PrP PML PERT TR SE 75TH ANNIVERSARY NV’s Lynn Canyon Park overtio SWIMMING HOLES and water falls, favorite fishing spots and a_ breathtaking suspension bridge all tied together by winding forest trails make Lynn Canyon Park a precious piece of local community heritage. Sharing the limelight with West Vancouver this year, the 22-acre park marks its official 75th an- niversary Sept. 14. “People are amazed by the beauty and that it’s so close to downtown,”” said Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre staff member Athena George. As might be expected, a birthday bash is in the offing. ‘‘Plans aren’t certain yet, but we’re planning a big picnic and we'll try tore-create the old sporting events of the early days and an old-time dance in the park,” said George. . ‘We want the 75th birthday party to be as much fun as the opening day.”” The park is steeped in history. Before European settlers arrived on the scene, nearby Indians gave Lynn creek their tribal name, Kwalcha. By 1880 a map showed the creek as Fred’s Creek, named after Fred Howson, a pioneer preceeding John Lynn in the area. Howson had staked 160 acres in the area. The search for gold and timber drew people into the area. ‘‘Most of the park has been logged in the past. Most of the trees you see in the park today are 90 years old,” LYNN CANYON Park in the District of North Vancouver has been delighting residents and visitors alike for the past 75 years. Left, Kevin Bell, chief naturalist at Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, shows a lady fern to Lynn Valley Elementary Schoo! Grade 1 students Jaclyn Hildred and Eric Halbach. Right, the class takes a stroll across the famous suspension bridge. said George. In 1910, the Mctavish brothers, who then owned the park-area land, donated the park land to North Vancouver District. “The old park used to have a bandstand, caretaker’s cottage and picnic grounds upstream from where the concession stands are now. A big flood in 1919 swept everything away. All that land is gone now,”’ said George. But the flood didn’t sweep away the suspension bridge built and owned by one J.P. Crawford, who used to charge an enterprising five cent toll to park visitors wishing to cross the bridge. _ George is calling for groups and individuals with ideas and en- thusiasm to help make the 75th anniversary celebration a success by phoning the Lynn Canyon Ecolcgy Centre at 987-5922. She would particularly like to hear from people with photos and memories of the park’s earlier Preparing a party 29 - Wednesday, June 24, 1987 - ARR EE Pie — quickiy! PAGE 41 a a ee oe. 2 a a a a ee i North Shore News Be NEWS photo Stuart Davis MRE RRR ERM EEE HE Facilities & Services Exclusively for Women * Private Dressing Booths * Asrobica « Soothing Sauna * Relaxing Whirlpoo! « Free Weights * Nutritional Guidance « Lifecycles & Fan Bikes Body Shaping © Private Showers * and Much More!