While it is commonly used for overflow parking, the City of Penticton has plans to turn a spit of land separating the marina from the beach area along Marina Way into the city’s latest park.
Dubbed the Marina Way Lookout, the city considers the spit an environmentally sensitive area, and has restoration plans including planting more than 20 trees and 300 shrubs indigenous to the area while removing undesirable and invasive plants.
According to the plan, the space will be transformed into a passive lookout space, enhancing the lake view along the spit, with a path leading from the Okanagan Lake walkway to the end of the breakwater.
New benches and picnic tables will also be installed, and some parking will be retained at the foot of the spit.
“The Marina Way Lookout project fits perfectly with council’s strategic priority of waterfront enhancement,” said Coun. Andrew Jakubeit, acting as deputy mayor.
“This project may be much smaller in scale than other waterfront initiatives, but has the potential to provide great return for residents and visitors, with more green space, restored ecological habitat and a tranquil place for people to enjoy the Okanagan Lake vista.”
The area also has heritage connections, which city staff are examining how to incorporate. The area once served as the primary gateway to Penticton’s original townsite, just to the east of Penticton Creek.
The public will have an opportunity to provide input on the plans until Aug. 20, both online and in person.
The parks department will be on hand at the Saturday market on Aug. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Residents and visitors are welcome to review the concept drawings, ask questions and provide their feedback and thoughts.
Details of the plan are also available online at www.penticton.ca/waterfront. Residents can provide input by e-mailing parks@penticton.ca (with subject line Marina Way Lookout) or calling 250-490-2500.