Kelowna’s Stuart Park named Canada’s best public space

KELOWNA – Locals know Stuart Park, with its seasonal ice rink and funky public art, as a great place to hang out.

Now the downtown park has been recognized on a wider stage, winning best public space in Canada, as judged by the Canadian Institute of Planners.

“Stuart Park bridges the re-emergence of Kelowna’s downtown within the incredible natural setting of the Okanagan Valley. Energized by a civic plaza, the park comes alive at all seasons,” competition juror Kevin King says.

His juror statement describes the park as a year-round destination and the cultural and civic heart of Kelowna.

"Ultimately, the jury was won over by the multiple strengths of the park – its everyday use, community focus, unique reflection of local character and natural environment, accessibility for multi-generational activities, and the significant role it already plays as a great place in Kelowna,” King adds.

Joining Stuart Park as a category winner in B.C. is Vancouver’s West End as 'Great Neighbourhood' while Revelstoke’s Grizzly Plaza took honourable mention in the public space category.

The announcement of the competition winners coincides with World Planning Day, Nov. 4.

To contact a reporter for this story, email John McDonald at jmcdonald@infonews.ca or call 250-808-0143. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.