Improvements at Camp Hurlburt site, plus other Vernon parks coming this year

VERNON – Parkland improvements at Camp Hurlburt is just one of the projects Greater Vernon has on its to do list in 2016.

Several parks and services will benefit from funding this year, including the Camp Hurlburt site, the newly-acquired parkland at Swan Lake, and Paddlewheel Park.

At Camp Hurlburt, the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee plans to install an access gate and necessary upgrades for non-vehicular entry including boats, bikes and pedestrian access. To ensure the site is safe and ready for public use, it will also conduct a danger tree assessment, install signage and fencing, and add garbage bins and porta-potties. Vehicle access and parking is being eyed for 2017 or 2018. The North Okanagan Regional District bought the camp after closed down and was put up for sale. 

The new Crane Road parkland at Swan Lake will also see some improvements, such as fencing and a gate, while Paddlewheel Park on Okanagan Lake will have additional sand brought in to enhance the beach area. The tennis courts at Marshall Fields will be resurfaced and the possibility of connecting Kal Beach with the future CN Rail Trail will be explored.

As part of its 2016 budgeting process, the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee also reviewed grants to various cultural services including the Arts Council of the North Okanagan, the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club, the Vernon Public Art Gallery and the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives, which will be getting a new roof this year.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.