No timeline on rehabilitation of flooding in Vernon's Polson Park

Photo: Jon Manchester

There's no word on when parts of Vernon Polson Park currently swamped with water will reopen.

City communications manager Christy Poirier says the water pooling in the area between the playground and Japanese Gardens is groundwater and not remnants of flooding from earlier this summer.

"The standing water in Polson Park has certainly been a difficult issue, and it is unfortunate that we have not been able to reopen the playground, splash park and washrooms yet this summer," Poirier said in an email. 

"We know these areas are well used and well loved by community members and visitors, but these areas remain closed for public safety."

On July 20, city council was told the park continues to see high levels of groundwater this year.

The parks department fenced off portions of the park, which are still closed due to large amounts of standing water.

Park operators are trying their best to maintain public expectations in the park, however they are finding it difficult, Poirier said.

Based on a 2018 preliminary review and data from a groundwater investigation study, the city is emptying the lower duck pond more often and for longer periods of time.

Parks staff also emptied the Japanese gardens pond to passively lower groundwater levels, "in hopes to allow ponding water to more easily infiltrate into the ground."

Poirier says the parks department is monitoring the park closely, and the city will provide updates as they become available.