Summerland's Sun-Oka Beach Park will have a fresh look when spring arrives with upgrades from BC Parks.
The entire 2.3 kilometre trail network at the park has been resurfaced, with fresh paving to improve access to the beach, playground, washrooms and picnic area.
Parking access has also had accessibility improved for the group picnic site, and upgrades have been made to the potable water sources at the park.
"Sun-Oka park is one of the jewels of the Okanagan," said Doug Holmes, mayor of Summerland. "Not only does it have the lake's best south-facing sandy beach, but its separate dog beach is beloved by pet owners far and wide. BC Parks's continued investments will help ensure Sun-Oka remains an important amenity for residents and visitors alike."
Kalamalka Lake Park in Coldstream also received upgrades, with 32 new parking spaces and renovations to the washroom facilities.
BC Parks spent $810,000 on the upgrades for the two parks as part of a three-year, $21.59-million provincial investment to increase and improve access to outdoor recreation in B.C.
"Sun-Oka and Kalamalka Lake showcase some of the best beaches, trails and natural beauty that B.C. has to offer, and we've heard they need to be improved as more and more families want to visit," said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks. "As some of the most popular destinations in the Okanagan, we prioritized upgrades to these parks to help people have a more enjoyable experience for many years to come."
A portion of Sun-Oka Beach Park is dedicated to preserving rare old-growth cottonwood trees, providing a critical habitat for birds and small animals.
Kalamalka Lake Park protects more than 3,200 hectares of North Okanagan grasslands, as well as cliff and wetland habitats.
Both parks are on syilx territory; Kalamalka Lake's traditional syilx name, Chelootsoos, means "long lake cut in the middle" and is a reference to its connection to neighbouring Wood Lake.
"BC Parks are a major destination for travellers both locally and world-wide," said Spencer Chandra-Herbert, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. "With B.C. and the Okanagan home to some of the best parks in the world, investing in upgrades to our provincial parks will make it easier for people to access and enjoy the beautiful scenery that the Okanagan has to offer."
