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Regional District of Central Okanagan: Nurturing Growth, Fostering Lifestyle
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Local residents and visitors from around the world come here looking for natural areas, trails, heritage features, beaches and other outdoor experiences. Luckily, we've got all that and more in the Regional Parks of the Central Okanagan.

Regional Parks can be found from Peachland in the south to Lake Country in the north. These parks provide experiences through an environmental education centre, heritage museums, beaches, pristine hiking trails, 2 campgrounds and park programs like nature photography.  There really is something for everyone.

Quick facts about the Regional Parks system:

  • There are 29 Regional Parks with more than 1,100 hectares in the Central Okanagan. (Pick A Park Map)

  • Regional Parks are generally larger parks with natural areas that demonstrate important landscapes from our region. Link to Wheelchair Accessible Parks listing

  • They provide opportunities for outdoor activities that will attract people from throughout the Central Okanagan.

  • There are free interpretive programs for schools and community groups offered in most Regional Parks.  View the Parks Newsletter for information!

  • Several parks have heritage buildings or artifacts.

Popular Parks Information Links:

Living Greener in the Central Okanagan
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Regional Parks News:

EECO Adjusts Schedule

The Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan is moving to a six day a week schedule.

Starting Monday, February 6th, the Regional District EECO interpretive centre in Mission Creek Regional Park will be open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Monday.

Communications Officer Bruce Smith says, “The Monday closure will allow our interpretive staff to work on an exciting initiative.  We’re undertaking a program to improve the experience of people visiting our various regional parks.  This includes updated and more on-site information kiosks, trail mapping and identification and improved trail directional signage.  Our goal through this multi-year program is to gradually improve the experience of people using our regional parks.  Later this year people should begin to see the results of this program starting with Mission Creek Regional Park and over time in other regional parks.”

Even with the Monday closure, nearby Mission Creek Regional Park remains open and fully accessible for visitors to explore. Anyone that wants to book Regional Parks and facilities will still be able to do so.  They can contact EECO staff at 250-469-6139 or email eeco@cord.bc.ca.  As well, teachers will still be able to book or hold special field trip interpretive programs on Monday’s in the downstairs classroom at the EECO.

Smith adds, “Monday’s traditionally see fewer visitors to the EECO and as a result, we anticipate the closing will have less impact.  Many other local and national interpretive facilities and museums also have early week closures, so that their staff is available to work on other projects.”

Hunters in the Sky Exhibit at the EECO

Falcons, Hawks and Owls have taken over the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan in Mission Creek Regional Park.

These Okanagan raptors are the key animals featured in the ‘Hunters in the Sky’ exhibit at the EECO.  It features displays and activities focusing on Raptors:  birds that use their exceptionally keen senses to hunt primarily while flying.  The exhibit, which runs through May, helps you investigate what makes these Birds of Prey, different from other birds.  Teachers and community group leaders may also wish to request the popular ‘Owls of the Okanagan’ program and you can book your space by contacting the EECO at 250-469-6140.

The Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan or EECO is located in Mission Creek Regional Park at Springfield and Durnin Roads.  For more information visit the Regional District website regionaldistrict.com/parks or contact the EECO at 250-469-6140 or email eeco@cord.bc.ca

EECO Story Time

The Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan or EECO offers a fun program for pre-schoolers this winter.  Participation is by donation as three to five year old children and their caregivers take part in EECO Story Time on Wednesday mornings through February 29th. 

The sessions run from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and during the hour, you’ll be treated to a nature story, songs, games and crafts for the youngsters.  It’s a fun and active way to learn more about our Regional Parks and the animals of the Okanagan.  There’s plenty of parking at the EECO, located in Mission Creek Regional Park at Springfield and Durnin Roads.  View Poster

For more information visit the Regional District website regionaldistrict.com/parks or contact the EECO staff at 250-469-6140.

Large Fire Hazard - Fuel Reduction Project Underway

Crews have started work on a large fire hazard fuel modification project in Rose Valley Regional Park.

For their safety and that of workers, park users are reminded to stay out of areas that are closed.  Trails leading into work areas will be signed and barricaded.  Failing to stay out of a closed area could result in a $500 ticket.  As well, dog owners are reminded that they must keep their pet on leash and on trails in any regional park or they could be subject to a $100 ticket.  Dogs that are not leashed may also pose a safety hazard with crews working on the fuel modification project. 

