Vernon council will look to throw some more shade upon its residents.
Staff is recommending the city plant trees at both Civic Memorial Park and Lakeview Park, and temporarily provide umbrellas at Lakeview Park during the summer months.
Administration was tasked with researching costs and a potential funding source following a notice of motion at the June 23 regular meeting of council. Options could include buying a pair of shade sails and installing one at both parks, but the sails are nearly double the price estimation of the recommended option.
"Both parks have recently undergone construction, and while trees have been planted as part of the the improvements, they are still maturing and currently provide limited coverage," said Larissa Price, manager of park projects and community initiatives for the city, in a report to council.
Planting trees and putting up temporary umbrellas would cost $42,000 ($2,000 for the umbrellas) to be allocated from the prior year unexpended, uncommitted balance reserve. Putting up 25-feet-by-25-feet shade sails at both parks (one each) would cost about $80,000, and would also come from the prior year unexpended reserve.
Price said the preferred long-term solution at Civic Memorial Park (site of the former Vernon Civic Arena on 37th Avenue) is the planting of large caliper trees around the playground. Staff will develop a planting plan based on site conditions, available space, and the preferred locations for future shade coverage.
"While this option will not provide immediate relief from the sun, it is the most sustainable and effective method for providing natural shade in the future," said Price.
Up the hill at Lakeview Park, on 18th Street, the preferred solution for the long haul is the same as Civic, with trees planted around the playground and the spray park. The low-cost practical interim solution is providing umbrellas in the summer when lifeguards are on-site and can help with set-up.
"This approach would offer flexible shade coverage for park users during peak heat hours without requiring permanent infrastructure," said Price, who added in her report that there could be opportunities to partner with local community groups or the private sector to provide and maintain temporary umbrellas, or other mobile shade devices through mobile vending or seasonal concessions.
That option, she said, needs further investigation.
Council will discuss the recommendations at its only scheduled meeting for the month on Monday, July 14. Meetings are reduced to once a month during July and August.
