Vernon city crews are beginning phase two of the Polson Park naturalization project this week (June 5).
It is the final phase of the project to enhance the ecological health of Vernon Creek, and improve flood resilience in the community.
Temporary changes to parking and access in the park will be limited to ensure public safety and minimize disruption to park users.
The internal road south of the oval track and the adjacent parking lot will be closed to the public during the construction period. While the multi-use path will be temporarily diverted, efforts are being made to minimize impacts for pedestrians through this connection point.
Work is scheduled to take place daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a planned pause on Canada Day to accommodate park festivities.
Construction is anticipated to be completed by November 2025.
Among the project's benefits are new creek crossings, improved pathways, ecological restoration, and flood mitigation.
A Party for the Park community event will be hosted on Friday, June 20 by the city to celebrate the naturalization project. Family fun, live music, food samples, bouncy castles and much more will be on display from 3:30 to 8 p.m. at the Bandshell in Polson Park.
