Kelowna’s $348-million recreation overhaul takes shape

Construction is moving ahead on a $348.6-million recreation infrastructure program in Kelowna, with work now visible at multiple sites across the city.

The Building a Stronger Kelowna program includes the redevelopment of Parkinson Recreation Centre and new activity centres in Glenmore, Rutland and Mission. Construction is underway at all four sites, with the Parkinson project currently seeing structural steel and mass timber installation, while the pool basins have been completed.

The Parkinson centre remains on track for its planned fall 2027 opening, although the city says structural steel delays have pushed the current substantial-completion forecast to February 2028. The project team is working on recovery measures and expects to confirm an updated schedule after remaining procurement is completed this fall.

About $85.3 million, or roughly one-quarter of the overall program budget, has been spent so far.

The redeveloped Parkinson centre will include aquatic facilities, a triple gymnasium, indoor running track and childcare spaces. The broader program is also adding 273 childcare spaces across Parkinson, Glenmore and Mission, along with recreation partnerships involving Okanagan College and UBC Okanagan.

Mill Creek restoration near Parkinson is complete, while work continues on the Spall Road transportation upgrades and Parkinson Activity Centre parking lot.

The three neighbourhood activity centres broke ground this year, with Glenmore in April, Rutland in June and Mission in September. The city says those projects remain aligned with the overall schedule, with no material impacts to the program’s completion currently anticipated.

Rutland sports fields are also being rebuilt, with a new artificial turf field, walking paths, event space and other upgrades expected to be completed by December.