Press release from the city of Kelowna on May 4, 2020:
Visiting Knox Mountain Park looks slightly different this season with a number of safety measures in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. While the popular mountain park remains open during this unprecedented time, a number of changes and additions have been made at the park in the interest of public safety:
“We’ve really strived to find a balance when it comes to Knox Mountain,” says Blair Stewart, Parks Services Manager. “We understand that outdoor exercise and fresh air is something that our residents need right now. The changes are in place to allow for this space to remain open as long as park users respect the physical distancing directives that are in place for the health and safety of all.”
Signage is in place throughout Knox Mountain Park reminding users to maintain safe distance.
An additional change is that Knox Mountain Drive will remain closed to vehicle traffic throughout 2020. The roadway is currently closed to vehicles to assist with distancing measures and it is typically closed due to fire risk for a large portion of the summer.
Park users are also reminded as the weather warms up that the risk of wildfire increases. Open burning is not allowed within City limits both on public property (parks, trails and beaches) and on private property. Campfires and outdoor wood burning appliances, including wood-fueled fire pits, are not permitted at any time. Briquette barbecues are not allowed in City or Regional District of Central Okanagan parks. Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes and cannabis is banned in all City and regional parks and beaches. Anyone who sees fire or smoke in any park should immediately call 9-1-1 or *5555 for wildfire. To learn more about wildfire prevention in our region, visit firesmartBC.ca.
For more information on Knox Mountain, visit kelowna.ca/parks.
For more information on the City’s measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit kelowna.ca/covid19.