Polson Park turning into a swamp

Feb 23, 2021 | 4:07 PM

Ground water problems in Polson Park may put a pause on a new park master plan and lead to the permanent decommissioning of the children’s spray water park.

The City of Vernon has approved spending up to $75,000 to conduct a stream naturalization feasibility study.

A grant for $30,000 will be applied for from the Okanagan Basin Water Board to cover some of the cost.

“This is the outcome of several years of work, between our parks staff and Associated Environmental,” Laurie Cordell, Manager of Long Range Planning and Sustainability, said. “We have seen flooding, we have seen the ground saturated, we can’t use the lawnmowers in some areas.”

Among the issues are heavy clay soils and the possibility that the concrete walls along the creek are keeping ground water from naturally draining off.

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Several measures have been taken including lowering the duck pond level, to allow it to recharge, and installing french drains, a trench filled with a perforated pipe and gravel.

One of the casualties of the high water table is the spray park, which is non-compliant with public health rules.

“I wouldn’t have guessed that the water level was a metre and something higher back at the spray park, than it was at the creek,” Mayor Victor Cumming said. “There are some very signficant ground water flows.”

Bio-films, such as bacteria and fungi, are creating a health hazard on the rubberized surface, ground water is getting into the holding tank, throwing off chemical balances and sink holes are appearing as the asphalt degrades under the surfacing.

Flooding has been an issue since 2017 and caused the closure of the spray park and playground last year and in 2019.

“I get that we have to do this, but I also get that the spray park is in high demand,” Coun. Scott Anderson said.

City of Vernon staff will look at a possible temporary solution for this summer.

The site for a new spray park would be determined when the park master plan is completed.

There will also be a spray park as part of the rejuvenation of Lakeview Park in East Hill. The city is still waiting for word on grant funding, for the $2.6 million makeover.

by Kevin Rothwell

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