We have been talking a lot about the proposal to put in a waterslide on parkland at Skaha Lake Park. With this, I think we have missed one of the driving forces and one of the main reasons for the proposal to develop parkland. That is parking lots and space for the marina and restaurant.
When this started, the original renters were more than willing to continue their lease. For some reason the city decided that they would not renew the lease. Then, they signed a new lease with new folks who for some reason the city felt were better. Then came word that the new folks were going to increase the size of the marina i.e. moorage spaces. Next came the news that they were going to put in a restaurant. Then the proposal for leasing 10 per cent of the park for a waterslide, mini golf course.
With this, we have all jumped on the waterslide issue. Think about this, with the old marina, the parking was limited and with an expansion, more parking would be needed. With a restaurant, it was imperative that more parking be acquired. But how? The marina is surrounded by parkland.
Look at the new proposal, parkland that used to be a free water playground will be blacktopped for a parking lot for the marina and boat trailers. Another section south east will be blacktopped for parking and lets not believe it is for beachgoers, it will be for the marina and restaurant. What a way to get into a park and blacktop it. Propose to build a waterslide, mini golf and update some of the other facilities and you get to blacktop a good part of the park for parking.
If the waterslide and mini golf fail, the parking lot will remain for the use of the marina. Not bad if you can convince the city staff and council that this is a rationale for getting rid of parkland.
The site of the parking lot for boats and trailers is beside a very delicate area for birds, turtles and plant life. So let’s not just look at the waterslide issue, look very closely at the paving of our park.
Bob Otway
Penticton
