It’s been slightly more than two years since raging flood waters and debris forced the closure of Hardy Falls Regional Park.
The six hectare park along Deep Creek in the south end of Peachland is once again open and welcoming visitors.
The record 2017 flooding and creek water levels severely destroyed two of the eight bridges in the park. The accesses for many of the other creek crossings were damaged and much of the creek side trail was also washed out.
In the time since, RDCO Parks Services staff developed recovery and repair plans and successfully received over $48,000 from the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program to repair the destruction. The total restoration project cost $175,000 and saw the installation of two new bridges, removal of hazard trees and vegetation and rebuilding and resurfacing the trail to the viewing and information platform looking out to the falls.
Regional Board Chair Gail Given says “We appreciate the patience that everyone has shown in the time it’s taken to get Hardy Falls open again. And we certainly thank the Province for its cooperation and Disaster Assistance Program funding to help us restore the park for visitors.”
The park is extremely popular. In 2016 prior to being closed by flood damage, approximately 34,000 people walked the creekside trail. On average, that’s over 90 people a day who visited the regional park.
Hardy Falls is one of 30 regional and 20 community parks protecting over 2,100 hectares for the enjoyment of all Central Okanagan residents.