Parks plan progressing

Photo: Tourism Summerland

The District of Summerland is making progress on its parks and rec master plan, council heard Monday.

In April, council commissioned a consultant to complete the master plan — which will cover current and future plans for parks, green space and recreational opportunities within the municipality.

Council heard the first three phases were completed quickly, including information gathering and public engagement.

“That engagement included stakeholder interviews, a public open house, pop-up booths, telephone and online public survey,” said Lori Mullin, recreation manager. “In October, the consultants completed an additional consultation which included doing park (and) site tours post-flood.”

“They did additional youth engagement going out to the high school and the middle school, engaging with the students to make sure the youth voice was heard through the process.”

Mullin said the first draft of the master plan should be available by mid-January.

The next public open house will likely be scheduled for spring 2018, as many Summerland residents depart for the winter.

Following the second consultation period on the draft of the master plan, a final report will likely come before council in June 2018, said Mullin.