The Participark Trail runs through a picturesque river ravine right in the heart of Tillsonburg. And picturesque it is for sure as there some great places for the nature photographer as well as those interested in flowers, rivers, plant life and of course its also a wonderful spot for family and other portrait opportunities.

The trail goes from Concession St. W. south to Baldwin St. and most any day you can see people walking their dogs our just out for a leisurely stroll. I love taking a quick walk trough the park as one can walk it all the way from Concession to Baldwin and back in a half hour or less depending on the pace. Of course the park also offers some great places for weddings and family picnics as well as cycling and cross-country skiing and the like.

For those who have lived in the Tillsonburg area for many years my well remember when the park was first started and how it was really a Participark full with monkey bars, and other athletic equipment where one could stop and do chin-ups and a whole lot more. However it seems that over the years all of these have disappeared as equipment became in poor condition and were not replaced or repaired most likely due to lack of use. I can even remember a covered bridge that I just loved to use for engagement and other photographs. But one Halloween night some good-for-nothing rascals put it on fire and it was never rebuild… what a shame.

In the center of the park there is one of the best picture opportunities with the Kinsmen Bridge that starts on Bridge Street and goes through Hickory Hills community and ends at Quarterline Road. That is actually also a great place for a walk as it gives one a good view from the bridge as well as a nice walk trough the retirement area of Hickory Hills. By now you might have noticed that Participark park is a favourite of mine both for a walk as well as great place to capture some beautiful photographs.