Blue sky and a sparkling Okanagan Lake were the perfect backdrops for the opening of 琉璃神社鈥檚 newest waterfront park on Friday, Aug. 30.
Mayor Tom Dyas, Councillors Maxine DeHart and Luke Stack, city staff and several residents were on hand to celebrate the opening of Truswell Park.
鈥淎 great day for the city,鈥� Dyas said. 鈥淭he connectivity we will establish along the waterfront and the future plans that we have鈥rovides something our community wants鈥ore access to the waterfront.鈥�
By unlocking an additional 400 feet of existing walkway that was previously landlocked, Truswell Park secures public access to the two- acre beachfront area (Secret Beach) Dyas added.
The park increases connectivity with downtown beach parks and, in future, will link Gyro and Rotary beaches, and add a pedestrian bridge over Mission Creek to connect with Blue Bird Park and Sarsons.
The acquisition of the park property, previously owned by the Truswell family, has been on the books for 25 to 30 years.
鈥淲e鈥檝e always seen this as a jewel,鈥� said Derek Edstrom, divisional director of partnerships and investments. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a jewel in the connection of parks. You get out to the sand and it鈥檚 a beautiful panoramic view of the lake.鈥�
Edstrom added that approximately 120 key properties around the city have been identified for potential park space.
鈥淲e typically build relationships with those property owners鈥o when they are ready to undertake a sale we meet with them and try to find a process that works for them.鈥�
The city bought the 1.8-acre Truswell property for $18 million.
Planning for park amenities, including washrooms, a playground and a parking plan, will happen over the winter months. The public will also have an opportunity to provide input.
Installation may take some time as the mayor noted that staff are busy working on current projects including DeHart Park, the revitalization of Parkinson Recreation Centre, and facilities in Rutland, Glenmore, and Mission.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a matter of to a degree bench strength how quickly they鈥檙e able to deploy based on the other projects they鈥檙e working on, but it is a priority,鈥� Dyas said.
Truswell Park is located at 3896 Truswell Road.
