Major facelift proposed for Lakawanna Park concession in Penticton

PENTICTON – If all goes according to plan, Penticton residents could see some big changes to the concession building at Lakawanna Park next year.

Concession leasehold owner Gord Ferguson met with the public in October to discuss upgrades to the building and yesterday, Nov. 16, he presented those plans to Penticton city council.

Ferguson said 105 people attended the open houses and many others made phone calls and sent emails to provide opinions and offer suggestions as to how the park concession could be improved.

“It was the best decision I ever made,” Ferguson told council, referring to his desire to seek public input.

Ferguson described the plans he conceived as a result of those meetings. They include adding outdoor seating to the venue, increasing vegetation around the building and a commitment to continue providing 'beach friendly food.'

He showed council conceptual drawings of the building, describing the renovations as being 'inspired by the Grand Floridian Resort' in Disneyworld. He said he plans to run the business in 'Disney style,' adding a new facade and extending the roof along the east side of the building.

Food service will be along the lines of the 'trendy, fast, casual concept' and the revitalization will include provisions like screens and fencing to help extend the season of the concession for as long as possible in the off seasons.

Ferguson said an elevated concession menu is being developed. He plans to apply for a food primary liquor license to allow local beer and wine to be served as well. He said the changes will not alter the present concession’s footprint and will also not affect the waterpark and playground. Other improvements will include additional toilets added to the west washrooms.

As many as 25 full-time jobs could be created from the project, which Ferguson said he was willing to fund out of his own pocket. He asked council to accept his proposal to allow staff and himself to discuss further details regarding the proposal and his lease.

Council agreed unanimously to the request, referring it to staff. A report to council is anticipated to be delivered at a December meeting.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.