Unveiling DeHart Park: A Celebrated Community Gathering in Kelowna

A new park has opened in Kelowna, and it’s been a long time coming. After 15 years of planning, DeHart Park welcomed visitors on Saturday, May 3. The project began in 2010 and gained momentum last year, culminating in a grand opening that attracted hundreds.

“This is your park,” said Mayor Tom Dyas, celebrating a milestone for the Lower Mission area and the city as a whole. He noted that it’s perfect timing as summer approaches.

According to Dyas, the park was designed with input from the community. “It reflects what residents wanted for their neighborhood,” he explained.

Mac Logan, the city’s general manager of infrastructure, emphasized that community funding through Development Cost Charges made this project possible. “We had a good budget to include a variety of features,” he said, showcasing a great example of local demand shaping public space.

DeHart Park spans nine acres, and construction officially started on June 26, 2024. The city acquired the land about 25 years ago and began working on design plans in 2010. Logan revealed that the total cost of design and construction was just over $10 million.

The park aims to serve everyone, featuring pickleball and tennis courts, a fenced dog park, an outdoor fitness area, a parkour section, a splash pad, a playground, picnic spaces, food truck parking with access to power, a multi-use field, a walking loop, a basketball court, and areas for ping pong, foosball, and skateboarding.

“It’s exceptional,” Logan remarked. “We had more community input here than in any other project I can recall.” Some features are still being completed, such as restrooms and a pump track for BMX and mountain biking, though eager kids have already been trying to use it.

The park also hosts a community garden that existed before the park was developed. Many existing trees were preserved, including a remarkable 200-year-old tree. Additionally, the city planted 250 new trees and over 11,000 plants to enhance the natural beauty of the area.

Logan expressed his excitement, saying, “Today proves that people want this kind of space in the city. It’s the most well-attended opening I can remember.” Divisional director Derek Edstrom referred to the park as a “hub of activity.”

As part of the celebrations, they introduced a unique ribbon-cutting tool that can be reused for future events. Local artist Krystal, a member of the syilx Okanagan Nation, performed a special song, adding to the day’s significance.

On a broader scale, the city plans to invest $150 million in infrastructure, with $28 million earmarked for 23 park projects, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing community spaces. This investment highlights the growing trend of cities prioritizing green spaces and recreational areas as essential to urban life.

For more insights into urban park development, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) provides valuable resources on the benefits of parks for community well-being and engagement: [NRPA](https://www.nrpa.org).

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