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Community

Maplehurst Park and Trails

Overview

Maplehurst Park is a natural forested park in the Cherry Creek Electoral Area, offering a network of informal, non-motorized trails through mature coastal rainforest.

The park protects a section of Kitsuksis Creek, an important salmon-bearing stream, and provides a quiet setting for walking, nature appreciation, and outdoor recreation.

At approximately 14.6 hectares (36 acres), Maplehurst Park is valued for its natural character, community-built trail system, and connection to a broader network of trails on adjacent Crown land.

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Trail Map

The park features a loop-style trail network connected by additional routes:

  • Southern loop (~1 km)
  • Northern loop (~0.6 km)
  • Connections to extended trails on Crown land
  • Creekside sections and forested trails with switchbacks

Trails are informal and were developed and are maintained by local volunteers.

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Park Features
  • Mature forest including Douglas-fir, western redcedar, and big-leaf maple
  • Kitsuksis Creek (salmon-bearing stream)
  • Ravine and riparian landscape
  • Informal hiking trail network
  • Natural, minimally developed setting

The park lies within the Coastal Western Hemlock ecosystem, characterized by wet, temperate rainforest conditions and rich biodiversity.

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Access

Maplehurst Park currently has no formalized road access or developed parking areas within the park.

  • Main access is typically from the end of Willow Road
  • Visitors must travel along informal trails across Crown land to reach the park
  • Additional informal access points exist via surrounding trail connections

Future plans may include improved access and additional entry points from surrounding neighbourhoods.

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Park History

Maplehurst Park has both cultural and community significance:

  • Located within the traditional territories of the Tseshaht and Hupačaseth First Nations
  • Established in 1913 as part of an early subdivision plan that was never developed
  • Retained as parkland after the subdivision was dissolved in 1955
  • Became part of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) when it formed in 1966
  • Trail system developed over decades by local volunteers

Today, the park continues to reflect strong community stewardship and volunteer involvement.

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Recreation

Maplehurst Park is primarily used for low-impact outdoor recreation, including:

  • Walking and hiking
  • Dog walking
  • Running and jogging
  • Nature photography
  • Bird watching
  • Mushroom picking

Visitors value the park for its quiet, natural environment, proximity to local neighbourhoods, and connection to nature.

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Ecology & Natural Values

The park contains ecologically important features:

  • Kitsuksis Creek — a highly productive coho salmon stream
  • Mature and aging forest ecosystems
  • Habitat for wildlife such as deer, black bear, owls, woodpeckers, and amphibians
  • Diverse understory plants typical of coastal rainforest

Much of the park has remained undisturbed for over 100 years, allowing ecosystems to mature and increase in ecological value over time.

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Park Use Guidelines
  • Non-motorized use only
  • Dogs permitted off-leash under control
  • Stay on existing trails
  • Respect private property boundaries
  • Pack out all garbage

Visitors are encouraged to help preserve the park’s natural character.

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Safety Information
  • Trails are informal and may not be regularly maintained
  • Terrain includes steep areas, roots, and wet conditions
  • Limited signage and wayfinding
  • Be prepared for changing weather and wildlife encounters

In case of emergency, call 911.

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Stewardship & Future Vision

Maplehurst Park is guided by a Park Management Plan which established the long-term vision to:

  • Protect sensitive ecosystems and wildlife habitat
  • Maintain a rustic, natural trail experience
  • Improve access while minimizing environmental impact
  • Enhance trail connections to surrounding communities
  • Support ongoing volunteer stewardship

Community input strongly supports keeping the park natural and minimally developed, while improving access, parking, and wayfinding over time.

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Contact
    Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD)
    Phone: 250-720-2700
    Website: acrd.bc.ca
    Email: mailbox@acrd.bc.ca
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Know Before You Go
  • No formal parking or facilities
  • Informal trail access
  • Natural terrain and conditions
  • Best suited for experienced walkers