Partnerships make parks stronger

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. Across the RDCO parks system, partnerships are essential to our success and help us achieve far more than we could alone.

Our valued Friends groups, community associations, schools, stewardship organizations, recreational groups and volunteers play an important role in caring for parks, connecting residents with nature and building a stronger sense of community ownership. Their contributions support research, habitat restoration, environmental education, trail stewardship and community events.

Community associations throughout the region are key partners in supporting local parks and connecting residents with the outdoors. These organizations strengthen community engagement, identify local priorities and advocate for recreational opportunities that enhance quality of life. Their commitment and local knowledge help ensure parks continue to reflect and serve the needs of the people who live around them.

Partnerships with young people are equally important. Students and staff show that environmental stewardship can begin early. Through hands-on learning opportunities and participation in park projects such as the replanting efforts at Rose Valley Regional Park, students help care for local natural areas while developing a lifelong appreciation for the environment. Their enthusiasm and commitment inspire the next generation of park stewards.

Our network of Friends groups and park societies strengthens stewardship across many regional parks. These volunteers act as ambassadors, advocates and stewards for the places they care about, contributing thousands of hours each year to conservation, trail maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species management, visitor education and community outreach.

The Friends of Woodhaven and Friends of Black Mountain Regional Park have long supported their respective parks through stewardship activities that help protect sensitive natural environments. Similar contributions appear throughout the regional parks system. The Friends of Kalamoir Park have fostered environmental stewardship and community engagement along West Kelowna’s waterfront, while the Gellatly Bay Trails and Parks Society has supported Glen Canyon Regional Park by helping advance projects that promote safe and enjoyable recreational use.

The Central Okanagan Land Trust shares a deep, enduring connection with Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park, having played a significant role in its conservation journey and continuing to support the long-term protection of this treasured landscape. The Gellatly Nut Farm Society helps celebrate and preserve the agricultural and cultural heritage of Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park, ensuring its unique history remains accessible to future generations. The Friends of Mission Creek Greenway were instrumental in supporting the Greenway’s creation and continue to help steward one of the Central Okanagan’s most cherished recreational corridors.

Together, these volunteer groups demonstrate the remarkable impact that community-led stewardship and strong partnerships can have on protecting and enhancing parks. Their passion, expertise and commitment, along with support from community organizations, schools, associations and other partners, provide valuable resources, knowledge and perspectives that complement park staff's work. Collectively, these contributions help protect natural environments while creating meaningful opportunities for recreation, learning and community connection, ensuring our parks remain healthy, accessible and welcoming for future generations.

The benefits of these collaborations extend well beyond park boundaries. Strong partnerships help build healthier communities, foster environmental stewardship, create educational opportunities and strengthen our collective commitment to preserving the natural landscapes that make the Central Okanagan such a special place to live and visit.

As our parks system continues to evolve, partnerships will remain essential to meeting future challenges and opportunities. Community members can make a difference in many ways, whether by joining a volunteer work party, participating in a stewardship project, supporting a community association or becoming involved with a Friends group or society.

The continued success of RDCO parks shows what people can achieve when they come together with a shared commitment to stewardship, conservation and community. We sincerely thank everyone whose dedication helps keep our parks thriving. Their contributions make a lasting difference in the places we all enjoy today and will continue to enjoy for generations to come.