One of the world’s top cross-country ski course designers has given Ma-te-Way Park in Renfrew a thumbs up.
Dirk Van Wijk gave his verdict while walking the course on Monday, December 12th as preparations are underway for the Ontario Winter Games.
Van Wijk, who served as the head course groomer for the 2018 Pyeongchang and 2022 Beijing Olympics, says the 2.4 kilometre course will take advantage of the trails and hills behind the Ma-te-Way Activity Centre, featuring a climb up the tobogganing hill into the woods with a swooping downhill portion before making its way around the Ma-te-Way’s ballparks for the finish.
It’s a space that has a good mix of beautiful skiing with visibility for coaches, as Van Wijk adds that Renfrew’s Parks and Recreation Department have a good handle on what needs to be cleaned up ahead of the games.
Ontario Winter Games Manager Cindy Burwell was also on hand to walk the course, and says the glowing reviews don’t end with Van Wijk.
Burwell says the course maps for Cross Country sprint and distance races for both able-bodied and para-athletes should be mostly finalized within the next week, as the event itself is scheduled for February 10th.
(written by Kasey Egan)