Updated design for future Kelowna park features several exciting additions

The City of Kelowna has released an updated design for the future DeHart Park and it barely looks like the same park that was dreamt up before public engagement in the fall.

Based on public feedback between Oct. 18-Nov. 20, 2022, the park’s design has received a facelift and now features a number of new and exciting features.

“The updated design reflects components of the previous concept and input captured in the first round of public engagement about current community priorities,” said Cadre Simpson, park and landscape planner.

“From playgrounds to picnic areas to walking paths and sports fields, we are looking forward to seeing the park come to life as a place for residents of all ages and abilities to enjoy for years to come.”

In the new design, the basketball court has been moved to the northeast corner of the park to make room for a much larger field that would accommodate two junior soccer pitches.

Arguably the most noticeable change comes in the northwest corner of the greenspace, as the City is now imagining a trio of multi-sport courts, which could be used for pickleball and basketball, along with a pump track for bikes.

Dog owners will be ecstatic to see the addition of plans for a fenced dog run area in the southwest corner of the park, near the existing tennis courts. There are also now plans for a community garden at the south end of the property.

While some of these new features eat away at space previously earmarked for a large forested area, the updated plans still call for plenty of tree-filled spots for people to enjoy.

“Mature trees and naturalized areas of the park have been preserved in the updated concept to reflect the community’s top priorities of preservation of natural elements, as well as diversity of uses, community spaces, access, safety and noise considerations,” a release from the City explained.

You can view the updated design and plans for DeHart Park through the City website and residents are invited to once again provide feedback until April 2.

In addition, the project team will be at the park, southwest of the Gordon and DeHart intersection, from 2-6 pm on Wednesday, March 15. They will meet with the public and gather more feedback on these latest plans.