Foothills park promoted

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 13, 2012 1:00 AM
A Vernon neighbourhood has now made the official pitch to preserve a special ecosystem. The Foothills Community Association asked city council Monday to take steps to ensure 60 acres above the subdivision ultimately becomes park. “A park on top of the bluff would be a jewel in the crown for Vernon and all of Greater Vernon,” said Wynn Polnicky, the association’s parks co-ordinator. “The bluff area is of high conservation value. It is an area of old growth Douglas fir and in an urban setting, that is rare.” The site is currently in the hands of three land owners. “We’re not asking for you to spend funds right now,” Polnicky told council. At this time, the association is asking the city to incorporate parks into the Foothills neighbourhood plan and to amend the official community plan so there is reference to parks and trails. It also wants the city to look at zoning issues and work with the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee — which oversees parks — on the matter. The association will ask GVAC Sept. 6 to also ensure a park is created. “It will provide a point of natural beauty for everyone in the North Okanagan,” said Polnicky. The association also wants the city to create links between the Foothills and existing trail networks. No decision has been made by council yet.