Paddlewheel Park. (photo credit: Vernon Matters Staff)

By Kevin Rothwell

Staff reviewing solutions prior to summer season

Overflow parking at Paddlewheel Park still under review

Apr 13, 2021 | 6:00 AM

City of Vernon staff have been asked to look at additional solutions for parking at Paddlewheel Park, beach and boat launch.

Paddlewheel is the busiest boat launch on the Vernon arm of the lake, and the park is also highly utilized with a hall, museum, beach, playground, basketball and tennis courts.

Trucks with trailers historically had parked along Okanagan Landing Road, but that has been posted as no parking as it obstructs the bike lane and creates a traffic hazard with vehicles and trailers extending into the roadway. Bylaw enforcement issues dozens of tickets on busy weekends.

Drivers often ignore no parking signs to use the park. (file photo/Vernon Matters Staff)

City staff brought back a report indicating five additional parking spots could be added in the 7700 block of Okanagan Landing Road.

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“My observation is to widen the gravel shoulder of Okanagan Landing Road from the existing no parking sign to the crosswalk at Okanagan Bench Road (7800 block),” Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming stated.

The parking would only be for vehicles, not those with boat trailers.

Staff will bring back a report on the feasibility and possible costs.

Medium and long term solutions are also being looked at for the popular summer spot.