New Burne Park provides key link in Mill Creek Linear Park vision
News Release
The City of Kelowna officially opened Burne Park yesterday, a brand-new public space designed to foster community well-being, environmental stewardship, play and recreation.
As the city’s newest park, and a significant segment of the larger Lower Mill Creek Linear Park Strategic Plan, Burne Park will provide a welcoming space for people to come together, enjoy nature, explore and play.
"As Kelowna continues to grow, our priority is creating public spaces that make daily life better for residents,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “Burne Park gives families a place to connect, children a place to play, and neighbours a reason to gather. These investments strengthen our neighbourhoods, support active living, and reflect our ongoing commitment to building a livable city for everyone.”
The park’s play-centric design features climbing structures and informal seating for children aged two and older, alongside open lawns, picnic tables and shaded areas. In addition, Burne Park offers improved frontage with canopy tree cover and pedestrian access to Ethel Street, enhancing the neighbourhood’s overall connectivity.
“This initiative reflects Kelowna’s commitment to providing high-quality outdoor environments that support residents’ physical and mental health and nurture a sense of belonging for everyone in the city,” said Keith Pinkoski, Senior Project Landscape Architect.
Additional park features include naturalized areas, landscaping, pathways, and a connection to nearby school grounds. The park design also supports the restoration of riparian habitat, improved flood mitigation, and enhancement of sensitive ecosystem habitats along the Mill Creek corridor.
Burne Park, valued at $1.5 million, is funded in part by park Development Cost Charges (DCCs). The broader Mill Creek Restoration Project is funded in part by a $22 million grant from the Government of Canada's Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. Together, these investments will help Kelowna anticipate and adapt to flooding events, protect property, and transform Mill Creek into a more usable public amenity.
“The opening of Burne Park is a great example of how federal investments in green infrastructure can support strong communities,” said the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) and Member of Parliament for Kelowna. “With $250,000 in federal support, this park gives residents a place to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. It’s part of our investment in the Mill Creek Flood Protection Project, which supports green infrastructure, ecological restoration, and is contributing to Kelowna’s long-term climate resilience.”
The Mill Creek Linear Park Plan sets out to create a continuous, connected linear park along Mill Creek, from Okanagan Lake to Parkinson Recreation Centre, by 2044.
