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Gazing into parks’ future

Like whitecaps on the lake, ideas for improvements to Canoe Beach have been rolling in. Just as they have for Klahani Park.
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Choices: Don Derby checks out Concept #1 for Canoe Beach during the city’s open house on Thursday

Like whitecaps on the lake, ideas for improvements to Canoe Beach have been rolling in. Just as they have for Klahani Park.

In 2012, about 400 people responded to a city survey about the two parks and, last Thursday, close to 100 people came to city hall to see what ideas are being proposed.

Panels showed two concepts for both Canoe Beach and Klahani Park. Those attending were asked to identify which features they prefer in each concept. For example, would they like to keep the retaining walls at Canoe Beach or remove them? For Klahani Park, questions included whether three or four ball diamonds should be completed.

Mayor Nancy Cooper said she is thrilled with the interest shown.

“It’s nice to hear all the buzz,” she said of the busy room. “Everyone has an opinion and that’s what we want to hear.”

Cooper said some people, for instance, are pleased with a bike skills park in Klahani, close to the South Canoe trails.

Tanja Carlson said she’s happy about an improved boat launch for non-motorized boats at Canoe Beach.

“And giving the kids a better swimming area is excellent, far away from the boat launch.”

Among June Stewart’s ideas is the need for more parking at Canoe Beach if it’s going to be improved. And she’s not in favour of knocking down the lease cabins in Canoe unless replacement plans are finalized.

“If they can’t commit to it, don’t do it.”

Stewart is glad to see more ball diamonds at Klahani Park, “as we really need a tournament facility.”

Don Derby would like to see camping considered in the Canoe Beach area. He pointed out how Herald and Scotch Creek parks get booked by April 1, and he’d like to see more affordable camping for families in Salmon Arm.

Mel Kaufman points to the need to improve the dock and the boat launch at Canoe.

“That’s the big one. Get it dredged properly and get rid of the sand.”

Coun. Alan Harrison noted a floating swimming dock is a priority for citizens, a wish that will be granted in this year’s budget. He said improving the beach and boat launch appears high on the list, but removing the lease lots doesn’t.

There’s still time to include your opinion. Go to www.salmonarm.ca/ and, at the bottom left of the page, you’ll see the surveys.

 



Martha Wickett

About the Author: Martha Wickett

came to Salmon Arm in May of 2004 to work at the Observer. I was looking for a change from the hustle and bustle of the Lower Mainland, where I had spent more than a decade working in community newspapers.
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