FILE PHOTO - The initial public engagement process over Skaha Lake Park has found many residents appreciate the park pretty much the way it is.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

Initial engagement with the public over the future of Skaha Lake Park East is complete, and for many residents, the park is fine just the way it is.

The City's special projects manager Ben Johnson says they were pleased with the input from two open houses held in early December on the subject, as well as input gleaned from the Shape Your City website.

More than 400 residents attended the open house and 240 completed feedback forms. Many residents say they like the park in its current state, enjoying its green space and natural environment along with the beaches and walking paths.

Interest was shown in seeing a continuation of the present amenities in the park, in addition to improving dragon boat and canoeing facilities.

Some ideas put forward to address needs and opportunities in this section of the park included such things as:

• a continuation of beach vending
• a renewed splash pad and spray park
• construction of a boat house to support dragon boats and outrigger canoes
• continued food service at the marina
• continued boat rentals, moorage and fuel sales at the marina
• addition of a green pedestrian connection along the waterfront
• expanded food and drink offerings at the marina
• addition of a 150 foot wharf to separate motorized and unmotorized watercraft.

Respondents also showed some interest in a new dog park or beach in the area, more community events, more cycling infrastructure, an outdoor ice rink and an environmental and cultural interpretive centre.

The next phase of engagement will come following staff’s analysis of the results and the development of concepts for public review.

“I was pleased to hear there was such a good turnout to discuss this important topic. Council is looking forward to hearing what people have to say and seeing how this work evolves,” Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki said.

Complete results of the initial consultation phase are available here at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca.

Saha Lake Park East is a piece of Penticton property that is no stranger to controversy, after plans for a waterslide and other infrastructure changes prompted a loud and lengthy backlash in 2015.

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