Waterfront park to include paddle centre
The City of Kelowna has confirmed a key component of its newest waterfront park.
As part of the design for Pandosy Waterfront Park, the Kelowna Paddle Centre says it will fund and build a new purpose-built facility on the site within five years.
“Provision of a paddle centre in this location has proven to be a valued public amenity,” says Robert Parlane, Parks & Buildings Planning Manager with the City of Kelowna. “The commitment to redevelop this facility ensures a range of exciting recreational opportunities for Kelowna residents.”
The new park will open up the waterfront from Meikle Avenue to Newsom Avenue.
A city news release stated paddling services can be accessed on site through the Kelowna Outrigger Racing Canoe Club Association (a non-profit society also known as the Kelowna Paddle Centre).
“Accommodating a permanent paddle centre building was a desired outcome from the public design charette that informed the final design of Pandosy Waterfront Park. The public will also have full access to the shoreline along the park,” the release said.
“Locating the Paddle Centre within the park provides an important connection to the lake,” Parlane added. “As the beachfront site is not the best location for swimming, it is a perfect fit to provide paddling services from this site, especially as the popularity of the activity continues to grow among residents and tourists alike.”
Construction on the park was originally scheduled for 2025/26 but has been expedited due to the introduction of Parks Development Cost Charges in 2020. Subject to provincial approvals, the first phase is anticipated for completion in 2022. Integration of the existing Paddle Centre building is part of Phase 2 of the park’s construction plans. The proposed purpose-built facility will be located in a similar location as the current Paddle Centre.
The city said the mandate of the Kelowna Paddle Centre is to provide safe paddling services and training to Kelowna residents of all ages. The Paddle Centre welcomes thousands of paddlers each year and anyone can access their services through drop-in options and registered programs including guided paddling lessons and summer camps. The waterfront location also serves as an important hub for Kelowna’s 28 km Paddle Trail along the waterfront spanning from McKinley Beach to Bertram Creek Park.
“We believe the overall design of Pandosy Waterfront Park reflects the balance of priorities and values shared with us by the community, including maintaining public access throughout the park, street front visibility, paddling access and community connection,” said Parlane.
For more details about Pandosy Waterfront Park including a look at the park design, visit getinvolved.kelowna.ca.