Pioneer Park, Kamloops
The City of Kamloops says there will be a number of closures at Pioneer Park starting on Monday, March 18, as crews begin work on a number of upgrades.
Capital Projects Manager Matt Kachel says the city combined several projects into one big project “so it was the least frustrating for people” who use Pioneer Park.
He said the first phase of the project will include a new lit multi-use pathway connecting the Rivers Trail along the Thompson River as well as a refurbished parking lot, with new spaces for vehicles and trailers near the Pioneer Park Boat Launch.
The existing parking lot and an adjacent pathway will be closed during Phase One of the project as will a section of the park where the pathway is being built and the nearby washroom to allow some utility servicing to be completed.
“Folks can still access the green space of the park on foot through the existing trail network to get over there,” Kachel told Radio NL, noting people will also be able to access the Pioneer Park from 7th Avenue via Front Street or Lorne Street.
A look at Phase 1 of the upgrades to Pioneer Park in Kamloops. (Photo via City of Kamloops)
Kachel said Phase One is expected to be completed in early May.
“Once we get that parking lot complete, then they’re going to be able to use it, and we’re going to work on the other pieces of the project [is expected to be completed in early May.]”
Phase Two of the project includes the replacement of the water main along 7th Avenue as well as the replacement of water services for some properties in the area.
Kachel says that work is set to get underway in September and be done by Halloween. This second phase of work will also see 7th Avenue closed between Lorne Street and Front Street and between Front Street and the Pioneer Boat Launch, which will also be closed.
“We split the work into two phases so that the park could be utilized through the summer as well,” Kachel said. “We pushed [the second phase] back to a time of year when park usage is a little lower.”
People will be able to access Pioneer Park via Front Street, as pictured. The parking lot will also be open, Kachel said.
A look at Phase 2 of the upgrades to Pioneer Park in Kamloops. (Photo via City of Kamloops)
“Excited to get this one going and I think people will be really happy when this is done, and they get this park back with new things like the multi-use path and the boat trailer parking,” Kachel added.
Kachel is urging people who use Pioneer Park to stay away from areas where crews are actively working He’s also reminding them to keep their dogs on a leash and to use the nearby River Street Dog Park.
For more information on the project and its impacts, go here.
