Construction on 3 new Kelowna parks to get underway this year

The City of Kelowna has announced that construction will be getting underway on three new parks this year.

On Tuesday, the city issued a release announcing details on several park improvement projects that will be happening across Kelowna this year.

That includes ground breaking on improvements to the community park on Dehart Park.

In January, the city began accepting bids for the construction of the new park.

Design plans were revealed in March 2023 which show the park will have a children’s playground, a large open lawn space, sport and pickleball courts, a skate area, a dog park, several pathways, relocated community gardens and more.

When Kelowna City Council approved the budget for 2024, they also approved $21 million for the creation and improvement of community spaces.

“We’re creating new parks and upgrading well loved ones, which will provide residents with vibrant, accessible, outdoor spaces where they can connect with their families, friends and neighbours,” says Robert Parlane, park and building planning manager, in the news release.

“These spaces offer both passive and active recreation options, are accessible to people of all ages and abilities, and play an important part in building community here in Kelowna.”

Construction on phase five of the recreation park in the Glenmore area is set to begin this summer.

Design for this park as informed by feedback collected in 2023. It will feature tennis and pickleball courts, turf field, fitness equipment, lighting and landscape improvements.

According to the city, construction on Burne Park, located along the Mill Creek Linear Park corridor, will begin this fall.

Community engagement also informed the design of this park, which will feature two unique play areas, picnic tables, an open lawn, improved pedestrian connections from the park to Ethel Street.

The project will also see new riparian natural corridors and fish spawning areas associated with Mill Creek flood protection established, the city says.

Several other minor projects will be getting underway across the city this year.

That includes improvements to the first lookout on Knox Mountain, which began at the end of March.

Construction will be carried out in two phases and will require temporary closures of Knox Mountain Drive. It will be closed from Mar. 18 until about mid-May the city says.

Improvements will include a new open gathering space at the east end of the existing parking area including a small plaza, stage, custom benches, and natural area fencing.

Accessibility enhancements to the first lookout structure will also be built, climate resilient landscaping, cultural interpretive features, parking lot configuration improvements and enhanced bike parking, the city says.

Rutland’s Ben Lee Park will be getting new splash pad amenities including a 12-foot-tall Sling Soaker, spray animals and more.

The City of Kelowna says work is scheduled to be completed in time for the park’s annual opening, which usually happens around the May long weekend.

The Glenmore neighborhood will be getting a new 830 square metre community garden.

It will be located at 259 Glenmore Rd N. and will feature 31 garden boxes, along with an eight-foot wildlife fence to keep mooching animals away.

Construction on that project began in March and is expected to wrap up in May.

The Tower Ranch development will be getting its first park, which is expected to open this year.

Finally, The playground in Kinsmen Park will be replaced this year and the new structure will include monkey bars, a 6-foot slide, a maze panel and more. A transfer station will also be added to increase accessibility.