Darcy Nature Walk 2022. Nicholas L. M. Allen photo
Nicholas L. M. Allen
May 29, 2024
This year marks the final installment of Darcy’s Nature Walk for Mental Wellness, an event that has been a beloved tradition in the Crowsnest Pass community for the past 17 years
Scheduled for Saturday, June 8, the walk will offer participants one last chance to engage in this event.
Registration is on-site at the Bellevue Fireman’s Park starting at 9:15 a.m. and the walk start time is 10:00 a.m.
Participants can choose from three different loops, each ranging between four and five kilometres in length. There are two trail loops of moderate difficulty and one in-town loop that is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. However, the trail loops are not ideal for strollers or similar equipment.
Following the walk, there will be hot dogs, snacks, and prizes. These post-walk festivities offer an opportunity for community members to gather, relax, and celebrate the event’s history.
Randi Lynn Rinaldi, a key organizer of the event, expressed mixed emotions about this being the final year.
“We didn’t expect this event to last so many years. Initially, we thought it would run for just a couple of years to honour my mom and to get some community support,” Rinaldi shared, “But with great success, it just continued, and we never had a definitive end in mind.”
The decision to end the walk stems from the organizers feeling it is time to step back.
“Everyone’s getting older, and we’re a little tired. Now feels like as good a time as any to step away,” she added.
Despite the conclusion of the walk, Rinaldi is hopeful that another group may pick up where they leave off.
“We’d be happy to see another group in the community carry on with new ideas and energy,” she said.
Rinaldi expressed immense gratitude for the community’s support over the years.
“We’re always overwhelmed with the support we’ve had and are grateful for everyone who has turned out, donated, and participated. We’re asking people to come out this last year to support us and focus on their own mental health as well,” said Rinaldi.
The funds raised in previous years will continue to be utilized for initiatives that align with the original purpose of the donations.
“We feel responsible for ensuring that previous donations are used for the reasons they were collected,” said Rinaldi.
This final walk is an opportunity for the community to come together one last time under the banner of Darcy’s Nature Walk. Whether you walk the entire route or simply join for a hot dog and the camaraderie, your presence is what matters most.
More information can be found at darcysnaturewalk.com.