Salt Spring will soon welcome a new community park thanks to the donation of about 1.5 acres of waterfront land near Fulford. The property includes open viewpoints, a pocket of beach, and rare direct ocean access — exactly the kind of shoreline connection identified as a priority in the island’s 2019 Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan.

The land comes as a gift from the family of the late Ruth Baldwin, who lived on the property until her passing in 2009. Her family shared that she cared deeply for the place and would have been delighted to know it will now be enjoyed as a public park. A covenant will be added to the title to ensure the land remains protected for community use into the future.

Local representatives with the Capital Regional District (CRD) described the donation as a rare chance to protect shoreline for public benefit at a time when waterfront properties are increasingly scarce. They noted that the new park will safeguard both access and natural beauty for generations to come. Planning for modest facilities — such as pathways and basic amenities — will follow in consultation with the community.

Why This Gift Matters

Waterfront access has long been a concern on Salt Spring. With much of the shoreline privately owned, opportunities for the public to reach the ocean are limited. This new addition will not only provide space for recreation but will also strengthen the island’s network of parks in a way that reflects community values around access, stewardship, and environmental protection.

The donation also continues a tradition of local families shaping Salt Spring’s green spaces through generosity. Past examples, such as community contributions toward Mount Maxwell parklands, have shown how gifts of land can leave a legacy that benefits both residents and visitors.

Looking Ahead

The specifics of how the new park will be developed are still to come. Community members can expect more information on how trails, signage, or shoreline protections will be managed. What is already clear is that the Baldwin family’s decision ensures the property will never be subdivided or closed off, but will remain in public hands as part of our island’s shared heritage.

In a moment when access to the shoreline is more precious than ever, this gift offers both relief and celebration. It stands as a reminder that individual acts of generosity can ripple out across generations, shaping Salt Spring’s landscape in ways that honour both people and place.