People renting water bikes at Riverside Park back in 2021 (Image Credit: CFJC Today/File photo).

By Mel Rothenburger

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: Commercialization of Riverside Park is nothing to fear

May 30, 2023 | 4:37 AM

RIVERSIDE PARK was once a place for quiet solitude, of walking among the big trees, relaxing on the grass, maybe going for a swim at the beach or enjoying some lawn bowling.

Since it was turned from an industrial area — a lumber mill and a pig farm, to be exact — into a park by a visionary City council way back in 1905 there’s been a seesaw battle between those for and against the encroachment of commercialization and more active uses.

The park was once home to a baseball diamond, and for years has included racquet sports facilities.

In place of the ball diamond, a big bandshell was built in 1980 and later upgraded, becoming a centre for many outdoor entertainment events.

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There was a plan to build a science centre, arena and other major facilities that failed at referendum. Only the arena was eventually resurrected.

There was the proposal for a big hotel on the parking lot behind that arena. Who will ever forget City council’s plan for a multi-level parkade on the parking lot in front of Heritage House. More recently, a giant farmer’s market was promoted.

And, it wasn’t long ago when someone wanted to put in river tubing and kayaking rentals. That was shot down by a council that argued against commercialization but a version of it was approved a couple of years ago when Tourism Kamloops got the OK to contract recreational equipment rentals and food services in the park.

The objective? “To enhance community and visitor experiences.” This year, there are similar plans, as evidenced in a report to City council today.

The new $6 million splash park and playground are open, and next will be the public skating pond recently approved by council.

Yes, our beloved park is changing, from passive to active, with commercialization now accepted. We shouldn’t fear it. It’s all good, because the city is changing, too, along with our priorities and lifestyle.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a recipient of the Jack Webster Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served as mayor of Kamloops, school board chair and TNRD director, and is a retired newspaper editor. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.