Update: Council Approves Dogs in Park

Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 KISS FM Pete McIntyre September 18, 2017 05:00 pm

Off to the Park.

Council has approved all the measures for Polson Park, including allowing on-leash dogs.City staff says the earliest dogs could be allowed would be in about a month.The program would cost 28 thousand dollars for dog bag dispensers, signs, garbage pickup, and adding a dual height fountain that both dogs and people could use.Council also supported $32,000 for vegetation removal and improvements to the trail and boardwalk area in the southern part of the park. Council will also consider an increase of $31,185 to the parks operations budget during 2018 budget discussions to provide additional
maintenance to those areas.

Park camping clarified

RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Tue Jul 18th, 2017 8:00 am NEWS
Rules regarding camping in Vernon parks are being clarified. On Monday, city council gave three readings to the parks and public places (temporary overnight sheltering) amendment bylaw. “There’s been a lot of work done by staff and council to make sure we’re doing the right thing,” said Mayor Akbal Mund. Under the proposed bylaw, an individual camping in a park or public space must dismantle and pack up the temporary shelter prior to 9 a.m. the following day. That does not mean that they have to leave the park with the shelter. “They could have it in their backpack just like anyone else (who goes in the park),” said Mund. Under the bylaw, no person shall make or cause to be made noise, vibration, odour, dust, illumination or undertake any activity that is liable to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of individuals or the public in a public place, including but not limited to failing to remove objects from the park that interfere with public park use. Temporary shelters will also not be allowed on sidewalks or boulevards. It’s anticipated the bylaw will be adopted by council Aug. 14. As a result of recent court rulings, municipalities cannot prevent people from camping in parks if there isn’t space available at homeless shelters.
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Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 KISS FM Pete McIntyreJuly 19, 2017 06:21 am
Camping In City Parks Clarification
Vernon council has clarified the rules covering camping in city run parks, such as Polson. The proposed bylaw would force people camping in a park to take down and pack-up their temporary shelter prior to 9 am the following day.Camping will only be allowed if local shelters are full. Mayor Akbal Mund says final approval and enforcement of the bylaw could start in mid August. ” I don’t think it’s going to be overly aggressive. They’ll pack up and they’ll get out. That’s as simple as it will be, right. We’ll see what they do after that. I don’t know.” However, it doesn’t mean they have to actually get out of the park after 9 am. “You have to take down your shelter by 9am and cannot have anything that is existing in anything like a campsite. They can take it down, but they can carry it around.” The city is also banning temporary shelters on sidewalks or boulevards.
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As well as banning temporary shelters on sidewalks & boulevards, the following public spaces ban temporary shelters.

P.174 https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/meetings/agendas/170717_reg_0.pdf

Consultation-begins-on-City-of-Vernon-Master-Parks-Plan.pdf

http://www.vernon.ca/news/docs2014/Consultation-begins-on-City-of-Vernon-Master-Parks-Plan.pdf

Polson Park plan proceeds

Don Quixote Note:  This is a reposting of an older article from 2013. Reference is made to the $10 million Polson Park Conceptual Plan. In today's DRAFT Master Parks Plan (P.79) for local parks that will be presented at today's Council meeting is included the amount that will be needed  for  Polson Park upgrades of $3,000,000. This will be a 100% VERNON taxpayer funded project instead of a 68% Vernon share of a sub-regional park prior to the Parks  agreement. This is one of the reasons I opposed the final Parks agreement.
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by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Dec 1, 2013 at 1:00 AM— updated Nov 29, 2013 at 1:28 PM
No immediate changes will occur in Vernon’s Polson Park. Despite some calls for upgrades to the Japanese gardens, city council has decided to delay any substantive improvements or changes until the Polson Park master plan is completed, and a prioritazation and funding strategy is developed. “It doesn’t make sense to invest money of any consequences until we have a master plan,” said Coun. Juliette Cunnigham. The city’s sister cities committee had expressed some concerns about the condition of the Japanese gardens. Minor repairs, such as broken curbing and damage to the structure, will be addressed in 2014. A draft Polson Park master plan could be completed in 2015. “It will provide overall direction for the park, including future improvements,” said Shirley Koenig, director of operation services.
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Don Quixote Note: In Sept 2010 a Conceptual Polson Park Redevelopment Plan created by a consultant was presented to Vernon Council and GVAC.  Click HERE to view the report. (Pages 43 to 107) 
 At the time Polson Park was a sub-regional Park and all costs would be shared by the GVAC partners. Effective Jan 1, 2014 Polson Park is a local park and all improvements will be funded by Vernon Taxpayers alone.

