As the water level in Central Okanagan lakes continues to rise, many regional parks in the Central Okanagan are sporting a new feature—stack of sandbags.
Regional district crews have been busy stacking sandbags to protect many waterfront parks against the threat of flooding.
Among those regional parks now “armed” with sandbags are Kalamoir (Lakefront trail); Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour; Bertram Creek (pumphouse, east beach); Kaloya (pumphouse) and the Gellatly Nut Farm (buildings, waterfront).
“Staff identified areas and amenities within these and other regional parks that need to be protected from potential flood damage,” CORD communications officer Bruce Smith said. “They’ll continue installing protective works in high risk areas. While these parks remain open, we ask that visitors not touch any sandbags and other flood protection.”
The small boat launch located at Fintry Community Park access No. 1, at the end of Fintry Delta Road on the west side of Okanagan Lake, and the main launch at Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour Regional Park on Okanagan Centre Road West are both still open, but may be subject to closure on short notice for safety reasons due to changing lake levels and weather conditions.
“The threat of flooding continues and there could be unexpected increases in water levels along area creeks and streams, added Smith. “Visitors and leashed pets should stay back from creek banks, which can be slippery and subject to erosion.”
The following regional parks remain closed:
• Glen Canyon Regional Park from the Acorn bridge downstream to the Gellatly Road parking area and from the Constable Neil Bruce entrance upstream to the Covington Crescent entrance at Last Mountain Community Park
• Hardy Falls Regional Park
• Mill Creek Regional Park
• Killiney Beach Community Park – including the boat launch is closed to all visitors, with limited vehicle access through the park for waterfront properties.
While these parks are closed, the regional district encourages residents to visit many other regional parks that are not affected by flooding and rising waters. You can view them at www.regionaldistrict.com/pickapark
Regional Parks staff is monitoring creek levels in all these areas and when safe will be assessing the condition of bridges, trails and other amenities in these parks. Parks may be closed on short notice should conditions change.