City park concession operator seeks public input to improve location

PENTICTON – One of Penticton’s concession contractors wants public input on how his concession might be improved.

Gord Ferguson told Penticton City Council this week he is looking for ways to improve Lakawanna Park, including the building and services offered by his food concession.

Calling the building 'an absolute eyesore,' Ferguson said the park, with its high profile corner at Lakeshore Drive and Power Street, was a site for crime and drug use. As the operator of the concession, he feels obliged to see how improvements can be made and asked council to consider opening the subject up to the community for debate.

Earlier this year city staff removed the mockup 'locomotive' that sat for years in front of the concession, saying the structure had deteriorated to the point it was no longer viable.

Ferguson said he has spoken to 'thousands' about the matter over the summer and many indicated they would like to see upgrades. As a first step to getting community feedback Ferguson proposed council hold two open houses at the park in order to solicit public opinion.

Mayor Andrew Jakubeit commended Ferguson for his desire to upgrade the building and park, expressing an interest in seeing what people might have to say.

Ferguson will be staging open houses at the concession stand in Lakawanna Park on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 4 – 7 p.m., and again on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. until noon. Those unable to attend can contact Ferguson at 250-460-2246 or by email at gordferguson@hotmail.com.

To contact the 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.