Flemington Parks Updates Walking Trail Ratings by Distance, Difficulty

Flemington Parks and Recreation issued a revised trail guide on July 9 that ranks five local paths by distance and difficulty, with the longest route covering 8.4 kilometres through Flemington Park.

More residents report turning to outdoor routes for regular exercise as indoor fitness facility fees climbed an average of 12 percent over the past year.

The Flemington Active Living Society contributed data to the guide, which highlights the flat 2.1-kilometre rail line path in the West End neighbourhood and the 4.7-kilometre loop inside Centennial Fields near the old grandstand.

Routes sorted by level

Beginners can start on the 1.8-kilometre paved section that runs beside Maple Street and stays under a 2 percent grade throughout. Intermediate walkers receive a moderate rating for the 5.3-kilometre course that begins at the entrance to Riverbank Park and includes one short hill section. The advanced option adds the 8.4-kilometre extension that crosses two footbridges and gains 85 metres of elevation inside Flemington Park.

City records show the rail line path opened to the public in 2019 after a $1.2 million restoration project funded by the local council.

Usage numbers and next steps

A 2025 parks survey counted 47,300 visits across these trails in the first six months of the year, with moderate routes accounting for 54 percent of total use. Entry remains free at all listed locations, though the Active Living Society charges $25 for its monthly guided walk series that meets at the Centennial Fields kiosk on the second Saturday of each month.

Walkers can pick up printed maps at the parks office on Station Road or register for the July 18 orientation session that starts at 8 a.m. at the community centre on Main Street.