Mill Lake or Centennial Park in Abbotsford is the most popular park in that city. As such it was much busier than most of the places I have walked. The many amenities made it a popular spot on a warm August day. We avoided the busiest areas, such as the spray park and the outdoor pool as we made a circuit around the lake. Many people were using these facilities as well as the picnic areas, playing fields and multiple playgrounds.

Mill Lake Park is surrounded by development, and in some places the walking path is right next to someone’s back yard. In one area it is a boardwalk cutting across the lake, because the residences come right to the water’s edge. The path is paved and bicycles are allowed, but must be walked over the boardwalk. Fishing is allowed, but we didn’t see anyone trying in the afternoon heat.

The lake itself has an artificial feel, because of all the construction and the reinforcement of all the banks. Most areas have playing fields or garden next to the path, although one small section does try for a more natural feel. This does not seem to bother the birds however. There were large groups of mallards and geese in and around the water. Despite the signs they were well fed by park visitors and you could get up close to them. The most interesting of the plants were the copious water lilies and the large monkey puzzle tree.

Mill Lake is named after the early sawmill that was on its shore. Very little of the original settlement in the area is left but the Trethewey House Heritage Site and Museum does preserve some of the areas history. It is located in a building dating back to 1920 and in the park. We did not get to explore inside due to time constraints but the outside has been wonderfully restored.

One pleasant surprise along the route was the Kariton Gallery, which is right in the park. This small gallery is a converted 1940’s bungalow which has free exhibitions of the work of local artists. We went inside and enjoyed varied art including beautiful stained glass by Adrian Renkers. My favourite was the Tiffany style lamps, especially the dragonflies because it reminded me off all the dragon flies outside amongst the water lilies. There were also painting by Arline MacDonald and Roy Williams both of which focused on local themes. The museum changes its exhibits regularly but if these were representative of the quality of the art you will find it is well worth checking out.

The parks greatest strength is the ability to draw in some many people for so many different activities. It felt crowded and busy after some of the walks I have completed. Yet it is a also a easy stroll that offers both people watching and varied scenery. If you want a quiet walk to think or have a conversation without distractions this is not a place for you in the busy summer season. If you like people watching and the squeals of children in the pool add to the joy of the summer day, this is a great place to experience walking in an urban setting.