Swimming Advisory for Reiswig Regional Park

The Regional District of Central Okanagan advises visitors to Reiswig Regional Park in Lake Country this weekend that because of an algae bloom, swimming is not recommended from the park beach.

Signs will be posted this afternoon advising that the waters of Wood Lake adjacent to the beach in the 2.7-hectare park are not suitable for swimming.  Interior Health says because of an algae bloom in the lake and the possible risk to health, swimming and contact with the water is not recommended.

As well, pet owners using the park along Woodsdale Road in Lake Country, should keep their pets away from the water and animals should also avoid contacting the water.

Regional District Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “We recognize this may be an inconvenience for some people, but in the interests of public health we encourage visitors to Reiswig Regional Park to avoid contact with the lake water.  We anticipate the advisory signs will remain in place throughout the weekend and will remove them when Interior Health says it is safe to do so.”

(May 16, 2008)

Keeping Regional Parks Enjoyable and Safe

With the anticipated sunny and warm long weekend, the Regional Park system will be getting a good workout.  Whether it’s exploring the Mission Creek Greenway, having a picnic or playing on the swings, residents and visitors alike will find an enjoyable and safe experience in our Regional, Westside and Eastside parks and the McCulloch Forest Recreation site.

“The Regional District is working to ensure everyone has a great time in our parks,” says Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith. “Our Park Warden, full time and summer student bylaw officers are helping educate park users and coordinate the enforcement of the various bylaws designed to provide a safe and enjoyable experience throughout our Regional park system.”

Park Warden Blaise Laveay says, “We’re definitely out there and have an increased presence in our parks.  You may see our staff on foot or patrolling the trails on a small gator vehicle, looking for dog’s that are not leashed or other bylaw infractions. We also work with park caretakers, volunteer wardens and the Commissionaires who provide after hours security in many Regional Parks.  In addition, we have an ongoing liaison with the RCMP and its auxiliary volunteer members when it comes to patrols, especially bike patrols along the Mission Creek Greenway.”  Laveay adds, “The volunteers who serve the community through our Citizens Patrol Crime Prevention program also contribute to the effort to ensure our parks are safe places for everyone to enjoy.”

Some of the areas receiving additional attention include dog control, liquor issues, smoking and fires, swimming and boating conflicts, cyclists in non-bicycle areas and various property encroachments in Regional Parks.

No Fires In Parks

Even though we’re very early into the fire season, the Regional District of Central Okanagan and City of Kelowna ask park visitors to be aware of their surroundings.

Please remember that campfires are not allowed in Regional District or City of Kelowna parks.   Residents are also reminded that smoking is not allowed in any Regional District park.   Under the Regional Parks Regulations Bylaw, anyone smoking or causing a fire in a Regional District park could face a minimum $100 fine.

Regional District Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “Worse yet, you wouldn’t want to be responsible for carelessly causing a fire.  We’ve already had one small fire in the Sutherland Hills area of Mission Creek Regional Park.  A quick response from Kelowna fire fighters snuffed it out and kept it from spreading.”

People visiting natural areas within the City, such as Knox Mountain Park and Crawford Falls Park, are also asked not to smoke.

Park users and park neighbours should be vigilant; anyone noticing smoke or fire in any park should immediately call 9-1-1 and ask to be connected to their area fire department.

Investigate 'The Forest Story'

Pine trees purify our air and are home for many species of wildlife.  But our forests are the scene of an all-out natural battle, as tiny pine beetles, bore into tree after tree.  Green needles turn red, evidence of the swath of death the pests are leaving behind. 

This cycle is the focus of the latest exhibit at the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan:  ‘The Forest Story:  The Trees, the Beetles and You’.  It’s showing until late August inside the EECO in Mission Creek Regional Park, Springfield and Durnin Roads.  The EECO is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and starting May 22^nd it will be open each Thursday until 8:00 pm. 

The Forest Story exhibit is designed to appeal to a variety of your senses says Jodie Foster Sexsmith, Regional Parks Community Relations Supervisor.  “As soon as you walk through the door, you’ll notice the fragrance of pine in the air, like you’re walking through a pine forest.  And the exhibit is very visual.  Our displays show what the beetle is, its lifecycle and habitat.  Pull up a blue stained stump in the ‘Pine Beetle Theatre’ area of the EECO and watch a short video explaining the history of the infestation throughout the province, the stages of the beetle attack and the impact it’s having on our economy.”

