There are several changes happening throughout Vernon since Council endorsed the Parks Master Plan in September 2015. Following the adoption of the Plan, which was completed after significant consultation with Vernon residents, several first-year projects have taken place, including:
Sawicki Park Courts: This project involved the resurfacing of Sawicki Park tennis and pickleball courts by patching, crack filling and installing an acrylic re-surfacer with a colour coat.
Disc Golf Course: A new nine-hole disc golf course was installed on Laker’s Clubhouse property. It includes enhancement of the natural area around the ponds with vegetation, and signage informing the community of the rare species within the area.
Parks Signage: New parks signs were designed with various symbols indicating activities available in the park. These colourful signs are consistent with other City signage, attractive and low maintenance. The new signs can be found at Mission Hill, Sawicki, Girouard, and Alexis Park. More parks will receive these new signs in the coming years.
Pop-up Park Equipment: Six large Adirondack chairs, five hand drums, a xylophone and a piano have been placed near the Transit Terminus area downtown. This equipment will be removed and relocated to various places in town. Keep an eye out for them in your neighbourhood park.
Mission Hill Park: A new playground was installed in Mission Hill Park to replace the aging facility. Both naturalized and structural components were implemented in the design. An open house for input was held in February 2015 and a refined playground was installed in the fall of 2015.
Benches, Picnic Tables and Trees: There have been a number of benches, picnic tables and trees located in various parks throughout the City of Vernon to promote longer stays and more activity in these areas.
There are more upgrades coming to Vernon’s parks. Please watch for them and enjoy these beautiful spaces in our City.
Photo: Children play with musical play equipment near the downtown bus terminal in Vernon.