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William Simmons Memorial Community Park is a day-use area and only a short 7-minute drive outside Sooke along Otter Point Road.
Wind Phone: Located in the park is a heartfelt way to help people grieve, the story and location of the Wind Phone.
This park has easy-access parking, a small lake, great walking trails, two docks for fishing and launching paddle boards, fields with picnic tables, and even a small sheltered picnic area. It is a great place to explore!
This park is an excellent option if you are looking for a short walk or a quick outdoor experience! William Simmons Memorial Community Park is where you can stay for 15 minutes or up to an hour, depending on your activity!
Multi-Use Trails
The trails are gravelled and allow easy access for all ages and abilities. Most of the trails are multi-use, allowing bikes and horses; although the park is only 16 acres and half a kilometre of trails, they do connect to the Butler and Wieland Trails, giving you access to the Otter Point community as well as Broom Hill and Kemp Lake.
Day Use Area and Open Fields
The day-use area is the perfect place for a group picnic. It is closest to the parking lot and includes picnic tables, benches, a covered picnic shelter, and the only porta-potty in the park.
There are two open fields. The largest one has a horse hitching post and a picnic table, and the second is smaller and has another picnic table and a bench.
Poirier Lake
Poirier Lake is a small, picturesque lake/pond with two docks. Surrounded by thick forest and classic lily pads, it’s a great place to take in the fresh air, fish, or go for a quick paddle.
Docks
If you’re looking to go fishing, there is a specific dock set up for that purpose. It has a railing with rod holders surrounding the floating platform; there is a bench on either side and room for a handful of people. Keep in mind, there is a recommended fishing limit of two trout per person daily.
The other dock is an open platform, making it a nice spot to view the small lake or launch a paddleboard or kayak. There is no swimming.
If you’re wondering about parking, there are three. The largest is on Butler Road. The other two are along Otter Point, although they are smaller.
Wind Phone
Hidden in the trails of William Simmons Park is a Wind Phone.
It is not found on any map, so you may have to explore a bit, but it’s not too hard to find. Head towards the fishing dock, and just before reaching it, you will find an unmarked trail to the left.
A few steps down the trail, behind a large tree, will be a quaint spot with an old rotary phone and a sitting log.
Known as “The Telephone Of The Wind or Wind Phone,” it offers a quiet place to connect with grieving loved ones who have passed.
The sign under the phone reads:
The Telephone of the Wind
This phone is for anyone who has lost a loved one. A connection for those who have words unsaid, messages unsent, thoughts and love to convey. It is a phone for memories, hellos and goodbyes.
Sookes Wind Phone History
This wind phone was originally located at Charters Creek near Sooke Potholes. It was installed by two Sooke locals who had recently lost loved ones and heard the story of the original Wind Phone in Japan and thought it might help others cope with lost loved ones.
Although it was placed with permission, due to the sensitive area of Charters Creek, it didn’t last long at this location. Arrangements with the CRD were made to find a new home for the phone at Williams Simmons Park.
Shortly after the phone was moved to its current location, one of the friends suffered a severe stroke and passed away. During her final hours in the hospital, unable to speak, her friend sat next to her and gently said, “I’ll talk to you soon on the Telephone of the Wind.” Despite her condition, a slight smile appeared on her face. She passed away later that night.
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