Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 20, 2009 12:00 PM
Vernon politicians are hoping to hammer out a vision for the community’s most significant park. Council will hold a special meeting Friday at 9 a.m. to discuss potential redevelopment of Polson Park. “There is definitely room for improvement and ways to increase use by community groups,” said Coun. Buffy Baumbrough. “We have heard again and again that Polson Park is really important.” City staff recently consulted with citizen groups and park users on possible improvements. The subsequent report states that priority items include the provision of power and water, small covered areas for events and safe and accessible parking. Baumbrough would like to see a focus placed on the bandshell. “We could increase the number of events that occur there — more music, more concerts,” she said. City officials have placed a priority on redevelopment because the park will host the Olympic torch relay in February and the B.C. Winter Games in 2012.
Mayor Wayne Lippert is hopeful the council meeting will lead to a process that addresses longstanding recreational concerns. “Something needs to be done with the track so people can run and walk there and keep active,” he said. However, Lippert admits that keeping the track in Polson Park doesn’t eliminate the need for a larger facility for organized track and field events. “We are actively looking around Greater Vernon for other sites for a regulation-size track.” Lippert isn’t sure if there is a need for a grandstand in Polson Park. The grandstand that sat next to the oval for almost 100 years was destroyed in an arson fire in 2006. Also attending Friday’s meeting will be North Okanagan Regional District staff, who are responsible for operating Polson Park.
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