Figures from Report (see link above)

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See Original 2010 Posting:http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2010/09/polson-park-plan-outlined.html

Park Could Host Homeless Memorial

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 10 June 2014 06:00
A idea for a memorial to Vernon's homeless victims in Polson Park has been pitched to city council. Chuck Harper from the John Howard Society is asking the city for a small site by the gazebo for a rock monument. He says 14 homeless residents died in the city last year. "We need something that honours the lives of our street friends, our family members. People who are either dealing with mental illness, addiction, suicide, murder," Harper told city council. Harper says there would be no cost to the city as the society will pick up the maintenance costs, and the memorial rock has been donated. City council will discuss the request at its June 23 meeting, but both Mayor Rob Sawatzky and councillor Juliette Cunningham expressed support for the idea at council's meeting Monday. "This will be a hard one for us not to do," said Sawatzky. Harper said he would also consider making it a tribute to 'Greater Vernon's' homeless victims to reflect the area, when asked about that by councillor Bob Spiers. Harper says he was motivated by a homless memorial in Santa Clara, California, and adds there's also tributes in Edmonton and London, Ontario.

New bridge over Vernon Creek in Polson Park

By Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star Updated: June 20, 2013 12:04 PM A new steel pedestrian bridge was installed over Vernon Creek in Polson Park Thursday. The old wooden bridge was removed last fall due to its failing condition. “It’s anticipated the new bridge will quickly become a favourite location for family and event photos,' said James Rice, public works manager. The bridge was constructed by the city’s steel fabricator, Ray Sengotta, and provides the only pedestrian access to the Polson Park wishing well.

City Cut Costs On Sidewalk Clearing

6 inch Rule no longer in effect

Snow Buddy extinct ??

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISSFM Thursday, 28 March 2013 18:08
The city of Vernon will cut back on its sidewalk snow clearing service next winter.  City crews have been clearing sidewalks when there's more than 15 cm's of snow, or if they're inaccessible. But that will now fall on the property owner, a move that could save the city 20-thousand dollars a year. Operations Manager Shirley Koenig says people that aren't able to do it themselves, will have to get help. "Those individuals will either have to hire someone to do those sidewalks, or find a friend or snow buddy," Koenig told council. The change will also reduce the city's legal liability.

City To Look At Park Improvements
Vernon council will look into improving the Japanese Gardens in Polson Park. Councillor Mary Jo O'Keefe says there's been complaints, and the display needs some work. "The Japanese Gardens in the park are becoming worn. They certainly have not been maintained." Councillor Juliette Cunningham says the pond also needs improvements. City staff will provide a report on the issue at a future meeting.

Study Targets Park Traffic

Written by Peter McIntyre Wednesday, 27 February 2013 17:29
  It's an in-camera issue so Vernon council members are not saying much about a traffic impact study looking at the area around Polson Park. Councillor Catherine Lord says the city will pay a consulting firm $7,560 to do the study that a declassified motion calls a 'consolidaiton of tourism facilities.' "Just to see what type of traffic is there, and what needs to be done," says Lord. Mayor Rob Sawatzky says it will review traffic going in and out of the park but he could not provide other details. The funding will come from the Additional Hotel Room Tax reserve.

