Moving Together Towards a More Accessible Kamloops

In recognition of National AccessAbility Week May 28 to June 3, the City of Kamloops is excited to highlight recent improvements made to our local parks and facilities in an effort to move towards a more inclusive community.

As outlined in the City’s Accessibility and Inclusion Plan, our goal is to be among the most progressive cities in Canada for people with disabilities—a place where disabilities are not barriers to living full lives and contributing to the community.

Through that plan, we endeavour to conduct and review facility audits focused on universal design improvements and implementation based on ongoing maintenance or as part of capital improvements being made.

The City values all members of our diverse community and we are working to meet the needs of everyone. We are committed to removing barriers that might keep you or someone close to you from enjoying all of the great things Kamloops has to offer.

Here is a comprehensive list of those upgrades and improvements:

RIVERSIDE PARK
On May 20, 2023, the City’s first-ever accessible water park and inclusive playground opened to the public. Other newly installed accessible features within the park include a beach-access mobility mat that rolls out daily using specialized equipment (pending water levels); two accessible water fountain/fill stations; more accessible pathways and widening of the River’s Trail; and a year-round, fully accessible washroom facility.

OVERLANDER PARK
A new accessible water fountain/fill station has been installed, similar to the stations recently added at Riverside Park.

MCARTHUR ISLAND PARK
Located at the west end of the park, the McArthur Island playground includes a “We-Go-Round”, which offers play for all abilities, as well as multiple accessible sensory panels. Other improvements include a universal pit toilet and pathway upgrades.

BROCK ARENA
A flex dressing rooms for gender diverse athletes has been added.

VALLEYVIEW ARENA
Accessible seating improvements are currently in the works as well as flex rooms, similar to Brock Arena.

Other City playground planned improvements that boast accessible features include:

  • Bogetti Park Tot Lot - 5308 Bogetti Place
  • Allan Powers Park Tot Lot - 330 Centre Avenue
  • Saddleback Park - 2110 Grasslands Boulevard
  • Kinsmen South Tot Lot - 975 Pleasant Street

For more information, visit the Accessibility & Inclusion page.