Hidden Gems Are Everywhere in Kelowna

The City of Kelowna is launching a cool new challenge to entice residents to check out a park they may have never been to.

Priest Creek Linear Park (Photo Credit: City of Kelowna)

The Hidden Gems park challenge encourages people to head to one of the city’s 200 parks and green spaces. According to Parks Service Manager Ian Wilson, the idea is to get people outside and enjoying the spaces. Over the past six weeks, the city has shared some parks it considers to be hidden gems within the city via social media.

“Often I find that people are surprised to find out about some of these locations or some of the natural areas that they may not be aware of,” explained Wilson.

Chichester Wetland Park (Photo Credit: City of Kelowna)

Participants are encouraged to snap a picture while in their favourite park, and then they will be entered to win a prize package valued at more than $250.

“My favourite part to go to is Knox Mountain Park which is not as much of a hidden gem, but it does have a newer trail,” said Wilson. “It has a beautiful little beach access with some stairs which go down to a hidden beach in that area.”

According to Wilson, there are approximately 60 staff members that take care of the 200 parks and green spaces. Employees conduct horticulture work, looking after beaches, sports fields, irrigation and the city cemetery. All of the mowing, garbage, and janitorial work is contracted out by the city.

Kasugai Garden Park (Photo Credit: City of Kelowna)

The contest runs from July 28^th to August 28^th and the winner will be drawn on August 31^st and contacted via their Instagram account or other social media account. Full contest details can also be found at kelowna.ca/parks.

Residents are reminded that there is no smoking allowed in public parks and to follow the signage rules in the park. Dogs should be left on leash and pet owners are reminded to pick up after their dogs as well.

Here are a few parks that should not be missed:

Cedar Creek Park
5200 Lakeshore Road
City Park
1600 Abbott Street
Guisachan Heritage Park
1060 Cameron Avenue
Kasugai Gardens
1435 Water Street
Kerry Park
1480 Mill Street
Knowles Heritage Park
865 Bernard Avenue
Knox Mountain
450 Knox Mountain Road
Mission Creek Greenway
Stuart Park
1414 Water Street
Waterfront Park
1200 Water Street

For a complete list of Kelowna parks click here.