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Regional District of Central Okanagan: Nurturing Growth, Fostering Lifestyle
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Parks and recreation just aren't what they used to be. The role of green space, leisure activities and recreational facilities has grown in keeping with the population and demographics of the Central Okanagan. Hiking, biking, swimming, dog walking, bird watching, and even composting are all part of the experience in today's parks. Recreation facilities also now offer more than ever to meet this growing demand for activities.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan Parks Services is responsible for looking after 28 Regional Parks and more than one dozen community and neighbourhood parks making up over 1,078 hectares of parkland. We also handle the planning of future recreational opportunities through parkland acquisition and development.

The parks and recreation website experience is presented to you in three different areas:

Kelowna and Area Mountain Bike Strategy

The City of Kelowna and Regional District are developing a mountain bike strategy to improve delivery and management of the recreational sport.  The Regional Board received the strategy report during the fall of 2008.  Follow the link for more information on the Kelowna and Area Mountain Bike Strategy.

Major Lakes Recreation Marine Facilities Study

The Regional District has contracted the team of GHD Solutions, JF Group and Summit Environmental for a consulting services contract for preparation of a Recreation Marine Facilities Study of the three major lakes in the Central Okanagan.

The Regional Board has received a detailed final report from the consulting team that has been studying recreational marine facilities on Okanagan, Kalamalka and Wood lakes within the Central Okanagan.

The study was developed through extensive public and stakeholder consultation and research.  The final report makes a number of recommendations regarding present and future amenities for the boating and marine community in the Central Okanagan. 

The Board has recommended that the final report be sent to member municipalities for their consideration and response in light of possible financial implications.

Report Links:

Living Greener in the Central Okanagan (Television Commercials)
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Parks and Recreation News:

Safe Harbour Gates Locked Nightly

Boaters and other park users should take note of a change affecting the access to Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour Regional Park.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan advises that effective Thursday, July 9th, the gate to the boat launch, small beach, washrooms and parking area along Okanagan Centre Road in Lake Country, will be locked each evening at 10:00 pm.

The gate will be unlocked each morning at 5:00 am.  This practice will take place each day from May 1st through September 30th.  At other times of the year, the gate will remain open and unlocked.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “The Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour provides shelter for boaters during storms.  Its two docks are available for emergency and pedestrian use and it’s one of the only safe harbours in this area of Okanagan Lake.  This change in operating hours only affects recreational users of the park.  Any boaters in need of refuge because of poor weather or lake conditions or other emergency needs will be able to access the Safe Harbour at any time of day.”

He adds, “We’re going to lock the gate each evening out of courtesy for the adjacent residents and to deter activities that adversely affect the nearby homes.  We encourage all boaters using the Safe Harbour under normal conditions to ensure their boats are loaded and their trailers and vehicles are out of the area by 10:00 each evening. Information is posted in the parking area for anyone locked behind the gate after hours on how to get their vehicle released.”

Woodhaven Regional Park Opens Again

For the first time in more than two years, the gate to one of the Central Okanagan’s unique parks will swing open again.

As of Friday, June 19th people will be able to visit Woodhaven Nature Conservancy Regional Park.  The park located off Raymer Road in the south Mission area has been closed since early 2007 after