Regional and community parks are open for visitors to enjoy natural surroundings. This page highlights common information for planning your next park visit.
Please be advised
- No smoking or vaping – it's a fire hazard.
- Only propane BBQ's are allowed – no charcoal fuels, or fire pits of any kind.
- If dogs are allowed they must be on-leash. Check park signage.
- No motorized modes of transportation, unless person-assisted (e-bikes need pedals and no e-scooters).
- Use designated washroom facilities.
- Park visitors may experience weather-related and natural hazards.
- Regional parks are subject to Regional Parks Regulation | Bylaw No. 1427
General park information
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Hours of operation |
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Dogs in parks |
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Be prepared |
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How to dressWear appropriate footwear. Wear reflective gear to be visible. Dress in layers. Dress for the weather. What to bringAlways carry a daypack filled with essentials including additional clothing, in case you need to stay out longer than planned. In winter or icy condition, consider traction devices and poles for balance. Park safetyUnfortunately, thieves strike where people gather. Leave your valuables at home, or take them with you. Don't forget to lock your car. Hike safelyPlan your trip and stick to the plan. Share your plan with a friend or family member to assist emergency personnel if you don't return on time. Stay on marked trails. Carry out what you pack in. Seasonal conditionsRegional Parks are open to visitors year-round. Some vehicle entrances are closed from approximately November 1 to March 31. See individual park pages for more information. Park visitors may experience seasonal, weather-related, and natural hazards. Park visitors may experience weather-related and natural hazards. Reduce human-wildlife conflictYou are sharing this natural area with wildlife. Stay alert. Wildlife may be in the area. Watch for signs. Do not approach or feed wildlife. Keep a minimum viewing distance. |
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Park permits |
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Park space is available for everyone to enjoy, but there are some types of activities and facilities within the park that require a permit, such as weddings, large gatherings, reserving a picnic shelter, and special events like runs and races. |
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Park bylaws |
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| View our Bylaws webpage for details on park-related bylaws. |
Park permits - terms and conditions
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General Terms and Conditions for RDCO Park Permits |
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Agreement: The Permit Holder is authorized to use only the Facility listed for the event, date and time as set out in the contract. All renters must adhere to the Terms & Conditions as set out in the Facility Use Contract(s). All requested information must be received before starting date on the contract (e.g. proof of insurance coverage).
Assignment: The Permit Holder will not allow any other person, group or organization to sub lease the Facility. ii) All groups are advised to have a copy of the agreement on site during the event/booking for inspection as required.
Agreement Changes: Any changes to the Permit must be made in writing and signed by both the Agreement Holder and a signatory on behalf of the district. While all attempts to accommodate changes will be made, some changes requested less than 48 hours prior to or too close the event may not be allowed.
Booking Request Deadlines: Requests/applications must be received by the district with the following notice to ensure the district staff has the time to review the request. If it is determined that the number of days’ notice is not sufficient, the request may not be accommodated. Bookings will be taken beyond one years’ notice in the future.
Booking request deadlines:
Cancellation by Permit Holder: All bookings are subject to a cancellation fee. Cancelled bookings regardless of the number of days’ notice will result in the forfeit of the $25 administration fee.
Cancellation by the district for Permit Holder’s Breach: Without limiting other remedies available to the District, the District may cancel the permit, prevent the Permit Holder from holding the event or remove the Permit Holder from the Facility during the event and in each of those cases keep the damage deposit if the Permit Holder breaches any term or condition of this Agreement. iv) Cancellation for other reasons: If the Permit Holder is prevented from using the Facility on the date or dates set out in the Agreement for the event because a labour dispute is blocking access to the Facility or because a fire, flood, earthquake or other natural disaster has destroyed or damaged the Facility, the District may cancel the Permit and may reimburse the Rental Fee and/or Deposit to the Permit Holder.
Cancellation and Rights of Refusal for the RDCO: Permits may be amended, suspended, or revoked for any one of the following reasons:
The District may refuse to issue a park use permit to any person who has contravened a previous park use permit or contravened a regional parks bylaw or any other enactment related to the use of a regional park.
Clean Up: The Permit Holder must leave the Facility or site area in a clean, neat and tidy condition following the event so that the Facility is returned to the condition it was at the beginning of the Agreement.
Compliance with Laws: The Permit Holder must comply with all applicable Municipal, Provincial and Federal laws, regulations and bylaws in its use of the Facility. Failure to do so may result in termination of the Agreement and/or denial of future rental privileges.
Facility Suitability: It is the Permit Holder’s responsibility to assess the Facility or site and be satisfied that it is suitable its event. The district makes no promises, warranties or representations as to the suitability of the Facility for the Agreement Holder’s event.
Facility Access: The Permit Holder will not be given any keys to the Facility or open any vehicle gates.
Facility Modifications: The Permit Holder must not construct, erect, attach or cause or permit any device, fixture, sign, fence or decoration to be installed or attached in any way to any part of the facility or site area. Absolutely no ground penetration (stakes) or structures can be erected in RDCO parks.