Foster Sexsmith adds, “Many of those visiting the exhibit so far have commented that they’re amazed that such tiny insects, no larger than a grain of rice, can leave behind such a path of destruction.  Like many property owners throughout the region, we have first hand experience with the damage caused by the pine beetle, as we’ve had to remove thousands of infested trees from many of our Regional Parks.”

In conjunction with the exhibit, Tuesday evening May 6^th, the EECO will host a ‘Pine Beetle Information session for Residents’.  A panel of local experts will be on hand to answer questions about the pine beetle.  The event starts at 7:00 pm in the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan.

Foster Sexsmith says, “As part of our Forest Story exhibit, join a Regional Parks interpreter for a tour of the exhibit followed by an interpretive walk in Mission Creek Regional Park.  You’ll see how some areas have been impacted by the pine beetle and how we’re responding to this natural predator of the forest.”  For dates and times of these ‘Nature Programs for Families’ please check ‘Your Guide to Regional Parks 2008’.  You can link to it anytime or pick up a copy at local municipal offices or visitor information centres.

Steps Out in Regional Parks

Take part in the Central Okanagan-wide ‘Steps Out’ program.  Register for the ‘Steps Out around Europe’ and jump into spring, Thursday mornings at 10:00 am during May for a one hour walk with a park interpreter through several Regional Parks.  It’s a great way to get on the walk to fitness, one step at a time!

• May 1^st and May 22^nd, the Steps Out program goes for strolls through Mission Creek Regional Park.  Meet at the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan.  The EECO is located in Mission Creek Regional Park, Springfield and Durnin Roads.

• May 8^th, the Steps Out program goes on a leisurely walk through the Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park.  It’s located on the Westside, in the parking lot along Whitworth Road.

• May 15^th, Steps Out participants are asked to meet at the end of Blue Jay Road in Glenrosa, for a stroll through Glen Canyon Regional Park.

• May 29^th, the Steps Out program travels for a one hour trip through Mill Creek Regional Park in Ellison.  Participants are asked to meet at the parking lot on Spencer Road, off Old Vernon Road.

For more information on the ‘Steps Out in Regional Parks’ program contact the EECO at 250-469-6140.

Go Fish Program Returns

It was so hugely popular last year that the Regional Parks ‘Go Fish’ program has been expanded this year! 

Starting Saturday, April 26^th and running each weekend through Father’s Day, June 15^th, the ‘Go Fish’ program will be held between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm at two locations:  the Hall Road pond in Mission Creek Regional Park and in Shannon Lake Regional Park (Shannon Lake Road).   

The program offers youth under age 16, a chance to catch one rainbow trout each day without a fishing license.  A limited number of rods, reels and bait will be available each day and volunteers from the Lonely Loons Fly Fishing Club and Peachland Sportsmen’s Association and Regional Parks staff will be on site to help youngsters try their luck! 

The program is being offered with the generous support of the two clubs along with the Ministry of Environment, Fresh Water Fisheries Society of BC and the Summerland Trout Hatchery.

For more information please contact Regional Parks at 250-469-6232.

2008 Regional Parks Guide Now Available

Swimming beaches, hiking trails, an environmental day camp for kids and ‘Music on the Move’.  You’ll find information on all this and more in ‘Your Guide to Regional Parks 2008’. 

The new edition of the Regional Parks guide will be distributed this weekend in local papers, at tourist information and recreation centres and municipal offices throughout the Central Okanagan.  It’s also available online. 

The guide provides everything you’ll need to take part in Regional Parks programs and special events this spring, summer and fall. There’s something for everyone including guided hikes, interpretive programs, a Regional Parks map, and free programs at the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan (EECO).

“We’ve got some great new programs this year including a new spring break format for the Eco Challenge and Junior Naturalists Day Camp for Kids, special family nature programs at the pavilion in Bertram Creek Regional Park, and guided weekend tours this summer at the Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park”, reports Jodie Foster Sexsmith, Community Relations Supervisor for Regional Parks.   She adds, “We’ve expanded our programming to include the exciting high-tech treasure hunt ‘Geocaching’ where your family could win some great prizes.  You’ll also find details in the Parks Guide about many of our most popular programs such as ‘Take a Hike’, ‘Pictures in the Park’ and information about the programs and exhibits at the EECO Centre.” 

For more information about any Regional Parks programming, visit the Regional Parks webpages or call the EECO at 250-469-6140.