Parks for everyone: building a more accessible regional parks system

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.

The RDCO manages more than 2,100 hectares of parkland across 30 Regional Parks, offering over 86 kilometres of trails, lake access points, picnic areas and educational facilities. As the regional parks system grows, accessibility and inclusion continue to play an important role in how parks are planned, improved and enjoyed.

Making nature more welcoming

Creating accessible parks involves much more than building infrastructure. It's about ensuring people feel comfortable, confident and supported when they visit. Over the years, the RDCO has improved trail surfaces, park entrances, parking areas, signage and recreational amenities to reduce barriers and make outdoor recreation easier to access.

From easy-to-navigate trails and clearer wayfinding to improved lake access and recreational facilities, these enhancements benefit a wide range of visitors, including older adults, families with strollers, people recovering from injuries and those living with mobility challenges.

Notable improvements include wheelchair-accessible fishing areas, accessible canoe and kayak launches, upgraded trail surfacing and enhanced signage that helps visitors explore parks independently and safely.

Sometimes, even small projects can have a significant impact.

In 2025, the RDCO Parks team completed repairs to the boat launch dock at Okanagan Safe Harbour Regional Park, replacing deteriorated boards and installing a new aluminum access ramp. The upgrades improved both safety and accessibility for all visitors.

Soon after the work was completed, a local resident who uses a wheelchair shared her gratitude in a voicemail to the Parks team:

“I absolutely need to rave about the new dock. I’m so happy and so thrilled that you have made a dock that is accessible to me. I am a new paraplegic, and fishing is one thing that’s helped my recovery immensely. Thank you so much.”

Stories like this highlight the importance of maintaining and improving accessible park amenities. For some residents, these enhancements are the difference between being able to enjoy the outdoors and being excluded from experiences many people take for granted.

Connecting more people to nature

Accessibility also extends beyond physical spaces. Through recreation, environmental education and community programming, the RDCO works to create opportunities for people with diverse interests and abilities to connect with nature.

A valued partner in this work is Adaptive Adventures, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding outdoor recreation opportunities for individuals of all abilities. Through its partnership with the RDCO, Adaptive Adventures offers accessible experiences in regional parks, including nature programs, paddling activities, day trips and wilderness excursions. Programs are tailored to individual needs, allowing participants to explore the outdoors safely and confidently.

The power of partnership

Community partnerships play a vital role in removing barriers and creating meaningful outdoor experiences. Local organizations, volunteers, donors and regional partners all contribute to making parks and programs more welcoming and accessible.

One example is the annual Nature Detectives Spring Break Camp at Mission Creek Regional Park. The program provides children of varying abilities with opportunities to learn about nature through hands-on activities, exploration and play in an inclusive environment. Supported by RDCO staff and community partners, the camp helps foster a sense of belonging while encouraging lifelong connections with the natural world.

The impact of collaborative efforts continues to grow. In 2025 alone, Adaptive Adventures programs in RDCO parks welcomed hundreds of participants and were supported by hundreds of volunteers, reflecting a community-wide commitment to inclusive outdoor recreation.

That same year, accessibility was further expanded through a pilot partnership between the RDCO and Kelowna Bike Rentals at Mission Creek Greenway Regional Park. Operating from the Truswell Road access point, the program provides access to one of the region's largest and most diverse rental fleets, including handcycles, adaptive bikes, tandem bikes, e-bikes and comfort bikes. The initiative gives more people the opportunity to experience the Greenway and enjoy cycling in a way that meets their individual needs.

Looking ahead

As the Central Okanagan's population continues to grow and evolve, accessibility will remain a key focus for the RDCO parks system. By incorporating inclusive design principles, expanding adaptive recreation opportunities and strengthening community partnerships, the RDCO is helping ensure that more people can experience the physical, mental and social benefits of spending time in nature.

Whether it's enjoying a lakeside view, participating in a guided nature program, exploring an accessible trail or trying adaptive recreation for the first time, regional parks offer opportunities for everyone to connect with the outdoors.

Because when parks are designed for everyone, the entire community benefits.