Half-million-dollar Mission Creek Playground project gets underway

Jun 30, 2025 | 11:41 AM

After much public consultation and an increased budget, the old wooden play structure at Mission Creek Playground in Kelowna will be replaced in the coming six weeks.

Work got underway Monday.

The Regional District said the project is about creating a space where all children can play, explore and connect.

The upgraded playground will include an accessible poured-in-place rubber surface for improved mobility, inclusive play elements for children of all abilities, and sensory play features to engage a variety of senses.

It’ll cost around $500,000, after the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) board approved an extra $150,00 for the venture. The initial budget was around $175,000 but public feedback highlighted a lack of accessibility and inclusivity for kids of all abilities.

Council grants

Vernon to distribute over $50k in Council Discretionary Grants, $20K to the food bank

Dec 14, 2025

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

Dec 13, 2025

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

Dec 13, 2025

The revised plan to include specialized rubber surfacing drove the estimated cost up by 56 per cent to about $480,000.

Location of new Mission Creek Playground/RDCO

The existing adjacent play areas including the swings, rope climbing structure and multi-sensory zone, will remain in place, as they continue to meet current safety standards; however, the entire play area will be closed for the duration of the project, which is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete.

A portion of the parking lot will also be closed and fenced off for public safety.

The area near the Durnin Road entrance will be closed to vehicle traffic but will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring continued access to the Greenway and washroom facilities.

The east play obstacle course near the Leckie Road entrance will remain open throughout construction and is a great alternative for families during this time.

The final playground design was shaped by two rounds of public input: a community survey in October 2023, followed by online feedback and an in-person open house in May 2025.

Learn more about the project and explore an interactive rendering of the playground at yoursay.rdco.com/mission-creek-playground

by Vernon Matters Staff

View Comments