UPDATE: Coldstream not interested in water park at this time

Mar 16, 2022 | 1:00 PM

UPDATE: 1:00 p.m. March 16, 2022

A proposal for an inflatable water park on Kalamalka Lake in Coldstream is not getting support from the municipality at this point.

Rylie Gallagher, owner of Splash Water Parks, told Vernon Matters his letter of interest to expand to Kal Beach in Coldstream was received for information by council on Monday with no further action planned.

(Photo credit: Splash Water Parks)

Gallagher added, according to the district’s planning department, council re-affirmed its previous stance that no commercial activity be permitted on the beach until the completion of a Head of the Lake Plan by the next council, sometime after the election in October.

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Acting mayor Glen Taylor says district staff looked into the idea.

“It just wasn’t the right fit for Kal Beach in the sense that it would take a substantial portion of the beach for a business venture and take away from the openness of the beach for public use,” Taylor told Vernon Matters.

“The other concern is, is that beach area even deep enough to have a water park like that where people are jumping and diving off higher raised platforms? And we all know that that beach area is quite shallow and it would also be a safety issue,” Taylor added.

Council received the letter for information.

Gallagher said each summer they have seen a tremendous amount of customer request to expand into the Coldstream area.

“We have been pursuing a location in the District of Coldstream for several years now, however we still await a definitive answer on the project,” Gallagher told Vernon Matters.

“Throughout our communication with the planning department since 2016 we have seen some delays such as asset reassignment from the RDNO [Regional District of North Okanagan] and completion of the park master plan. Although waiting for the correct timing has become a lengthy process, we continue to believe our amenity would be an amazing fit for the community and will continue pursuing this project,” said Gallagher who’s company already operates four water parks on lakes in Kelowna, Peachland, Penticton and Osoyoos.

Gallagher said they are eyeing a specific location, which he didnt name, but added they are more than open to speak with the District if they would like to look further into this project.

The idea received plenty of support from people who read the story on the Vernon Matters Facebook page.

“That would be excellent! We travel to the other end of the valley for these regularly,” said one person.

“Would be a great addition,” remarked another.

“Why aren’t lakes fun enough as they are?,” added another person.

Water park company submits letter of interest to Coldstream
Mar 15, 2022 | 3:00 PM

A water recreation company is looking to operate in Coldstream.

Splash Water Parks, which provides inflatable water recreation amenities in Kelowna, Peachland, Penticton and Osoyoos, has presented a formal letter of interest to Coldstream council to expand into the area.

“Through providing use of our Wibit (floating) water parks, we have been able to create a new and exciting way to experience water recreation throughout the communities in which we operate,” said company owner Rylie Gallagher in an email to the district that was on the March 14 council agenda.

The company said in its letter of interest that over eight years of operating, it has been fortunate to provide safe, active and memorable experiences to over 400,000 guests and offer over 575 employment opportunities to locals.

“Splash is proud that its team is primarily comprised of youth ages 16-25, making the company one of the largest summer youth employers in its respective regions,” the company stated.

Splash said it uses the highest safety tested equipment in the industry.

“All participants must be of the required age to access the water park and wear a life-jacket or PFD. In addition, all children ages five to seven must be accompanied by an adult supervisor,” the document stated.

Vernon Matters has reached out to Mr. Gallagher for comment on what site in Coldstream he is considering and any other details.

We have also contacted Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick for his comments on the proposal.

by Pete McIntyre

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