Parks Newsletter

The region’s parks are much more than trails, beaches, forests and natural areas. They are community spaces shaped by the people, organizations and volunteers who invest their time, expertise and passion to improve them.

For more than 25 years, Alison Campbell Urness has been helping people discover the natural wonders of Regional District of Central Okanagan parks.

As our communities grow and more people enjoy local parks and trails, it is important to remember that we are visitors in wildlife habitat. Creating safe and positive experiences for both people and wildlife starts with understanding how we can responsibly share these spaces. 

When residents visit their local parks, they expect a clean, welcoming and safe place to walk, play, exercise and connect with nature. What many people don't see is the extensive network of people, processes and partnerships working behind the scenes every day to help make that experience possible. 

For Steve Stagg, no two days are quite the same. One morning might start with spotting wildlife along a trail, while another could involve helping visitors from halfway around the world find their way through one of the region's beautiful parks. As a Parks Ranger with RDCO Parks, Steve has spent the last seven years helping keep Regional District parks safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. 

Every season, our visitor services team receives questions from residents and visitors eager to make the most of their Regional Parks experience. Here are some of the most common questions—and the answers that help people get outdoors with confidence.

Every visit to a Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) park begins with a simple goal: helping people feel welcome, comfortable and connected to nature. Whether someone is exploring a trail for the first time, participating in a guided hike, attending a family program or seeking information at a park facility, visitor services play an important role in shaping a positive experience.

Every summer, RDCO Parks welcomes a new group of students who bring curiosity, enthusiasm and a passion for connecting people with nature.

Access to nature should be available to everyone. Across the RDCO regional parks system, ongoing investments in accessible infrastructure, inclusive programming and community partnerships are helping more people of all ages and abilities experience the benefits of spending time outdoors.