Civic Memorial Park in Vernon (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

dealing with the heat

Exploring shade options for two Vernon parks

Jun 26, 2025 | 6:00 AM

Vernon city staff have been tasked with investigating shade options at two local parks, though that may not become a reality for the peak summer weather this year.

Councillors Kari Gares and Theresa Durning put forward notices of motion at Monday’s regular meeting, requesting shade options be explored for Civic Memorial and Lakeview Parks.

“When we were [at Civic Memorial Park] for the Pride Day event it was super hot, the park was packed, and, unfortunately there’s a limitation of shade, ” Gares said. “There’s not a limitation of trees, we planted them but they’re too immature at this point of time so they’re not actually providing enough shade for the users of the park and, more specifically, the young users of the park, which are the children within the play area.”

Gares explained these concerns had also been raised by members of the public she had spoken with.

“There’s no mature shade [at Lakeview Park], there’s lots of trees planted [but] they are just not big enough yet to shade the park, so we really do need some shade areas there,” Durning added, saying she had also experienced this first hand and had heard similar complaints from park users.

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The councillors asked staff to report back with costs and potential funding options for shade opportunities, including sails and coverings, at a future meeting.

It was noted that council only meets once in July and once in August, which may delay getting these shade options out in time for the peak summer sun and heat.

City staff reported the costs for a 24 by 24 foot shade sail structure installed at the RCMP parking lot was approximately $35,000. Early feedback stating it may not have filled the need in providing enough shade to cover parking stalls for vehicles used for service dogs.

Staff noted trees could be planted for between $500 and $1,000 and would create the same amount of shade within a few years time.

It was also suggested that physical structures at the parks be expanded to provide more shade options, at a cost of between $20,000 to $30,000 at each park.

Staff also noted that some jurisdictions have partnered with the private sector to set up umbrellas at parks, and suggested this option could also be explored.

Ultimately, Council decided not to move ahead with any immediate plan and instead tasked staff with investigating shade options, be it sails, mature trees, overhead trellises, and umbrellas, and report back with the associated costs and funding sources at the next meeting.