I just returned from a stroll along Okanagan Lake. As I crossed the little bridge leading to the Japanese Garden I wondered .... should I follow the walkway right to the marina? Yes, it was such a grand afternoon. Slowly weaving my way along the area of Penticton I enjoy so much, again I wondered .... will there be a new accessible picnic table somewhere? Wow! Yes there was. Right across from the hospitable Copper Cup coffee shop. Double wow! The new table can easily accommodate four wheelchairs, or any combination of walkers and wheelchairs. Plus, they are identified with the appropriate logo at each end of the table.
Now, exactly how did this come about? Four pro-active gentlemen deserve your applause — so whenever you have the opportunity, please say a heartfelt thank you, in order, to these fine folks:
Dan Ebenal — a ‘true’ community minded editor; Steve Kidd — a ‘sensitive’ journalist, and super photographer; Jeff Lynka — Parks supervisor who is definitely ‘forward thinking’; and, of course, Dave Lieskovsky — recreation manager who has always believed in the collective potential of recreation-for-all residents.
Thanks guys, it wouldn’t have happened without each of your input contributions.
PS: and you, Penticton residents — share the great news with any and all family and friends with physical limitations who visit during the summer: five tables in Skaha Lake park, two in Lakawana park, one in the Youth Skateboard park, one at Marina Way park, and coming soon will be tables for Gyro and Okanagan Lake parks. Life is good, and we have cause to rejoice.
James Ludvigson
Penticton