Body In Polson Park

Written by Glen Morrison  107.5 KISSFM Thursday, 27 September 2012 04:24
A "man down" call to Polson Park has Vernon RCMP investigating a death.  There's no word on the age or hometown of the man, but officers were called to the area by the fountain beside the highway at 9:30 last night. RCMP say there's no risk to the general public, and efforts are underway to contact next of kin. Police  had the area sealed off overnight.

A wet day in the park

by Amy Jackson-Shelling - Castanet Jul 4, 2012 / 1:33 pm

Photo: Amy Jackson-Shelling

Photo: Amy Jackson-Shelling

It's no place for a picnic, at least not right now, it's too waterlogged and soggy. Polson Park is experiencing minor flooding, thanks to rising creek levels and the break down of old pipes. A crew from Greater Vernon Services is working to combat the cause and dry out the field next to the water park. “There’s a pipe that’s super old, probably early 1900s that used to serve the old ranch here . . .,said GVS worker, Aaron Cyr. “And what’s happening is the creek level is so high it’s force-feeding underneath our turf here and it’s flooding out Polson.” Cyr said the current condition of the park is probably as bad as it will get.“It’s been standing here for a good two to three weeks as stagnant water. We’re trying our best to get it out of here as fast as we can.”Crews are working to locate the entry point where the water from the creek is flowing into the old pipes so they can seal it up, preventing the water leaching out further along the system.

Polson Park Explosives Alert Ends

Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM  Tuesday, 22 May 2012 10:19
 Polson Park in Vernon had to be cleared of people this morning after an explosives incident. The RCMP's Gord Molendyk says the park was sealed off just before 10 after a report of a man trying to sell dynamite in the popular green space, followed by someone spotting some items in a canvas bag. Molendyk told the media, "We have evacuated the park as a precautionary measure, and we have called in our explosives unit (from Vancouver) to investigate." However, just a few minutes later the incident was over after it was confirmed the items in the bag were just flares. Molendyk says a picture of the items were sent to the experts in Vancouver who made the determination. A man was arrested at the scene, but it's not known if he will be released or face charges.
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http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-75511-2-.htm#75511

Polson Park Problems - Robbery and Vandalism

Betty Selin 105.7 SUNFM 4/16/2012

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A couple of scary incidents in Vernon's Polson Park.  RCMP spokesperson, Gord Molendyk says Saturday about 7PM an 18 year old guy at the skateboard park reported being robbed by four people while he was near the skateboard park. He had two chains ripped from his neck, and some loose change stolen and other items. One 26 year old male and three female youths between 15 and 17 were located, and arrested for robbery. The chains were later recovered nearby. All four suspects were had been drinking prior to this offence. The male was later released with Promise to Appear. The three girls were released to their parents with a Promise to appear in court at a later date.

Then just before one o'clock Sunday afternoon, the RCMP received a report that a car had hopped the meridian on Highway 97 on hospital hill, crossed two lanes of traffic, then went down the embankment and drove through a flower bed over the grass at Polson Park, crossed the bridge near the fountain and parked near the Lawn bowling area. The 34 year old man driving was arrested for Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle.  Police say the suspect does not have a valid driver's license the vehicle was impounded for seven days. A search of the driver revealed a crack pipe, some pills and other suspected drugs.  The suspect has conditions not to consume.  A search of the vehicle and found open liquor in it as well. The RO of the vehicle was in it at the time and was also arrested for an unrelated matter.  Police do say there is no indication that the vehicle came close to anyone while driving over the grass in Polson Park. No word yet on how much it will cost to do the repairs in the park.

Duchess the swan found dead in Polson Park

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: February 28, 2012 9:38 AM

Polson Park’s ambassador is being remembered fondly.  Duchess the swan was found dead at the park’s pond Tuesday morning. It’s believed the trauma of the injury and the stress of the situation was too much for her ,” said Courtenay Pitcher, the city’s communications officer. Duchess was injured last week in what may have been an attack by a dog or coyote. She was treated at a veterinary clinic and after a short recovery was released back into Polson Park late Friday. Duchess was about 25 years old and she had lived in the park her whole life. “She lived for five or six years longer than most swans do,” said Pitcher.  As a fixture in Polson Park, Duchess was extremely popular among visitors, and particularly  children.  She was also known to help city workers with their chores, including Ron Gibson, who has cared for Duchess and developed a special relationship with the bird. “He’s very upset and grieving for a  friend,” said Pitcher.  Duchess will be buried in Polson Park and a plaque will be installed in her memory.

