The District of Summerland is ready to unveil its new 200-page Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
Prepared by the consulting firm Lees and Associates and their team consisting of Erik Lees, John Kirbyson and Deborah Herbert, the Master Plan was developed under the guidance of the Summerland steering committee that included Lori Mullin and Laura McCarron from the District of Summerland and six members of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
The executive summary in the 200-page document states, ‘Home to approximately 11,600 residents, the District of Summerland is located on the west shore of Okanagan Lake, nestled between Giant’s Head, Conkle and Cartwright Mountains.
“Summerland has numerous parks and trails, including in the surrounding mountains, as well as an aging but well-maintained arena and aquatic centre. While the population is older than average for British Columbia, many residents actively use Summerland’s parks, trails and recreation facilities, and healthy living and wellness are important parts of the community’s character.
“This Parks and Recreation Master Plan provides strategic direction to the District of Summerland regarding park use, facilities and services over the next five to 10 years.
“Developed collaboratively through ongoing consultation with District staff, Council, a steering committee, stakeholders and the public, the Master Plan sets clear directives to guide policy development and decision making.”
Summerland’s parks and recreation system contributes to a high quality of life for residents and visitors by providing accessible, inclusive and engaging indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities that reflect Summerland’s distinctive natural setting, healthy and active lifestyles, flourishing artistic and cultural communities, and close-knit, small-town character, says the Master Plan.
The principles of the plan are to ensure:
• Parks and recreation facilities are accessible, affordable and inclusive to people of all ages, abilities and income levels.
• Residents are inspired and actively engaged in a healthy lifestyle.
• Residents of all ages have pride in the community and a strong sense of belonging.
• Parks, recreation and community facilities are linked through a network of greenways, walkways and trails.
• Parks, trails, and recreation facilities and programs attract new residents, encourage tourism and stimulate the economy.
• Summerland’s history and culture are celebrated.
• Education, interpretation and health promotion are important. • Partnerships are encouraged and supported to deliver a wide range of parks and recreation amenities, services and programs.
• The environment is respected, protected, enhanced and contributes to the quality of life in the community.
• Staff, volunteers, visitors and partners are valued.
Summerland has considerably more total parkland than similar sized B.C. communities on average.
Giant’s Head Mountain and Conkle Mountain, large natural areas, account for more than 70 percent of Summerland’s parkland, and Summerland’s provision of city, community and neighbourhood parks is below the provincial average and falls at the low end of the range compared to nearby municipalities, states the plan.
Much of Summerland lies within a 10-minute walk of a park (800 metres) and is well-served. The exceptions are the western part of Trout Creek and Happy Valley, which are underserved in neighborhood park space. In addition, the Sinclair-Barclay neighbourhood just west of Downtown is an urban neighbourhood with many families and does not have a neighbourhood park within walking distance, says the plan.
As a tourist destination, Summerland’s parks are used by both residents and tourists in the summer months, particularly the public beaches, Memorial Park, Giant’s Head Mountain and Conkle Mountain.
This Master Plan provides a parks classification scheme and recommended standards for parkland provision.
Summerland has a variety of excellent parks, which include several lakeshore parks with beaches, the Dale Meadows Park and Living Memorial Park sports fields, the centrally-located Memorial Park, several neighbourhood parks, several natural areas with passive recreation opportunities, and special purpose parks like Peach Orchard Campground, Rodeo Grounds and Priest Camp.
This Master Plan provides an inventory of Summerland’s parks and makes several recommendations for parks improvements, based on site analysis and community and staff engagement.
Just last week, Penticton Council adopted its new Parks and Recreation Master Plan following a long and difficult three-year process.