Facility Damages: User groups are required to cooperate with the district staff by reporting damages to facilities, equipment and unsafe conditions prior to the event or at their earliest convenience. The Permit Holder shall be liable for any damage to facilities or site area occurring as a result of their use during the renter’s contract time.
Fees and Charges - All fees and charges are as outlined in the RDCO REGIOANL PARKS FEES AND CHARGES BYLAW NO. 1428. Additional information relating to fees & charges is located in the applicable section of this site.
First Aid is the responsibility of the Agreement Holder/user.
Hold Harmless: The Permit Holder shall be liable for all loss, costs, damages, and expenses whatsoever incurred or suffered by the district, its elected officials, officers, employees and agents (the Indemnities) including but not limited to damage to or loss of property and loss of use thereof and injury to or death of a person or persons resulting from or in connection with the performance, purported performance, or non-performance of this permit/contract, excepting only where such loss, costs, damages and expenses are as a result of the sole negligence of the Indemnities.
Indemnity: The Permit Holder shall defend, indemnify and save harmless the Indemnities from and against all claims, demands, actions, proceedings and liabilities whatsoever and all costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith and resulting from the performance, purported performance, or non-performance of the Agreement, excepting only where such claim, demand, action, proceeding or liability is based on the sole negligence of the Indemnities.
Liquor: The Agreement Holder must not allow alcohol to be sold, offered for sale or consumed at the Facility/Event.
Litter Control: Permit Holders are responsible for collection and removal of litter generated by their event including litter and broken glass from the parking area and all areas between the parking area and the Facility at the conclusion of the event. Charges will apply for any clean up done by District staff.
Vacating the Facility: The Permit Holder and all guests must vacate the Facility by the end time indicated on the contract. The Permit Holder acknowledges and agrees that if it does not do so, the damage deposit will be retained by the district.
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Event permit |
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Apply for a park use or special event permit
Permit holder responsibility
The permit holder is required to ensure the site area is appropriate for the activity; the activity is conducted in a safe, orderly manner; the activity is restricted to the assigned area; and the event activities do not interfere with other park users.
Regulations
All activities in the park must adhere to Regional Parks Regulatory Bylaw No. 1427.
Smoking
Smoking and vaping are not permitted in any RDCO Regional Park.
Cancellation
The RDCO reserves the right to cancel an event or activity due to unforeseen circumstances and will not be responsible for any costs or damages as a result of the cancellation.
Food service
All food service providers require a food service permit from Interior Health Authority.
Insurance
A $5 Million Liability Insurance Certificate for the event that names the “Regional District of Central Okanagan” as additional insured must be provided or purchased with the permit.
Alcohol
A person must not possess or consume liquor in a regional park without legally required permits, including a valid park use permit allowing that activity. Liquor service must meet BC Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) requirements.
Property damage
Any property damage which occurs during the permitted event, including set‐up or take‐down, is the responsibility of the permit holder. Damage to park property should be reported immediately.
Staking
Staking/ground penetration is NOT permitted for any temporary structures.
Power/electricity
There is NO electrical power available in the park. Generators are allowed but must adhere to regulations under the BC Safety Authority Act.
Electrical permit
Under the BC Safety Authority Act, a temporary electrical operating permit is required when using electrical equipment for temporary use and when the supply is greater than 5kVA (i.e. generators). Contact Technical Safety BC for more information on electrical permit requirements.
Notice to area
Permit holder must notify impacted residents/business in writing at least one week prior to event.
Chairs
Chairs must have rounded bottoms – no chair legs that can break the surface of the grass.
Tents
Tents must be secured with sandbags/weights (not stakes or pegs). Pegging, staking/ground penetration is not permitted for any temporary structures.
Roping area
No roping off or restriction of public access to any area within the park.
Vehicles
Vehicle access or gate access into parks is not permitted – all equipment must be carried by foot to the site.
Portable toilets
One portable toilet for every 50 people is required and is to be arranged and paid for by the permit holder. Toilets must be removed from site immediately following the event.
Sound
Amplified sound is not permitted in any RDCO Regional Park – sound systems are allowed at a volume that does not disturb the peace or enjoyment of the park users in the area.
Garbage removal
All garbage/recyclables generated by the event must be removed from the event site or charges will apply.
Traffic management
Permit holder is to fulfill requirements of their approved traffic management plan that addresses parking, access, and exit requirements.
Safety plan
Permit holder is to fulfill requirements of their approved safety plan that includes emergency personal on site, emergency exits, and safety access areas.
The permit holder's initials to agree to Site Management Terms and Conditions.
