DeHart Community Park
In late 2009, the City of Kelowna completed the assembly five parcels of land, with a variety of zonings, for a future community park in the north Mission neighbourhood The park site is approximately 3.6 ha in size, is centrally located on Dehart Road between Lakeshore Road and Gordon Drive, and is adjacent to Fire Station #4 and the Okanagan Mission Community Hall & Tennis Club.
Public Consultation
A Concept Design and public consultation process was conducted in 2010 that allowed for continuous input from the community ensuring a diverse, flexible, and inclusive solution. Key objectives for the park include:
- Accommodating all ages and levels of mobility;
- Creating a strong sense of place that reflects the distinct character of the North Mission;
- Creating a safe public space by maintaining site lines into the park and by locating activities in areas of high visibility;
- Incorporating sustainability initiatives and strategies for achieving carbon neutrality;
- Integrating public art that reflects the unique character of the site and neighbourhood;
- Designing the park to be flexible and to allow for a variety of community activities, events and classes;
- Creating a safe environment for youth including positive and healthy areas for gathering and socializing.
Several different concepts and alternatives were explored with the public leading to a final Concept Plan. View display panels from each public consultation, the Recommended Concept Plan and the final design report in the document center.
Staff is updating the City’s long term Capital Plan in 2011/2012 to identify the priority and timing of all infrastructure projects, including Dehart Park. Construction of Dehart Park is dependent on other civic priorities and budget availability.
Phased Approach
Several different scenarios are possible to phase in park construction and spread the park construction costs over several years. This will allow time to develop partnerships for amenities such as the playground, sports courts, tennis courts, tree planting, etc. Phasing and partnerships will be explored in the coming years.
Progress Status
The concept design is complete. Detail design and tender documents for construction could be completed in eight months. The project is complete in sufficient detail to be used for grant application submissions which the City will apply for through the Province and/or Federal Government, as they become available.
Contact
For more information on this project, please contact:
Barb Davidson
Project Manager
bdavidson@kelowna.ca