It's time to reimagine the future of Polson Park

You are invited to take part in shaping the future of Polson Park. At approximately 17.5 hectares in size, Polson Park is intended to be a destination that offers a wide range of recreational, cultural and natural amenities.

How to get involved:

📍Drop by the open house Apr. 9, from 4 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
🔎Read about the project and review the Display Boards
📋Complete a survey, share an idea or ask a question

Your feedback will help shape future decisions about park amenities, accessibility, safety and cultural features. Feedback received will be shared with the Project Team and Council.

A time of transition

Polson Park is currently in a transitional phase, The Vernon Creek Naturalization Project is restoring the natural creek by removing the concrete creek channels, with the goal of improving drainage, reducing flooding, and restoring riparian ecosystems. The Park has other unresolved issues related to aging infrastructure, such as the closure of the splash park, the aging playground, tennis courts, bandshell, washrooms, among others.

The land was originally donated to the City by the Polson family in 1908 for a hospital, with the lower grounds being developed into a public park. It also holds both ecological and cultural significance for the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB).

As part of the Council Strategic Plan and Parks Master Plan, it is identified as a priority to complete a Plan for Polson Park.

Revitalization Plan

The Polson Park Revitalization Plan will establish a long-term vision for the park and guide its development over the next decade.

The plan will outline priorities for future investments through high-level conceptual designs and cost estimates, establish a phased approach to improvements, and guide future budgeting decisions. It will also address aging infrastructure and respond to the evolving needs of the community.

The process will be carried out in multiple phases.

Phase 1 - Inventory, Assessment & Condition Review - We are here!

The first phase will compile existing information, assess current park conditions, and engage the community to better understand how the park is used today, key challenges, opportunities, and priorities for improvement.

Phase 1 is expected to take between 6-8 months with exact timing depending on the availability of qualified consultants.

Next Steps

Based on community input and an on the ground review of the park, the City will develop a draft site placement map showing how different areas of Polson Park could be used in the future, including which existing amenities are expected to stay, which will change over time, and where new amenities could be added. This draft will be a key step in moving the Polson Park Revitalization Plan forward and shaping future ideas for the park.

Future Phases - Revitalization Plan Development

Building on the base information and framework established in Phase 1, the next phases of the project will include the preparation of concept designs for the park supported by preliminary cost estimates and phasing strategies. Community engagement will continue in this phase to review draft concepts and provide feedback to further refine the plan, alongside Council consideration.