City and association sign MOU for park improvements

The city of Vernon and Okanagan Landing and District Community Association have agreed to work together when it comes to the future improvements to Paddlewheel Park.

The association announced the city endorsed a memorandum of understanding.

“This MOU is a great step forward in continuing the strategic direction in preserving the heritage and park for the community and public. We will build upon the previous support from RDNO and current agreement with the city,” Cyril Karvonen, the association president said.

Karvonen said he looks forward to working with city staff and the public on a consultative process to develop and implement a long term Park Improvement Plan, which will ensure the long-term sustainability of Paddlewheel Hall, Station House Museum, Park and boat launch.”

“We’re looking at parking lot paving, lighting improvements, new park benches, trees and enhancements to the community park area that is being used by the public,” Karvonen told Vernon Matters.

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He said it’s expected the city would provide the capital funding for the improvements but adds the association is working on future fundraising activities.

“That’s the intent of the MOU, is to work with the city to incorporate it into their long-term strategic plan and the city would fund a large portion of it,” he said.

Karvonen added they want to make sure the park is meeting the standards of the public, noting the facility was packed most days this summer.

“Trailers were parked all the way up and down the Landing Road, so those are topics the neighbours will probably want some input in on how we’re going to manage that going forward,” he said.

The non-profit association owns and operates Paddlewheel Park and Hall, and will celebrate its 72nd year since incorporation on April 8, 2021

“We are a small volunteer board who work to preserve the heritage of the hall and museum and provide a community park and public boat launch,” Karvonen said.

For more information, visit www.Paddlewheel.ca