Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association (SPRTA) is saying goodbye to Jase Petersen, a founding member of the group and director of trails.
The stepback comes as the association has laid a vast network of multi-use trails in Sun Peaks, brought to life with Petersen’s vision and help.
“[Petersen] has been involved with the organization and the board for at least 10 years,” SPRTA outgoing president Sam Loxton said. “So, big, big shout out to Jase, and thank you to Jase for his 10 plus years contributing to SPRTA.”
Turning his sights to other projects, Petersen said he feels the association’s board is primed for continued development and maintenance of the trails.
“SPRTA is in a good place. We’ve got a great network established,” he said. “It’s always going to be a project I’m proud of.”
Over the years SPRTA has added over 20 kilometres of trails to the area, according to Loxton, a far few more than what existed when Petersen first came to Sun Peaks.
“When I got to Sun Peaks and I was looking for cross country trails, I was handed a Nordic ski map, which was basically five dirt roads,” Petersen recalled. “Over the years of riding, before SPRTA was born, we came across some existing trails that were able to be used and built on those.”
Petersen attributes much of that work to a number of collaborations with local organizations and Sun Peaks Resort LLP, volunteer hours and SPRTA staff, including Loxton and founding vice president Mike Sleziak.
“We couldn’t have built the association without them, without their help, everyone who donated their time or money.”
In his absence, he sees the biggest challenge and focus of the association as maintaining the trials and fundraising to keep paid trail crews.
SPRTA is seeking a new president as president Loxton also steps back into an ex officio position, in which he will oversee the transition to the new president.
Petersen reiterated the impact Loxton has had to the association as president, crediting him with much of the work it took to get shovels in the ground. He also offered his thanks to those in the community whose passion made the work possible.
“It couldn’t have been done with everybody’s passion.”
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