Polson Park

Polson Park is located near the heart of Vernon, adjacent to Highway 97 and Highway 6. The park was established in 1908 when Samuel Polson donated a large parcel of land to the city. Located in the park is the Lawn Bowling Club, the Interior Space and Science Centre, the Arts Council and Vernon Heritage Hall.

Polson Park is probably best known for the Floral Clock that was installed in 1958. The date is changed daily and it provides a great photo with its colourful background. Further into the park you will find the Japanese Garden, which was donated by the Japanese Community and the Chinese Pagoda, which was donated by the Chinese Community. Both were constructed in 1967 as Centennial Projects. The Rose Garden, a perennial favorite and also a Centennial project, is located in the south east of the park. Specific areas of the park can be reserved for your special event such as weddings, social gatherings and concerts. Call 250-545-6035 to book. There are two ponds in the park which support an abundance of waterfowl. A new Ogopogo has been added to the ponds. This feature delights young and old alike.

Polson Park offers lots to do and see for both residents and visitors to our community. A water spray playground is very popular with children of all ages. It is open to the public at no charge from 10am-7pm seven days per week in July and August. It is open on weekends in June. A large wheelchair accessible playground is located adjacent to the water park. The park also supports two tennis courts, a running track and a skateboard park.

Polson Park is located near the heart of Vernon, adjacent to Highway 97 and Highway 6. The park was established in 1908 when Samuel Polson donated a large parcel of land to the city. The popular features of the park are:

• Floral Clock
• Japanese Garden
• Lawn Bowling
• Duck Pond
• Skateboard Park
• Vernon Heritage Hall
• Water Spray Park
• Soccer/Football Field
• Arts Centre
• Chinese Pagoda
• Tennis Courts
• Interior Space & Science Centre
• Running Track
• Wheelchair Access Playground

http://www.greatervernonrecreation.ca/pdf/_name/polson_park.pdf

Greater Vernon Hiking and Biking Routes

Pick up the Greater Vernon Hiking and Biking Routes brochure, BX Creek Trail, or Grey Canal Trail brochure from one of the following locations:

Vernon Recreation Centre - 3310-37th Ave Vernon

Regional District of North Okanagan: 9848 Aberdeen Rd., Coldstream

The District of Coldstream: 9901 Kalamalka Rd., Coldstream

Vernon Visitors Centre: 701 Highway 97 South, Vernon

Wesbild Centre, 3445 43rd Avenue

You can also print out a specific route from the brochure by selecting from the links below.

Cycling Routes

• Armstrong/Spallumcheen Bike Loop
• BX Bike Loop
• Bella Vista Bike Loop
• Coldstream Valley Bike Loop
• Commonage Bike Loop
• Middleton Mountain Bike Loop
• Swan Lake Bike Loop

Grey Canal Trail

• Silver Star Foothills / East Swan Lake
• East Vernon
• Coldstream Valley Estates / Coldstream Ranch
• Bella Vista / Turtle Mountain

BX Creek Trail

• BX Creek Falls / BX Creek Delta

McKergow Meadows

Though this is a shorter steeper hiking option, the views from Middleton Mountain into the valleys and down to Kalamalka Lake below, make this trip well worth your efforts. Mud Lake, a small pond within this park, provides habitat for ducks, geese, toads and salamanders. Please stay on the designated paths.

Becker Park Community Trail

Located behind the Recreation Complex, Becker Park is a relatively short, but steep trail up Community Hill. Parking is available in the Curling Rink parking lot at 3500 39th Ave. Look for the trail entrance here and get ready to enjoy the reward of a beautiful view of the Vernon City Centre from the east face and a peek down the valley to Okanagan lake on the west. You can bring your dog to this park. Doggie refuse bags are available at the trail entrance.

Cools Pond

This is a small pond/natural area located at the intersection of L & A Rd. and Cools Rd. A viewing platform with interpretive signs are provided.

