It is hard to get really lost in Penticton, as sooner or later you will run into a lake, river channel or hillside.
However, finding what you are looking for within the city’s boundaries can sometimes be confusing or time consuming, particularly if you are looking for an outdoor adventure opportunity.
That is why last October the City of Penticton’s recreation department struck a collaboration with Penticton and Wine Country Tourism staff and local outdoor adventure stakeholders to erect new signs throughout the municipality directing tourists and residents to waterfront activities, skate parks, BMX parks, the river channel for tubing and biking routes.
Funding to complete the project came from a Union of B.C. Municipalities community tourism grant, and the posts are now being installed throughout the city.
“These signs make the various outdoor recreation opportunities available in Penticton easier to find and access,” said city recreation supervisor Lori Mullin. “We want visitors to know about the amazing outdoor assets in Penticton and now we are doing a better job assisting people in finding them.”
For example, signs identifying the Poplar Grove parking lot off Naramata Road will be installed as, according to the city, many people do not know about this city-owned parking lot which is a convenient staging area for cycling and hiking.
Tourism manager Jessie Campbell said outdoor adventure activities play significant roles in the city’s tourism industry.
“Our beautiful natural surroundings are one of Penticton’s biggest tourism draws,” said Campbell. “This new signage, which complements the other outdoor adventure materials we have produced, will simply allow tourists to enjoy all that we have to offer.”
In addition to the city signs, the Ministry of Transportation will be updating signs for Apex Mountain Resort and Nickel Plate Nordic Centre as well as installing new signs directing traffic to Okanagan Lake and Skaha beaches on the highways bordering the city.
BC Parks will also be improving its signage directing tourists to the Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park and on several hiking and biking trails in the Gillies Creek area.
Next up, the city hopes to get another grant for welcome signage at the two entrances to the city with a map highlighting key tourism assets.
city@pentictonwesternnews.com