Parks, Recreation and Culture

COMMUNITY HALL GRANTS & ENGAGEMENT GRANTS

Lake Country provided the following community hall and community engagement grants in 2022:

• $24,000 - Oyama Community Hall

• $5,000 - Okanagan Centre Community Hall

• $7,100 - Winfield Memorial Hall

• $3,000 - Lake Country Riders for work on the Jack Seaton Mountain Bike Trails.

• $1,000 - Lake Country Tennis Association to replace the windscreen at Woodsdale Tennis Courts.

• $1,000 - Lakestone Community Amenities Association for the removal of invasive species and the replanting of indigenous plants at Waterside Park be approved.

Lake Countree

The District launched the Lake Countree program, a residential planting initiative developed to encourage citizens to help grow and preserve Lake Country’s urban forest canopy. It was the first year for this new initiative. Lake Country residents could purchase one tree per household for the low price of $50. All of the tree varieties on offer were chosen for their hardiness to endure the weather of the Okanagan region. By purchasing and planting a tree through the Lake Countree program, participants made a positive impact on the environment. The program was a tremendous success with 100 per cent of the trees sold.

Okanagan Centre Park Upgraded

Approximately $350,000 in upgrades were completed at this key community gathering place enjoyed by residents and visitors. The project addressed functional issues including replacement of the washroom building and septic field, and included the new site furniture and picnic areas, additions to the play environment, planting of shade trees and improvements to accessibility. The amenities within the park, such as the washroom building, also serve to benefit beach and trail users along the shoreline.

Parks, Recreation and Culture is responsible for building and maintaining the District’s parks, public green spaces and indoor and outdoor recreational spaces as well as coordinating recreation opportunities, the community theatre, Live! In Lake Country performances and other public art and cultural events. The department is responsible for facility maintenance and operations.

2022 FAST FACTS

221 Recreation Programs

28,750 Recreation Program Attendance

2,394 Registered Participants

Sports And Recreation Needs Assessment

4.2. Household Questionnaire Findings Overview

The community was engaged to provide input into a sports and recreation needs assessment. Participants, including user groups, service clubs and school students, were asked about current facility utilization and where facility investments should be prioritized within a 15 year time period. Over 600 plus 40 community groups took the online survey, the results of which will help Council better understand future needs and priorities for sports and recreation services, including facilities and programming, for our growing community.

The Household Questionnaire was fielded to gather resident insights on sport and recreation needs, satisfaction levels, factors that influence facility use and participation and well as future priorities. To provide an unbiased data sample, a coded methodology was used. Postcards with a unique access code and instructions on how to complete the questionnaire were sent to households in the District. While the online version of the questionnaire was the primary completion method for most, a paper copy option was also provided. In total, 442 coded questionnaires were completed which provides a margin of error of +/- 4.6%.1

Sports and Recreation Needs Assessment Household Survey

10,400 Live! In Lake Country Attendees (avg 1,300 per event)