The City of Vernon is excited to announce the successful completion of Phase 1 of the Polson Park Naturalization Project and the launch of Phase 2, a milestone that marks a significant step toward restoring and revitalizing one of the community’s most beloved green spaces.
To celebrate this milestone, the City invited the community to a special celebration event on Friday, July 18, from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Polson Park. The evening began with remarks from Mayor Victor Cumming, BC Lotto Corporation and other community leaders, who emphasized the collaborative spirit and ecological importance of the project.
“Polson Park is a vital part of our city, and naturalizing Vernon Creek is about more than restoration—it’s a celebration of community, culture and enhancing the biodiversity of this important ecosystem,” said Mayor Victor Cumming. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together so far, and excited for what’s ahead as we continue to build a better park for residents and visitors, which adds to the return of salmon and sustainability of Vernon.”
In partnership with the Polson Night Market, this free event featured a guided tour of the park, followed by fun for the whole family, including live music and entertainment, food, prizes and more.
The Polson Park Naturalization Project is a collaborative effort to enhance biodiversity, restore natural ecosystems, and create a more sustainable and inclusive space for everyone. This work is made possible through funding provided by Lake City Casino, from the 10 per cent of Host Local Government revenue that the City receives annually from Gateway Casinos and and the Province of British Columbia’s Disaster Risk Reduction - Climate Adaptation Funding Stream by the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF).
The project supports and complements the Okanagan Nation Alliance work to reintroduce sc’win (sockeye) and ntytyix (chinook) salmon to the region, guiding the project with respect and care for the land’s cultural and ecological significance.
To learn more about the Polson Park Naturalization Project, visit the interactive City’s StoryMap.