Project Update (May 2024):

Recently completed work in the southern area of the park includes the addition of a new irrigation system and sod, as well seeding of grass. To ensure the success of the sod and seed over the next few weeks, please avoid areas that are cordoned off or have been recently seeded.

Phase I of the Pioneer Park Enhancement project was completed recently. Work on the lakeshore area included removing non-native soil material to create a more user-friendly and natural shoreline. Erosion protection structures have also been installed to prevent wave action from adversely affecting the lakeshore.

Park users can expect a ‘project-free’ summer at Pioneer Park before work begins on Phase II of the project, scheduled for fall 2024. This will include strategic planting of native riparian shrubs and trees and the addition of a new sports court.

Project Location

Pioneer Park is located in Electoral Area "I", 201 Ponderosa Avenue in Kaleden, BC.

Project Background

Pioneer Park, established at the site of an old packing plant, is a popular lakefront amenity in Kaleden. The park is a popular gathering place for residents and visitors and offers many year-round facilities and activities from beach access, a boat launch and tennis courts in the summer to a temporary ice rink in the winter (weather dependent) and picnic areas with tables during all seasons.

In recent years, the community has expressed interest in further enhancing the park and its amenities. As a result, in 2017, the Regional District facilitated a planning project that generated a community-informed concept plan. From that concept plan, detailed design efforts have been carried out over the last couple of years with the intent of converting concept into reality. The result of these design efforts is a multi-phased development plan that continues on with the 2022 through 2025 construction work.

2022 - 2025 Construction Work

Phase I - Septic System Replacement (completed early 2023)

The Regional District completed the replacement of the aging septic system infrastructure and the removal of the concrete pad adjacent to the washroom building in early 2023.

Phase 2a - Pathways and Accessibility (completed early 2024)

This phase of the project, which was partially grant-funded, focused on upgrades to the pathway system which has improve accessibility to the park and its facilities. This work was completed in January, 2024.

Grant funding was secured to improve park accessibility. Subrina Monteith, Electoral Area “I” Director, with support from the Kaleden Parks and Recreation Commission and RDOS staff, developed plans to upgrade and improve additional park features and amenities.

“Upgrading amenities and improving accessibility are important steps to ensuring the community can enjoy Pioneer Park for years to come,” said Subrina Monteith, Electoral Area “I” Director

Phase 2b - Irrigation and Landscape Upgrades (completed May 2024)

The completion of Phase 2 work included the installation of a new irrigation system within a portion of the park, as well as new sod/turf, seeding of certain areas and other landscaping.

Phase 3 - Shoreline Enhancements (scheduled March through May 2024 and Fall 2024, weather dependent)

Pioneer Park was constructed on the former location of a packing plant. Much of the lakefront is "fill", which has created an unsustainable shoreline that does not promote recreation or natural riparian habitat. Ongoing wave action along the foreshore adjacent to Pioneer Park has eroded portions of the non-native manicured grass areas, creating lake/beach accessibility hindrances. A permit to conduct lakeshore enhancement upgrades was issued by the province and this work is being carried out in accordance with all environmental regulations and prescribed timelines.

The planned work, restorative in nature, established a riparian area for aquatic and terrestrial life while creating sandy beach areas for park-goers to enjoy. Environmental approvals and detailed landscape design work are complete, and onsite work will be conducted in 2024.

Lakeshore enhancements, which include non-native soil material removal and erosion protection structure installations, were completed in May 2024 to create a more user-friendly and natural shoreline.

Phase 3a - Shoreline Planting (scheduled for Fall 2024)

Strategic planting of native riparian shrubs and trees is scheduled for fall 2024 to complete the shoreline enhancements at Pioneer Park.

Phase 4a - Sports Court Replacement, Planning Phase (scheduled March through October 2024)

The existing sports / tennis court was constructed over a portion of the old packing plant. Although the court has provided years of quality service, the ongoing surface cracking has reached a stage where repairs are no longer an effective solution. Planning and design work to replace the existing court with a tennis / pickle-ball structure is now underway.

Phase 4b - Sports Court Replacement, Construction Phase (scheduled March through October 2025)

Details to follow...