The City of Vernon is moving forward with changes to Polson Park. At its Regular meeting on September 18, 2017, Council supported allowing on leash dogs in the park for two years, on a trial basis, starting this fall. As part of this two year trial, additional garbage cans, dog bag dispensers and signage will be installed and a drinking fountain for dogs will be installed next spring. Vernon residents will have an opportunity to provide their comments about the trial through a questionnaire that will be launched during the trial period. The start of the trial will be announced this fall.
Council also supported improvements along the pathway and boardwalk at the south end of the park, including more trimming of trees and foliage, and the replacement of benches and signage. In addition, Council will consider a higher level of maintenance throughout the year in this area. These improvements are intended to make the area feel safer for residents and to prepare for the increase of pedestrians and cyclists that will be travelling through the area when the Kalamalka Lake Road Multi Use Path opens next year.
The installation of facilities to support on-leash dogs in the park has a budget of $28,150, while the improvements to the pathway and boardwalk have a budget of $32,000. These projects will be funded by the Polson Park Reserve and the 2016 Year End Unexpended and Uncommitted funds. The additional maintenance to the boardwalk is expected to cost $31,185 annually.
For more information about this project, please contact Kendra Kryszak, Parks Planner by email at kkryszak@vernon.ca, or by telephone at 250-550-3518.