Dogs in Parks

Greater Vernon provides areas where dogs may be exercised, either on or off leash. Dogs must be under control of the owners at all times and owners must clean up after their dogs immediately. Signs, bag dispensers and receptacles are located at each dog park. Download the Dog Parks Map - 225Kb PDF

These are the "Dog Parks" within Greater Vernon:

1. The Grey Canal Trail – 1.2 km north of BX Elementary School on Silver Star Rd; parking on Blackcomb Way.
2. BX Ranch Park – 1.5 km E. on BX Rd. from the junction of 46th Ave. & Pleasant Valley Rd.
3. Forest Tree Plantation – 0.9 km north on Bench Row Rd., off Mission Rd.
4. Heritage Natural Trust Area – 5025 Heritage Dr. - unmowed area behind Heritage Park (Bella Vista Rd. & Heritage Dr.)
5. Mutrie Road Park – east end of 43rd Ave. & turn right onto Mutrie Rd.; parking provided
6. DND Grounds – 2950 15th Ave. - east of diamond # 8
7. Creekside Park – 8101 Kidston Rd. between Kalamalka Rd. and the creek
8. Mission Hill Park – 3900 15th Ave.
9. Pioneer Park – 3501 35th Ave.
10. Stenquist Park – 9255 Heritage Ln. Off of Paisley Dr. Coldstream.
11. Coldstream Valley Estates intersection of Uplands Dr. and Ridgemont Pl. Coldstream
12. Marshall Fields Park – 6601 Okanagan Landing Rd., along Vernon Creek
13. Becker Park – behind Vernon Recreation Centre. Park in Curling Rink Lot.
14. Grey Canal Trail
15. Grey Canal Trail

Local pet stores have worked together to provide receptacles and bag dispensers at all the dog parks and the Linear Park on 25th Avenue.

General Park Info

Yard Waste in Parks
Dumping yard waste in natural areas like parks may seem like it doesn't affect the natural environment but, in fact, it can cause a lot of damage. Bears, ants, and other uninvited guests are attracted to piles of damp, rotting material that takes a long time to decompose when not properly composted.

Instead of dumping yard waste in parks, take advantage of the FREE Drop Off facilities in your community.
Visit www.rdno.ca for a list of drop-off sites.

Adopt-a-Park or Trail!
New to Greater Vernon parks and trails are the adopt-a-park and adopt-a-trail programs. The purpose of these programs is to build community spirit and a sense of civic responsibility and pride. Groups are acknowledged with a sign erected at their adopted park or trail (some exceptions apply).
Download Application Form

Parks to Visit

Ball Diamonds

• DND (Department of National Defense)
• Marshall Fields
• Grahame Park
• Kin Race Track
• Creekside Park
• Lavington Park

Boat Launches

• Paddlewheel Park
• Westkal Road
• Kalavista
• Kinloch
• Kekuli Bay

Soccer Fields

• MacDonald Park
• Creekside Park
• N’Kwala
• Polson Park

Tennis Courts

• Marshall Fields
• MacDonald Park
• Polson Park
• Kalview Park
• Paddlewheel Park
• Lavington Park
• Kalvista
• Kalamalka Sec
• Sawicki Park

Water Fun in Parks

Polson Park Spray Pool
This very popular water spray playground is located within Polson Park. Great summer fun for children of all ages. The spray pool is open to the public at no charge from 10am to 7pm seven days a week during July and August and on weekends in June.

Lakeview Wading Pool
Lakeview wading pool is located on 18th Street and 32nd Avenue. It is open to the public in July and August from 11am to 7pm seven days a week at no charge. There are lifeguards on duty. The pool is adjacent to wonderful playground equipment. A great place to have a picnic with kids!

Kin Beach Park - Tronson Rd on Okanagan Lake

Kal Lake Beach - On Kalamalka Lake Rd

Lavington Pool has Public Swim from 12noon to 6pm Everyday.