It is recommended that you read and understand Regional Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1427 and the Regional Parks Services and Facilities Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1428 to ensure that your event can be run in accordance with the regulations. |
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Picnic shelters |
Permit holder responsibilityThe permit holder is required to ensure the site area is appropriate for the activity; the activity is conducted in a safe, orderly manner; the activity is restricted to the assigned area; and the event activities do not interfere with other park users. RegulationsAll activities in the park must adhere to Regional Parks Regulatory Bylaw No. 1427 SmokingSmoking and vaping are not permitted in any RDCO Regional Park. CancellationThe RDCO reserves the right to cancel an event or activity due to unforeseen circumstances and will not be responsible for any costs or damages as a result of the cancellation. Food serviceAll food service providers require a food service permit from Interior Health Authority. InsuranceA $5 Million Liability Insurance Certificate for the event that names the “Regional District of Central Okanagan” as additional insured must be provided or purchased with the permit. AlcoholA person must not possess or consume liquor in a regional park without legally required permits, including a valid park use permit allowing that activity. Liquor service must meet BC Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) requirements. Property damageAny property damage which occurs during the permitted event, including set-up or take-down, is the responsibility of the permit holder. Damage to park property should be reported immediately. StakingStaking/ground penetration is NOT permitted for any temporary structures. Power/electricityThere is NO electrical power available in the park. Generators are allowed but must adhere to regulations under the BC Safety Authority Act. Electrical permitUnder the BC Safety Authority Act, a temporary electrical operating permit is required when using electrical equipment for temporary use and when the supply is greater than 5kVA (i.e. generators). Contact Technical Safety BC for more information on electrical permit Requirements. Notice to areaPermit holder must notify impacted residents/business in writing at least one week prior to event. ChairsChairs must have rounded bottoms – no chair legs that can break the surface of the grass. TentsTents must be secured with sandbags/weights (not stakes or pegs). Pegging, staking/ground. Penetration is not permitted for any temporary structures. Roping areaNo roping off or restriction of public access to any area within the park. VehiclesVehicle access or gate access into parks is not permitted – all equipment must be carried by foot to the site. Portable toiletsOne portable toilet for every 50 people is required and is to be arranged and paid for by the permit holder. Toilets must be removed from site immediately following the event. SoundAmplified sound is not permitted in any RDCO Regional Park – sound systems are allowed at a volume that does not disturb the peace or enjoyment of the park users in the area. Garbage removalAll garbage/recyclables generated by the event must be removed from the event site or charges will apply.
It is recommended that you read and understand Regional Parks Regulation Bylaw 1427 and the Regional Parks Services and Facilities Fees and Charges Bylaw 1428 to ensure that your event can be run in accordance with the regulations. By purchasing a booking contract, the permit holder agrees to the terms and conditions listed above. |
Weddings |
Available atBertram Creek Regional Park
Kopje Regional Park
RegulationsAll activities in the park must adhere to Regional Parks Regulatory Bylaw No. 1427. Alcohol/smokingAlcohol, vaping, and smoking are not permitted in any RDCO Regional Park. CancellationThe RDCO reserves the right to cancel an event or activity due to unforeseen circumstances and will not be responsible for any costs or damages as a result of the cancellation. Food serviceFood vendors/service is not permitted in any RDCO Regional Park – wedding permit is for ceremony only – no reception or catering is allowed. InsuranceA $5 Million Liability Insurance Certificate for the event that names the “Regional District of Central Okanagan” as additional insured must be provided or purchased with the permit. LitterNo littering or throwing confetti, rice, or birdseed which can endanger animals in the park. Bubbles and flower petals are permitted but must be cleaned‐up immediately after the event. Garbage removalAll garbage/recyclables generated by the event must be removed from the event site or charges will apply. StakingStaking/ground penetration is NOT permitted in any RDCO Regional Park. Power/electricityThere is NO electrical power available in the park. Generators are allowed but must adhere to regulations under the BC Safety Authority Act. Electrical permitUnder the BC Safety Authority Act, a temporary electrical operating permit is required when using electrical equipment for temporary use and when the supply is greater than 5kVA (i.e. generators). Contact Technical Safety BC for more information on electrical permit requirements. ChairsChairs must have rounded bottoms – no chair legs that can break the surface of the grass. TentsTents must not exceed 10' x 10' in size – no pegging, staking/ground penetration permitted for any temporary structures – use sandbags/weights to hold down tents. Roping areaNo roping off of any area or restriction of public access to an area within the park. VehiclesVehicle access or gate access into parks is not permitted – all equipment for the wedding must be carried by foot to the site. Portable toiletsOne portable toilet must be arranged and paid for by the permit holder for weddings with 50‐75 people. Toilet must be removed from site immediately following the event. SoundAmplified sound is not permitted in any RDCO Regional Park – music for the ceremony is allowed at a volume that does not disturb the peace or enjoyment of the park users in the area. Property damageAny property damage which occurs during the permitted event, including set‐up or take‐down, is the responsibility of the wedding permit holder. Damage to park property should be reported immediately. Damage depositA $300 damage deposit is collected at the time of booking and will be refunded to the permit holder after a site inspection is done by staff and it is confirmed that there is no mess left or damage to the site. Any repair costs will be deducted from the damage deposit. By purchasing a booking contract, the permit holder agrees to the terms and conditions listed above. It is recommended that you read and understand Regional Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1427 and the Regional Parks Services and Facilities Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1428 to ensure that your event can be run in accordance with the regulations. |