City takes insurance payout and won’t replace City Park pavilion

By Alistair Waters - Kelowna Capital News  Published: July 01, 2011 3:00 AM

The burned-out shell of the former Pavilion Building in Kelowna’s City Park will be demolished and the land it sits on reclaimed as part of the park.  But according to the city, the demolition of the one-time restaurant, formerly City Of Kelowna offices, public washrooms and a concession stand, will not occur until after the Labour Day weekend in September.  City risk manger Lance Kayfish said Thursday now that the city council has approved removing the building and not replacing it, plans will be made for the demolition. Kayfish said the original desire was to have the remains of the structure removed before the heart of the summer but that was not possible.  When the building is removed, the nearby kids’ water park will have to be closed, he said, so it was decided to delay the removal until the early fall.  When the removal takes place the water park is expected to be closed for about three weeks.  Meanwhile, the burned out building is fenced off and there is 24-hour security to keep people out of what remains of the building.  Kayfish said the plan is to leave some concrete elements for people to sit on and cover the rest of the site where the building stood with grass sod.  Other, smaller buildings will be built at other locations in the park to provide new pubic washrooms and a new concession stand.  As for the office space that the Pavilion Building afforded the city, it will be replaced by reconfiguring existing space in City Hall, said Kayfish.  The city expects to get between $1.1 and $1.4 million as an insurance settlement as a result of the fire that destroyed the pavilion earlier this year.The estimated cost to replace the building would have been $1.8 million said a report that went to council earlier this week.

Zero Budget for Parks and Rec - New Fitness Equipment For Polson Park

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Sunday, 06 March 2011 19:43

The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee is holding the line on its new budget when it comes to parks and recreation items. Chairman Wayne Lippert says it's good news for taxpayers. 'It will actually go down some more with the readjustment in the reserve levels, so they'll realize a tax savings on the parks side of things at least." The new 10.9 million dollar budget includes no increase in spending for the Performing Arts Centre, or Greater Vernon Parks and Rec District. Spending on Wesbild Centre will decrease six percent due to refinancing of the debt at a lower interest rate.
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Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM  Sunday, 06 March 2011 19:36

There's more improvements on the way this year for Polson Park. A new multi-purpose pavilion is under construction, and in addition, 135-thousand dollars will be spent on new fitness equipment for the popular green space.  Greater Vernon Advisory Committee chairman Wayne Lippert says it's similar to equipment used in other cities like Kelowna and Kamloops.  "It seems to be more favourable for seniors, but also for a lot of younger groups as well, and because it's going to be outside, it needs to be anchored in such a way that there's less chance of damage or deterioration." GVAC has also budgeted 80-thousand dollars this year for a referendum.  That will be held if the agricultural land commission gives approval to use a site next to Okanagan College, for a new 7.8 million dollar sports facility.

Some Groups will get a Park Preview - More Revisions to the Polson Park Masterplan

Kate Bouey 12/29/2010 105.7 SUNFM

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The City's Polson Park masterplan has been revised and is expected to go back to council in the New Year. Planning manager Kim Flick says her department will hold some consultations with groups that have accessibility issues. Those groups had expressed concern over plans to remove the road inside the park.  As far as the Oval goes, Flick says it will remain there for the present. She says the proposed track facility up by Okanagan College must go through a number of approvals, including a referendum, before and IF work begins. Flick says work on the new pavilion is expected to be complete by April, in time for the main season.

