Construction of a new accessible trail is anticipated to begin next week in Mission Creek Regional Park.
The trail is possible thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund which helps thousands of Canadians to eliminate barriers and gain better access to facilities in their communities.
The new 600-meter paved trail will improve access to the park for visitors with mobility or age-related challenges from the Kelowna Regional Transit stops and parking areas within the park.
The $130,000 project will see new thermoplastic cross walks installed from the Durnin Road transit stop allowing visually impaired visitors improved access to the park. As well, new crib stairs will improve access to the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan. Three new accessible picnic tables will be installed at locations along the smooth asphalt trail.
The Regional District is contributing $80,000 towards the improvements to the park and the trail project which should be complete by the end of July.
Construction of the trail and other amenities will take place in stages resulting in closure of the area in which crews are working and leaving other areas of the park and parking lot open for use. For their safety and that of workers during construction, visitors are asked to stay out of any closed area.
Mission Creek Regional Park is one of 30 regional and 20 community parks protecting over 2,100 hectares for the enjoyment of all Central Okanagan residents.
For more information visit regionaldistrict.com/parks.