The City of Vernon is asking for feedback on the draft Parks Master Plan and is inviting Vernon residents to visit one of two consultation stations taking place on Saturday, January 24, from 9 am to 6:30 pm at the Greater Vernon Recreation Centre (3310 37th Avenue), and Tuesday, January 27, 1-9 pm at the Okanagan Regional Library Vernon Branch (2800 30th Avenue). Additionally, community members can fill out a survey available on the City’s website.
Vernon’s Parks Master Plan process was initiated as a top Council priority in February 2014, shortly after the completion of the Greater Vernon Sub-Regional Parks and Trails Service Agreement, which transferred the governance of local parks from the Regional District of North Okanagan to the City of Vernon. The goal of the Parks Master Plan is to develop a vision for the City’s parks and trails system that can be achieved, sustained and managed responsibly. To develop this vision, the City initiated an extensive public and stakeholder engagement process during the spring and summer of 2014. Over 2,500 residents participated and provided their input for the draft Parks Master Plan
The plan includes recommendations for future park land acquisition priorities, park improvement projects, new park development and trail development. There is also a 10-year playground structure replacement plan. A detailed implementation strategy and funding sources are included in the Draft Parks Master Plan.