A Brief History

In 1957 some farseeing, long time local residents, the local Farmers Institute, determined 50 acres of raw BC Crown land should be a park, the very area now known as The Brackendale Farmers Institute (BFI) Park. It is located in the forested area south of Brackendale Elementary School, west of Ross Road, east and north of the railway tracks. Geographically, the BFI Park is in the Cheekye Fan, an alluvial fan where deposits of alluvial sedimentation and material from debris flows and debris floods accrue over time. The Park is an area of old 2nd growth Douglas Fir mixed forest, with an understory of assorted native trees and shrubs. It is home to various wildlife including bear, wolf, cougar, coyote, eagles, and ravens.

In the early 1980s, a neighbourhood dad cleared and established the 3 main trails in the so that his young son could have a safe place to ride his dirt bike. One part of the BFI trails is a segment of the Old Pemberton Trail. The trails are now part of the Squamish Trail System.

In 1992, the BFI began lobbying at all levels of government for permanent park status for the land. Since that time they have cleared and maintained an area for the Brackendale Fall Fair, improved trails, installed gates, brought in power and created a place where community can gather.

In 1997, the BFI held its annual first Brackendale Fall Fair at the Park.

As of 2018, the land designation in the District of Squamish Official Community Plan is as Parks, Greenway Corridor and Recreation land. Caretaking of the Park is by local volunteers with some support work by District of Squamish and BC Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Office.

Over the decades, the park has become a favourite outdoor area for use by locals and visitors alike. Its status as Park land must be ensured in the future.

Enquiries for use of the land should be made to BCFLNRO office in Squamish BC.