Children’s spray park to close in Vernon

A kids spray park is being closed permanently as Vernon council tries to address groundwater issues in Polson Park.

The park has been plagued with high water levels since 2017. Restoring Vernon Creek to more natural channel may be the long-term solution, council heard at a meeting this week.

“The information council received shows that the retaining walls along the creek and ponds are affecting the flow of groundwater,” said Mayor Victor Cumming in a news release. “It is time to recognize the value and function that Vernon Creek has in the city’s natural infrastructure and consider creating a more natural channel through Polson Park.”

The spray park would require costly upgrades to combat the infiltration of ground water, the release said.

“The closure of the spray park was not a decision that was made lightly,” said Cumming. “Staff are already considering what alternatives may be possible in Vernon to provide a safe, fun and clean area for kids to cool down and splash around during our hot summer months. It will take some time, but we are looking at options.”

The city is seeking grant funding to further investigate the remediation of Vernon Creek.