From farmland to community hub: Kelowna’s DeHart Park opens after years in the making

On a sunny Saturday morning in May, the City of Kelowna officially opened DeHart Park, a nine-acre community space that has been more than a decade in the making. Located between Lakeshore Drive and Gordon Road and adjacent to the Okanagan Mission Community Hall and Tennis Club, the park welcomed hundreds of residents keen on exploring its diverse amenities.

“This is your park,” Mayor Tom Dyas declared to the crowd, emphasizing the community-driven nature of the project.

 Historically, a portion of the land had been farmed for more than 100 years. The journey to making DeHart Park a reality began nearly 25 years ago when the City acquired the land. Initial park plans were formulated in 2010, but it wasn't until 2022 that the project gained momentum, leading to groundbreaking in April 2024 and completion in May 2025. The park's development was funded through Parks Development Cost Charges (DCC), a mechanism that offsets municipal costs associated with growth.

“The park was designed with extensive community input — residents participated in surveys and open houses to provide feedback on the park's design. This collaborative approach ensured the park met the diverse needs of the community,” explains Todd DeGruchy, senior project manager.

DeHart Park boasts a variety of features catering to all ages and interests. Amenities include a large playground, water feature, outdoor fitness area, community garden, basketball court, ping pong and foosball tables, a bike pump track, a small skateboard area, a dog run, a pollinator garden, nature pathways, four new pickleball courts, along with a spacious grass field with a perimeter pathway, lighting, picnic tables and benches. Construction of the park's washrooms is scheduled for completion in the fall.

As Mayor Dyas noted, “With something for all ages and abilities, from play areas and sports courts to walking paths and community gardens, this park is a place where friends can gather, residents can enjoy the outdoors, and families can create lasting memories.”

The park's name pays homage to the DeHart family, prominent figures in Kelowna's early development. Francis Richard Edwin DeHart was educated in horticulture at the Ontario Agricultural College before coming to Kelowna in 1903. He and four partners formed the Okanagan Fruit and Land Co., which purchased the 4,000-acre A.B. Knox Ranch and subdivided it into 5- and 10-acre lots.

DeHart operated a nursery business and was famous for his prize-winning exhibits of Kelowna-grown fruit across the continent and as far away as Wembley, England. DeHart also served on city council in 1907-08 and as mayor in 1909. He instigated the 'Cent a Pound or On the Ground' fruit growers' strike in 1933, which led to provincial marketing legislation and the formation of BC Tree Fruits Ltd.

DeHart Park stands as a testament to Kelowna's commitment to fostering inclusive, community-centered spaces.

The City is working on 23 park projects this year to build community and recreation spaces for play and exercise. These investments in parks and sports fields have not only improved recreational opportunities but also contributed to community well-being, health, and environmental sustainability. Residents continue to express how parks contribute to overall health and well-being, providing spaces for all ages to play, get moving, and connect with each other.