Bring back the old park

I was born and raised in Kelowna in 1946 and have enjoyed the Kelowna City Park forever – took my swimming lessons there.

I took my first two children to the park and have voiced to the Historical Society about how beautiful it used to be.

Since they took out the drive through and its short, winding road and all the parking along the lake, and later on the food booth, it has gone downhill.

We went to swim in the pool, all free of charge. We got to watch awesome synchronized swimmers, divers, live entertainment at the Jubilee Bowl, watched races around the park oval while we swam and picnicked.

We had a beautiful rose garden and all the time felt very safe, and the park was very clean. Parks workers were always around, no fear of any trouble. 

Now it has all been ruined and there is no feeling of safety. There is just big open grass areas, no one close by to help, no more beautiful gazebo or rose trellis.

The park was a delight to walk through. We had hydroplane races, dragonboat races, canoe aces – all gone.

Someone ruined it. The safety is gone now. 

I have the Ogopogo tattoed on my foot, just as it is in the park entrance.

I jumped many times of the Athans diving tower and watched Dr. George Athens teach diving lessons there. What fun!

Maybe the city could bring it back to the way it was.

Judy Hauk