More active listening, we can find a different connection to the environments we live in.

Sound is a natural part of our surroundings, but when sounds become unwanted and loud, they can turn into noise pollution.  Do we hear what we want to hear?

 

Second “walk.listen.record” sound workshop series was at Horseshoe Slough Trail in Richmond, unceded, traditional territories of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) nation on Wednesday, July 13th. 

 

The Horseshoe Slough Recreational Trail begins at Woodwards Landing Park in Richmond, BC. The trail entrance is one block West of No. 5 Road.Trail has a length of 1 kilometre. But it is splinted in separate ways. The trail connects South Dyke to the Shell Road Recreational Trail. The trail itself is flat and groomed. There are two trails that form a loop to and from Woodwards Landing. The trail on the West is wider than the one at the East.The trail also gives users the choice to take a shorter walk/ride by looping around the slough and returning back to Woodward's Landing Park. Both east and west trails face the industrial area for 1 km. Then you pass by a small bridge and you walk on both side lines with trees. 

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One of the major sounds at the beginning of the park is Horseshoe Slough Drain Pump Station which was constructed in the 1970's. Drainage system designed to prevent the City from flooding. 

For the sound walk workshop, we gathered in Woods Landing park which was the starting point to our walk. We found a table where we sat. Workshop started with an introduction to the project and workshop. Each participant introduced themselves and shared why they were interested in this workshop. After a brief introduction to soundscape and microphones, participants started to explore the park and record the sound. During the workshop, participants experienced soundscapes through field microphones while walking. They had a chance to listen to their environment more closely. It was a slow paste walk with many stops. Through the walk we heard the sound of birds, winds, traffic and airplanes.

 

After this hands-on recording, participants shared their experiences and stories.

You can experience the park by watching digital stories in 360 environments that were created with recorded sound in the workshop with participants’ permission. Thank you, Dora, Helene and Alma for joining the workshop and sharing your experiences and stories.

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