More than six in 10 people who participated in public engagement from the city say they face barriers in accessing Kelowna’s parks.
Council heard that 63 per cent of participants made that claim as part of an update on the parks master plan.
“Not only physical, it could be economical, programming or safety,” said Stefan Johansson, parks and open spaces manager.
A fully accessible playground was recently opened at Strathcona Beach Park on Abbott Street.
“I thank you for your stewardship on that particular project,” Mayor Tom Dyas told Johansson. “It’s an amazing piece of work that’s only going to get better as time goes on.”
Council also heard that 43 per cent of park users drive 15 minutes or less to get to their destination and 73 per cent felt preserving natural creeks and forests is important.
According to the 2022 Canadian Parks Report Kelowna is above average for the percentage of parkland that is a natural area at 75 per cent.
The city’s newest park, Pandosy Waterfront Park at Cedar Avenue, is set to open June 24.
The city’s top active parks in terms of visits are:
- Mission Creek Recreation Park
- Mill Creek Open Spaces - KVR
- Knox Mountain Park
- Rutland Recreation Park
- Parkinson Recreation Park
- Waterfront Park
- Stuart Park
- City Park
B.C. and Central Okanagan Regional District parks and Central Okanagan School District lands were not included in the list.
READ MORE: Kelowna 12th best place in Canada to have a summer affair
@GaryBarnes109
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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