Seniors rec area growing

Photo: City of Penticton

The City of Penticton is looking for help in shaping the future of the Robinson Property, a popular recreational area which attracts seniors playing bocce, pickleball, horseshoes and programs run by the Penticton Seniors' Drop-in Centre Society. 

Sometimes known as the South Main Drop-in Centre, the six-acre property was given to the city in 1982 as a park. Now, demand for programming in the area has only grown, so the Parks and Recreation Master Plan recommended the city prioritize and manage requests on the property. 

“The city is undertaking a very inclusive process for the development of the plan,” said Mayor Andrew Jakubeit. “If you have a vision or idea on how we can enhance this community park and asset, we hope you will participate in the process.”

Staff have been meeting with representatives from each of the current user groups to better understand what their hopes and needs are for the future. The next step is engaging the community in the planning process through two upcoming workshops. 

Participants will discuss topics such as arts, signage, green space, transit and parking in order to identify options for the site. 

Each workshop, which will run from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 24 and 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29,  will have an optional walking tour of the site half an hour beforehand, and host 30 participants at maximum. 

“If we have a lot of interest, we will add more workshops,” said JoAnne Kleb, the city’s engagement strategist. “We will also be holding public events in the future to involve the community as the plans develop.”

Anyone who can't participate can also make their views and ideas known, as well as read up on the background and current offerings at the Robinson property, here.