Park full of trash

Spring has officially arrived in the North Okanagan and that means more people will be heading outdoors to enjoy the amenities the city has to offer.

But there is some concern over the state of Becker Park and the garbage and debris found in the popular green space.

Lianne Tuton has been taking her son to the park for years to ride his bike, but is now concerned for his safety as she said she found garbage and discarded needles on the grassy, wooded hill next to the recreation complex.

There was evidence of several abandoned camps at the lower part of the hill, but Tuton said there are more in the upper bowl which is where she saw some needles.

Evidence of small campfires were also found in the lower area of the park near the western edge of the green space.

“It's quite a neat little park and to see the shape of it now is really sad,” said Tuton, who reported what she found to local bylaw officials.

Tuton said it is frustrating because she does not feel it is safe to allow her 12-year-old son to ride around in the park on his bike.

“It's just really sad to see the shape of it,” she said.

The park was a popular spot for her and her family to visit, but Tuton said she will have to rethink visiting the park given it's current state.

“It wasn't like that last summer. Last summer it was clean and my son could go and ride up there,” she said.

Bylaw officials were not immediately available for comment.