Life without Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park is virtually impossible to imagine.
Splashing around Jade and Juniper bays has filled the collective memory since the park officially opened June 13, 1986. Well-worn groves have been carved on the trail out to Rattlesnake Point, while encounters with bears and deer generate stories for the dinner table.
“It’s in my blood because I was raised in there,” said Val Buchanan, president of Friends of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.
“When I was younger, the family would drive down in the station wagon for a picnic lunch. I would horseback ride in there.”
Buchanan’s passion for the 4,209-hectare site has only strengthened over time.
“I have a grandchild I take into the park now,” she said.
Prior to European settlement, the Okanagan people frequented the area and evidence has been found of kekuli villages.
During the Second World War, the military trained at Cosens Bay.
Recreational activities along Kalamalka Lake go back decades even though what is now the park was owned by Coldstream Ranch for grazing cattle.
Public consciousness about the natural resource peaked in the early 1970s when a company considered purchasing the land to develop a golf course and hotel. Protests grew and more than 2,000 people signed a petition demanding a park.
“We went door-to-door gathering signatures,” said Sharon Lawrence, a North Okanagan Naturalists Club member.
Lengthy and heated debates ensued at Coldstream council. Many of the elected officials favoured the development.
“I was the squeaky wheel,” said Dennis Seymour, who was a relatively new councillor and opposed to a resort.
“Being raised here, I fell in love with the place. I was going to live or die to keep it that way. I had to take a stand and there were so many like-minded people.”
Through the support of then-MLA Pat Jordan and the British owners of Coldstream Ranch, the provincial government acquired the land in 1975.
However, it remained undeveloped and cattle grazing continued until the official opening in 1986.
Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir dominate the northern portion of the park, while fir, cedar and hemlock thrive south of Cosens Bay. To date, 432 varieties of plants have been found in the park, including the red-listed flat-topped broom-rape.
Wildlife abounds — deer, mink, bobcats, bear, cougar, coyotes, red fox, bats, owls, rattlesnake, turtles, toads, wrens, geese and swifts.
“What draws me there is the variety,” said Ray Worley, who lives next door and has served as a park volunteer.
“There are several micro-climates, beautiful beaches, several hiking trails and it’s a wonderful example of natural grasslands.”
Activities cover the four seasons — from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to fishing, horseback riding and, most recently, rock climbing.
“It’s the people’s park,” said Worley.
But challenges have also surfaced over the last 25 years.
The lack of natural fire has allowed pine trees to encroach on the grasslands, while vandalism, off-road vehicles and late-night parties put the environment and facilities at risk.
Government budget cuts have also taken their toll.
“There is less and less staff to look after it so that’s why Friends of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park is important,” said Buchanan of the volunteer group which initiates work parties, raises money for infrastructure and lobbies on the park’s behalf.
“We have to help apply for money to improve trails.”
But Buchanan is convinced the hard work and diligence is vital given what the park has provided to her personally.
“Kal Park is part of my heart and soul,” she said.
Friends of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and B.C. Parks will host a 25th anniversary celebration Saturday at 1 p.m. at the picnic area between Jade and Juniper bays.
There will be cake and refreshments, guided walks and the opening of the 1986 time capsule.
“B.C. Parks is excited to once again work with the Friends of Kal by supporting this joint birthday party — 100 years for the provincial park system and 25 years for one of its most popular parks,” said Kevin Wilson, B.C. Parks, area supervisor.
