Greater Vernon politicians are under pressure to put plans in place now for a future park.
The Foothills Community Association urged the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee Thursday to establish a plan to buy 19.5 hectares of private land for park if it’s put up for sale.
“There’s no great hurry to have the land purchased but once it’s put up for development, a lot of decisions will have to be made in this room,” Wyn Polnicky, Foothills association member, told the board.
One issue Polnicky insists must be addressed now is funding any future land purchase.
“I’m guessing it will be in the millions,” he said, adding there is public support for a park.
“We would essentially leave it as a natural park. We don’t want baseball fields and gazebos.”
GVAC will discuss the proposed Foothills park at its July 7 meeting.
New beach proves popular
Greater Vernon’s latest public beach has been the place to go during the hot weather.
Large numbers of people have been using Hurlburt Park on Eastside Road.
“People are anxious to use it,” said Juliette Cunningham, chairperson of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, which purchased the former church camp.
Presently, there is only foot and boat access to the park, and vehicles must park along Eastside Road.
A plan for on-site parking is being developed and the issue was the focus of a recent meeting between staff and adjacent residents.
“They reiterated concerns about existing parking issues on Delcliffe Road,” said Keith Pinkoski, parks manager.
Pickleball on
the agenda
More details on proposed pickleball facilities could be known soon.
Staff will bring a report on pickleball courts to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee meeting July 7.
“It’s a struggle for all jurisdictions to find a location for this activity because of noise and traffic,” said Keith Pinkoski, parks manager.
“Marshall Field may be one of the top options to consider.”
Once there is a location determined, that could allow pickleball enthusiasts to start raising funds for a facility.
“It’s important for us to identify a site as soon as we can,” said Akbal Mund, GVAC director.
