Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Penticton residents opposed to a controversial development at Skaha Lake Park are continuing their effort to halt it.

Members of the Save Skaha Park committee say they have obtained legal counsel from a lawyer who specializes in municipal law.

"While we are dismayed that residents of this city are having to use their own money for this legal battle, it is both humbling and heartening that so many people are supportive in the fight against commercializing our beloved park," said organizer Lisa Martin. "Legal counsel does not come cheap, so we encourage everyone who abhors this plan to contribute according to their means.

"The ever-growing petition and increasing contributions to the legal account are tangible evidence of the support Save Skaha Park has."

City council gave the green light to the Skaha Marina development in June. It's to be done by Trio Marine Group.

Organizers have held protest rallies at City Hall and say their greatest concern is the leasing of a portion of public parkland for a private water park.

The committee continues to gather signatures for its petition, which now numbers more than 4,000 locals and 1,600 non­-residents.

In addition, its bank account for legal funds continues to grow.

In response to the ongoing concern, Mayor Andrew Jakubeit said the water slide proposal isn't scheduled to be built until 2018, and many significant steps, milestones and requirements must be fulfilled before the city signs off on any lease.

Meanwhile, the committee is organizing a "Celebrate Skaha Park" event, with an afternoon of rock, pop and blues under the trees from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the park pavilion.

All entertainers have volunteered their time.