Closure of Polson Spray Park sparks call for temporary option for kids

Photo: City of Vernon

With the Polson Spray Park shut down indefinitely, one councillor is asking for a temporary option for kids needing to cool down this year.

The spray park is to be relocated and rebuilt as part of the Polson Park master plan process, but it would be two to three years before that comes to fruition.

Coun. Scott Anderson asked city staff consider a temporary water park.

“In July and August, and sometimes June, people are pretty fed up. It’s really hot outside, kids really need to cool off,” says Anderson. “The lakes are less than clean at the moment.”

Staff are expected to report back by April on a temporary solution, as well as costs for demolition and remediation of the spray park, closed since 2019.

“I get that we have to do this, but I also get the spray park is in high demand all the time,” he says.

Council approved on Monday the Polson Park Stream Naturalization Feasibility study, looking to ease flooding and a high water table in the park, which have been issues for years.

The city will apply to the Okanagan Basin Water Board for a grant program worth up to $30,000 for the study.