Blue sky and a sparkling Okanagan Lake were the perfect backdrops for the opening of Kelowna含羞草研究社檚 newest waterfront park on Friday, Aug. 30.
Mayor Tom Dyas, Councillors Maxine DeHart and Luke Stack, city staff and several residents were on hand to celebrate the opening of Truswell Park.
含羞草研究社淎 great day for the city,含羞草研究社� Dyas said. 含羞草研究社淭he connectivity we will establish along the waterfront and the future plans that we have含羞草研究社rovides something our community wants含羞草研究社ore access to the waterfront.含羞草研究社�
By unlocking an additional 400 feet of existing walkway that was previously landlocked, Truswell Park secures public access to the two- acre beachfront area (Secret Beach) Dyas added.
The park increases connectivity with downtown beach parks and, in future, will link Gyro and Rotary beaches, and add a pedestrian bridge over Mission Creek to connect with Blue Bird Park and Sarsons.
The acquisition of the park property, previously owned by the Truswell family, has been on the books for 25 to 30 years.
含羞草研究社淲e含羞草研究社檝e always seen this as a jewel,含羞草研究社� said Derek Edstrom, divisional director of partnerships and investments. 含羞草研究社淚t含羞草研究社檚 a jewel in the connection of parks. You get out to the sand and it含羞草研究社檚 a beautiful panoramic view of the lake.含羞草研究社�
Edstrom added that approximately 120 key properties around the city have been identified for potential park space.
含羞草研究社淲e typically build relationships with those property owners含羞草研究社o when they are ready to undertake a sale we meet with them and try to find a process that works for them.含羞草研究社�
The city bought the 1.8-acre Truswell property for $18 million.
Planning for park amenities, including washrooms, a playground and a parking plan, will happen over the winter months. The public will also have an opportunity to provide input.
Installation may take some time as the mayor noted that staff are busy working on current projects including DeHart Park, the revitalization of Parkinson Recreation Centre, and facilities in Rutland, Glenmore, and Mission.
含羞草研究社淚t含羞草研究社檚 a matter of to a degree bench strength how quickly they含羞草研究社檙e able to deploy based on the other projects they含羞草研究社檙e working on, but it is a priority,含羞草研究社� Dyas said.
Truswell Park is located at 3896 Truswell Road.