This project will see pine beetle infested and dead hazard trees, brushing and ground fuels removed from approximately 50-hectares of the Crown land tenure between the Rose Valley Properties subdivision, Westlake Road, Rose Valley Elementary School, West Kelowna Road and McPhail Court.  Project Map

In light of the size of the area and expected large volume of wood debris, the Regional District will be burning debris piles within Rose Valley Regional Park to remove the fire hazard.  The project has received permits and approvals from West Kelowna Fire Rescue.

A letter explaining the project and map showing the work area in the park was mailed to residents in the immediate area.  Local fire departments, the media and Rose Valley Elementary School will be notified before any debris burning takes place and a notice will also be placed on the Regional District website:  regionaldistrict.com/parks.

The Regional District will also be conducting fire hazard reduction and tree removal work on a ten-hectare Crown land portion of Glen Canyon Regional Park at the end of Smith Creek Road.  Project Map

For more information visit the Regional District website, email parks@cord.bc.ca or call 250-469-6232.

Zoning Signs for Consistent Regional Parks Land Use

Visitors to several Regional Parks within the City of Kelowna shouldn’t panic if they come upon signs indicating a rezoning application has been made.

The Regional District has applied to the City for the rezoning some of the lands that are within the regional park system that are not presently zoned appropriately for park use.  Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “People shouldn’t worry when they see the signs; we’re not changing the park use.  These lands require a P3 designation or Park Use zone to conform to the present use which is allowed under any zoning designation.  A requirement of the rezoning process is the posting of signs indicating that the application has been made and is being considered.”

Some of the Regional Park parcels that are part of this housekeeping rezoning project include:  Bertram Creek, Cedar Mountain, Scenic Canyon, Robert Lake, Mill Creek, Stephens Coyote Ridge and the Mission Creek Greenway.  Smith adds, “Park visitors and users should understand that the rezoning project will not result in any change from the current park use and doesn’t impact our park management plans.  It’s merely a housekeeping measure to bring the zoning in line with current park uses on approximately 312-hectares within the existing parks.”

The Regional District operates 29 Regional Parks throughout the Central Okanagan on behalf of all residents.   Nine of them are within City of Kelowna boundaries.

For more information on this project you may visit Regional Parks Services online at regionaldistrict.com/parks; email parks@cord.bc.ca or phone 250-469-6232.

Greenway Users Reminded of Trail Use Etiquette

It’s a great place to take a stroll or a more strenuous run in the shade alongside Mission Creek.  It’s an important corridor used by Central Okanagan cyclists.  It’s also a trail frequented by some local equestrians.

Mission Creek Greenway Regional Park is an extremely popular recreational trail that can find multiple user groups on it at any one time of the day.  In fact, it’s estimated well over a thousand people use the 16.5-kilometer trail each day.  They range from pedestrians walking and care givers out with infants in strollers to joggers getting some exercise; cyclists out for a ride and horse riders from adjacent stables exercising their steeds.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “The Greenway is a year round mecca for lovers of the outdoors.  But during the spring, summer and fall months, we see a lot more traffic along the linear trail and just as it is on our roadways with so many multiple users comes the potential for periodic conflicts.  Our goal is to ensure that everyone using the corridor shares the Greenway.”

Parks Services Bylaw Enforcement Officer Blaise Laveay adds, “Everyone using the Greenway and any of the other trails in our Regional Park system should be aware of proper trail etiquette.  Under the Regional Parks Bylaw all dogs must be kept on leash and must stay on designated trails.  Cyclists shouldn’t go faster than ten kilometers an hour along the trail and should keep to the right side of the trail, unless they are passing someone on foot.  They should also give an indication that they are approaching from behind by ringing a bell, honking a horn or simply vocally acknowledging their passing to the left.  So that everyone can share the Greenway, cyclists and pedestrians should yield to horse riders while cyclists should yield to pedestrians.”

Animal owners are reminded to pick up waste deposited along the trail.  All residents should remember that unauthorized motorized vehicles are not allowed along the Greenway.