More people are using Grindrod Park, which has the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) taking early steps to expand the recreational area's parking lot.
It's part of a broader plan to add a host of amenities at the park in the future.
The RDNO requested quotations June 25 from contractors for its parking lot expansion project for Gridnrod Park, located on Highway 97A on the west shore of the Shuswap River. The project involves the expansion of the existing gravel parking area to accommodate increased park usage, improve traffic flow and enhance public access and safety.
The RDNO will select a contractor based on the quotations received.
Work will include site preparation, excavation, grading, gravel replacement, drainage improvements and any other civil works required. The expanded parking will be located at the southeast corner of the park.
The parking lot upgrade is phase two of development at Grindrod Park. Up to 50 additional parking stalls will be added to the site as well as an additional concrete pit toilet.
"These upgrades are necessary to support visitor demand before proceeding with the new amenities outlined in the 2024 Park Development Plan," reads a page on the RDNO's website.
The 2024 Park Development plan was created following public engagement in 2023. Based on that report, the RDNO has released a for the park that lays out a number of amenities, including the softball field in the northwest corner of the park, a gazebo, a multi-purpose lawn for the local farmer's market, pickleball courts and an accessible canoe and kayak hand launch.
Picnic tables, a playground, a barbecue and picnic area, an off-leash dog park, performance space and extension of the existing community hall, a pump track and a walking path are also in the schematic master plan, along with gravel parking and a new washroom building.
It's unclear when these other amenities will be constructed; for now, the RDNO is focused on expanding parking at Grindrod Park.
The Morning Star has reached out to the RDNO for more information on the timeline on the master plan's implementation.