Stadium lights that could cost up to $400,000 will soon be installed at Penticton Youth Park.
Construction crews are at the facility this week beginning work on the project, which came to be following a notice of motion from three city councillors in 2023.
Citing public safety, Ryan Graham, Amelia Boultbee and Isaac Gilbert called for the installation of lights using money from Penticton's $7.2 million share of the B.C. government's Growing Communities Fund.
City spokesperson Shane Mills confirmed Wednesday through email that $400,000 has been budgeted for the project, as part of the city's financial plan. A full breakdown of the costs will be released when installation is complete, he added.
Park users can now expect equipment and crews along the gravel path as work continues in the area.
Penticton Youth Park, a 30,000-square-foot facility located at 135 Riverside Drive, was built in 2007 and serves as B.C.'s third-largest skate park. It hosts skateboarders, scooter riders, roller-bladers and cyclists regularly.
Graham, Boultbee and Gilbert 鈥� while sharing concerns over vandalization and mischief in the area 鈥� formally proposed the installation of lights at the facility in the spring of 2023.
鈥淚t鈥檚 there where we want to allow for a free space for parents to be able to take their kids and make sure they feel safe to be able to ride their bikes and do sports in the area," Gilbert said at the time.
Starting in September, a portion of the paved pathway will be closed, between the Loco Landing parking lot to the main skate park entrance.
People will still be able to access the youth park through the main entrance while crews are working, city officials said.
According to the city's website, crews will be on-site working through mid-September.