Proposal Could Avoid User Fees

  Peter McIntyre Wednesday, 06 October 2010 16:57107.5 KISSFM:

A new proposal has been tabled to avoid possible user fees for non Vernon residents at local recreational facilities  As part of a service review, Coldstream and Area C (BX Silver Star) have offered to pay Vernon half the amount they pay now for the Recreation Centre and Civic Arena, in order to keep equal status for their residents. Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert would prefer to have the parties paying equal amounts, for venues everyone uses. "They're trying to avoid having user fees. That's why they're coming forward with a willingness to pay something. They just don't want to pay as much as they are now, because they feel by giving up control of those facilities, they shouldn't have to pay as much."Lippert says his council will be discussing the proposal in the coming weeks.

Draft Parks Deal for Greater Vernon

Vernon mayor says everyone should pay fair share Kate Bouey10/6/2010 105.7 SUNFM

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It doesn't appear as if the talking is over despite a draft agreement on Greater Vernon parks and recreation. Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert says a proposal brought forward by Coldstream and Electoral Area C would see the City take over responsibility for the Rec Centre. He's not particularly happy with what could be a costly proposition. ``Personally, I believe that they should stay in, paying the same share that they have been all along,'' says the mayor. He adds that there are pros as well as cons. Lippert says on the `pro' side, the City could go ahead with work around the Rec Centre or on the Civic Arena without input from other communities. Revisions are being done to the draft which Lippert says he will then take to city council for discussion.

Polson plan on right track

Published: September 28, 2010 7:00 PM Vernon Morning Star:
 Construction is set to begin on a pavilion at Polson Park this week and city council endorsed an ambitious plan for the community’s jewel at their regular meeting Monday.  At first blush, it’s about time.
The plan, which has been in the works since the old grandstand was torched in 2006, is finally going to see the light of day.  Most of the plan appears to make sense and is welcome, including the new pavilion, a fitness area and removing the fence around the oval. The plan to restrict parking and road use to the north-east portion of the park will spur some debate but the public was split on the two concepts and restricted vehicular traffic allows more people-friendly activity in the park. And it’s more people-friendly activity that is desperately needed for Polson Park.

That’s why Couns. Jack Gilroy and Patrick Nicol’s plea for an ice rink of some kind in Polson deserves further study, even at this late date in the process.  What better way to instill life into Polson during the winter than a place for families to enjoy the great outdoors and a community asset at the same time?
The Centennial Rink, although popular and wonderful, is small and showing its age, not to mention it’s shoved in behind a bunch of buildings.  Polson Park would take the outdoor skating experience to a whole new level.  It’s possible the concept is cost-prohibitive or not feasible but it demands to be considered and checked out. The Polson plan has taken this long and getting it right deserves further study.
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Don Quixote Note: Contrary to the article Council did not endorse this plan at this time. It received the plan, asked for consideration of Modifications (skating rink) and ensured that it would be presented at the GVSC table. Council did give it support in principle along with asking for more info and consideration for the ice rink.

Polson Plan Update

Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 28 September 2010 09:38 107.5 KISSFM

Polson Park may one day include a skating rink--if some Vernon council members get their way.  Councillors Jack Gilroy and Patrick Nicol both want the facility considered for the park's long term plan which has been given support in principle by the elected reps. Nicol says the ice rink along with other parts of the estimated ten million dollars in upgrades over ten years, could be funded by development cost charges, taxes and other means.  "Some of the money will come from partnerships. That's the part that I think needs to be in (the plan), that the community will partner on these things. That's how we got virtually everything that's in Polson Park." Parks and Rec GM Al McNiven cautioned about making the ice rink too big, saying once it reaches a certain size, then it needs staff to run it.

The biggest change would be removing vehicle access from the south end of the park (near the ponds) scheduled for 2017,  but Berris says people will still be able to park close to the main facilities as a cul de sac and parking would be added.  "We really feel, and the public seemed to say, that they were in favour of a park that did not have a road going all the way through."  Meantime, a Kelowna company has set up in the park today and is starting to built the new multi purpose pavilion which will include a performance area, washrooms, storage and office space. The construction is expected to be done by the spring.
**Polson Park Plan Outlined**