The City of Kamloops is redefining the Kamloops Parks Plan by asking for resident feedback to ensure the new plan reflects the community’s vision.
Residents are encouraged to participate in reimagining the Kamloops Parks Plan by participating in a survey (now open) to share their priorities for parks, outdoor recreation, and trails in the community. The City will collect online survey feedback until 10:00 pm on Sunday, October 27, 2024. If you do not have access to a computer, paper surveys will be available at City Hall (7 Victoria Street West) or at the Civic Operations Centre (955 Concordia Way) and completed paper forms will be accepted at either location until 4:00 pm on Friday, October 25, 2024.
The survey and a mapping exercise where residents can drop a marker and share their favourite park or trail experience can be found at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/ParksPlan.
“The purpose of the Kamloops Parks Plan is to create a framework for decisions related to parkland, park development, outdoor recreation, trails, and park management,” said Jeff Putnam, the City’s Parks and Streets Manager.
The Kamloops Parks Plan will identify needs in the community for new and improved parks, trails, facilities, and services in Kamloops by addressing several themes, including:
- inclusivity and accessibility
- action towards Truth and Reconciliation
- population growth by neighbourhood
- demographic trends
- new activities in parks and outdoor recreation
- safety and security
- livability and sustainability
- active transportation
- opportunities for all age groups
- parkland supply for a rapidly growing city
- economic health
- challenges and opportunities facing the city park network
Building upon the previous Parks Master Plan that was completed in 2013 and that achieved many of its recommendations, the City now seeks to update the plan based on evolving trends, population growth, and Council’s strategic priorities. The plan will have a 10-year outlook and will guide the services provided by the Community and Culture Department and the Civic Operations Department.
Numerous City documents provide context for the Kamloops Parks Plan. The most relevant are KAMPLAN: City of Kamloops Official Community Plan (2018) and Community Climate Action Plan (2021). The Trails Master Plan (2013) strongly interrelates with the Kamloops Parks Plan.
Also weighing into the Kamloops Parks Plan is the announcement earlier this week that the multi-year, multi-phase visionary Build Kamloops program will move forward. Build Kamloops will advance the infrastructure gaps identified in the 2019 Recreation Master Plan, including the Kamloops Centre for the Arts, an arena multiplex, a curling and racquet sports facility, an indoor field facility, a leisure aquatic centre, and a seniors centre or community space in conjunction with one of these. Build Kamloops will re-establish the city’s prominence as Canada’s Tournament Capital, foster our recognition as a premier arts and culture destination, and keep pace with our recreation and leisure needs as Canada’s third fastest-growing city.
The Kamloops Parks Plan engagement process will involve extensive collaboration with the community to ensure that the plan reflects the goals and aspirations of a wide range of residents. Consultation will include a survey (online and paper), focus group workshops, partner interviews, and other opportunities for residents to share their opinions.
For more information, to participate in the survey, and to share your favourite City park or trail experience, visit LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/ParksPlan.
