Anniversary of the official opening of the Fred Gingell Park stairs, and public access to Tsawwassen Beach.
It is hard to believe that it has been around long enough to be a fixture in Tsawwassen.
The beach trail is one of the most popular and used public amenities in all of Delta, giving a great route down to one of the most beautiful western beaches in Canada.
It has varied and regular users from the community including grandparents with young grandchildren, high school and elementary students, adults of all ages making it integral to their fitness and health, even professional athletes working on team training.
It is interesting now to think back and remember the opposition and bitter controversy that surrounded gaining this access, and this resource, and how it divided the community for a time. Happily, that is now just a memory for some, while most users today are not even aware that it was a very big deal. Politics is always temporary, community prevails!
Sadly this year an important part of the history of the beach access, Mr. Eric West passed away at the age of 95. For more than 40 years Eric was instrumental in the fight for public access to Tsawwassen Beach - truly a Tsawwassen unsung hero. Please think of him when you are on the stairs and the beach.
We encourage everyone to get out on the trail and celebrate the 18th anniversary; build up a sweat, go for a walk on the beach, and never take for granted that you can do this freely.
For those who work to enhance and help progress in the community, please use the Fred Gingell Park Beach Stairs as a marker and encouragement to be patient, be persistent, and never give up.
Bob and Donna Bracken
On behalf of Tsawwassen Beach Access Association
