Proposal calls for Polson Park road to be shut down

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 27, 2010 7:00 PM

Leisurely drives through Polson Park may ultimately hit a roadblock. The City of Vernon and the North Okanagan Regional District are considering long-range plans for the park, and two options include closing the internal road off to public traffic. “Both options call for adapting the road for cycling and pedestrian purposes,” said Kim Flick, the city’s manager of planning and building. The primary thrust of the proposal is to ease congestion next to the water park and the ponds, and to reduce the potential of people being hit by vehicles. “The safety that can be achieved by removing vehicles is significant.” The road would still be used by service vehicles, and could be opened during special events or for arranged tours. Any parking lost through the closure of the road would be made up by expanding or reconfiguring parking lots elsewhere in Polson Park.

Support for the plan comes from Coun. Jack Gilroy. “I’d like to see a people-friendly park without vehicles in it,” he said. “I’ve been down there with the grad ceremonies and there’s a real issue with cars.” But concerns come from Coun. Patrick Nicol. “If you take that (public traffic) out, you encourage criminal activity there,” he said. Al McNiven, NORD’s parks and recreation general manager, believes enhanced pedestrian facilities will help deter crime. “More people walking through the park will give it that safety element,” he said. Nicol also believes the internal road benefits residents with mobility issues. “It provides access to people who require it,” he said.

While it wasn’t part of staff’s proposal — Coun. Bob Spiers has successfully had a third option added to the process — the status quo. “I want to hear from the public,” said Spiers. The long-range plans for Polson Park will be available for public viewing during Canada Day festivities and there will also be open houses. “This is a long-term plan. It’s not to say this will occur this year,” said Flick. “We would explore with the public the pros and cons of vehicular traffic and no vehicular traffic.”