Cooperidge Park is a nature park in the municipality of Central Saanich, one of the thirteen which form the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. Located on the Saanich Peninsula of Vancouver Island, this three and half hectare park has three sections that together form the nature park. The nature park protects a section of the ravine of Tetayut or Sandhill Creek. Tetayut Creek flows from the northern slopes of Bear Hill parallel to Central Saanich Road through Cooperidge Park into the Salish Sea at Saanichton Bay. The watershed of Tatayat Creek is about one thousand one hundred and eighty hectares. It is mostly bordered by agriculture fields and grass covered areas. This parkland contains the riparian area that provides shade and cooling of the creek and wetlands. The ravine has second growth cedar fir and big leaf maple trees along its banks. There are many ferns, blackberries and small shrubs found here. The wildlife includes many birds and small animals. This park is best viewed the walkway along East Saanich Road that overlooks the park’s ravine. Several ongoing projects may permit pedestrian access into sections of the park. This is a good place to walk in your back yard.
Geographical location N48º 34’ 34” W 123º 24’ 21”
Cooperidge Park can be reached from the Trans-Canada Highway, Highway One. Exit on to Mackenzie Avenue to reach Highway 17, the Pat Bay Highway. Continue along Highway 17 to reach Island View Road. Turn left onto Island View Road and look for the park near the junction with East Saanich Road. There is limited roadside parking near the church at 7180 East Saanich Road. The boardwalk over the parkland is a good place to view the creek. An alternative view point over the ravine is found between home 2254 and 2250 as well as 2230 and 2228 of Cooperidge Drive. There is limited roadside parking near the postal boxes.
Walks in Your Backyard 