West Kelowna reopens gates to parks that were closed
The City of West Kelowna is pleased to announce that local parks that were closed earlier this year due to extreme fire hazard were reopened on Tuesday.
The city closed several community parks on July 18 due to the extreme fire hazard and very dry conditions. With cooler temperatures and showers in the forecast, the city reopened the following parks:
• Mt. Boucherie Trails, including Boucherie Rush and Boucherie Grind • Eain Lamont Park, Lakeview Cove Road • Rose Valley Trail access, McDougall Road • Casa Palmero Park and Walkway, Casa Palmero Drive • Davidson Creek Park, Shannon Woods Drive • Shannon Way Park, Shannon Way • Rock Ridge Park, Griffiths Place • Wild Horse Park, Wild Horse Drive The public is advised that the fire hazard rating is still high and are asked to use extreme caution when enjoying city parks. Smoking is not allowed in any city parks. Open burning, including campfires and in backyard fire pits, is not allowed anywhere within the city of West Kelowna. The use of fireworks is banned unless express permission is given from West Kelowna Fire Rescue.
Residents should use extreme caution with smoking materials, off road vehicles, and any tools or machinery that may spark, to avoid inadvertently starting a grass or forest fire.
The recent showers and seasonal temperatures mean the gates to eight regional Parks were reopened Tuesday.
Visitors are welcome to return to the trails in Trepanier Creek Greenway Regional Park, Glen Canyon Regional Park, Kalamoir Regional Park, Rose Valley Regional Park, Stephens Coyote Regional Park, Scenic Canyon Regional Park, and Mission Creek Greenway (Phase 2).
“We encourage everyone to get back out and enjoy these parks,” Communications Officer Bruce Smith said in a press release. “But please remember the fire hazard is still high and smoking and any motorized vehicles are not allowed at any time in our regional parks. Please report any strange or unusual behavior to the appropriate authorities and report any fire by calling 9-1-1.”