Rose Valley Regional Park Reopens Select Trails After 16-Month Recovery Journey

Rose Valley Regional Park Reopens Select Trails After 16-Month Recovery Journey

Rose Valley Regional Park in West Kelowna reopens select trails after a 16-month closure due to wildfire recovery, inviting cautious visitors back.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros

Juan Brignardello Vela

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, y Vargas Llosa, premio Nobel Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, en celebración de Alianza Lima Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro Eléctrica Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro
Natural Disasters 8 HOURS AGO

After enduring a challenging 16-month closure, Rose Valley Regional Park in West Kelowna is gradually welcoming back visitors to select areas of its picturesque landscape, following extensive recovery efforts following the devastating McDougall Creek wildfire. The Regional District of Central Okanagan has announced that certain trails, specifically portions of the Yellow Bell Loop Trail and Bunchgrass Trail, are now accessible for public use. The park's reopening marks a significant milestone in the recovery journey, with trailhead parking lots at Westlake Road and Starlight Crescent now operational. Access hours are set from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing locals and visitors alike to reconnect with the natural beauty of the area. Wayne Darlington, the manager of parks capital planning and asset management, expressed his enthusiasm for the reopening, noting the park's cherished status within the community. "We know that Rose Valley Regional Park is beloved by so many in our region, including our staff, and we are thrilled to welcome visitors back to select areas of it," he stated. The path to reopening has not been without its challenges. Comprehensive assessments of the park revealed the need for significant restoration work, including the removal of over 664 hazardous trees and repairs to damaged trails and ashpits. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the safety of visitors while allowing the park's ecosystem to recover. However, visitors are urged to exercise caution while enjoying the reopened areas. It is crucial to adhere to marked trails, keep dogs on leashes, and avoid off-trail areas to protect both personal safety and the recovering environment. The Regional District has also indicated that there may be temporary closures in the New Year to facilitate salvage logging activities in adjacent closed areas of the park. This logging will be scheduled carefully to minimize impact, occurring when the ground is suitably frozen to safeguard the delicate ecosystems and soils. Despite the reopening of select trails, most areas within Rose Valley Regional Park remain closed due to ongoing hazards such as danger trees, unstable soil, and ashpits. The public is reminded that venturing into these closed spaces not only puts personal safety at risk but could also result in a $500 fine for trespassing. As the community embraces the gradual reopening of Rose Valley Regional Park, there is a shared sense of optimism for the future. Residents are encouraged to enjoy the beauty of the trails while respecting the ongoing recovery process—an important step in restoring one of West Kelowna's beloved natural treasures.

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