City Park gets an upgrade to support busy days, calm moments and long‑term care of the waterfront

City Park is a go‑to destination for residents and visitors alike. It’s a space that weaves its way into daily life, providing a beautiful setting for a stroll with a friend, a quiet pause on a bench by the lake, a picnic with family visiting from out of town, a festival, or a cool swim on a hot summer day. 

With so many everyday moments unfolding in one place, City Park needs to function well for many uses happening at the same time. Recent pathway and waterfront improvements focus on easing movement through busy areas, improving access to the lake, and caring for the shoreline, while still maintaining the character and experience that make City Park such a valued destination. This work supports the Official Community Plan’s objective to prioritize access to Okanagan Lake and ensure the waterfront can be enjoyed by all users. 

“City Park is an important part of how people experience Kelowna, whether residents are enjoying a daily walk or tourists are visiting the waterfront for the first time,” said Mayor Dyas. “Investing in the completion of pathway and waterfront improvements supports those shared moments, while also strengthening our appeal as a visitor destination, which contributes to the local economy.” 

The upgrades are designed to improve experiences throughout the park. Separating pedestrians from bikes, scooters and skateboards allows people to move through busy areas more comfortably, especially during peak times and major events. Enhancing water access near Cenotaph Plaza, along with new seating and improved lighting, creates more inviting places to pause and spend time by the lake. 

Changes along the shoreline focus on protecting the waterfront while supporting park use. Foreshore improvements, lake edge stabilization, aquatic and native plantings, and the relocation of the dog beach help protect fish habitat, improve water quality, and reduce erosion and flooding, keeping the waterfront healthy and welcoming for generations to come. 

Additional upgrades include landscaping, new trees, utility improvements, and a new park entry sign that reflects City Park’s role as a central gathering place on Kelowna’s waterfront. 

Together, these improvements reflect thoughtful care for one of Kelowna’s most well used public spaces, helping ensure City Park continues to serve the community as a place to gather, relax, and enjoy the waterfront for years to come.