(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)
September 08, 2018 – 11:22 am
WESTKELOWNA – Sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts can expect a new sports field as well as a hiking and nature park in West Kelowna
The City of West Kelowna announced in a press release that it has purchased 5.34 acres of land at 2100 Westlake Road for parking.
The property is adjacent to a recently acquired property on McDougall Road, which is home to a multi-purpose indoor sports facility currently under design, and Rosewood Sportsfield. A 3.64 hectare portion of the property was bought by the city for future sports fields and a 1.70 hectare portion was donated by the landowner to house a nature trail and park.
The 3.65 hectare future sports field was purchased for $ 4.25 million. The acquisition provides the city with a consolidated 7,89 acre parking area that offers: numerous configuration options; Ability to accommodate future growth and host tournaments; and operational and maintenance efficiency.
“The council is pleased with this land purchase as it supports our intentions for a consolidated recreation area in West Kelowna,” said Mayor Doug Findlater. “It is also important that this purchase is made without the use of taxpayers’ money.”
The project was fully funded by the park development costs. Municipalities charge development fees for new developments in order to pay for new or expanded infrastructure and to adequately support the growth of the municipalities. The acquisition is in line with the Council Development Cost Charge’s 20-year capital cost plan for the acquisition of park properties in the community.
The property was bought by the descendants of Mar Fee and Mar Jok, brothers who immigrated to Canada from China in 1910. The older brother Mar Fee worked to send Mar Jok to school. In 1929, the brothers opened and operated the Golden Pheasant Café in downtown Kelowna. During the economic downturn, the brothers ran a soup kitchen out of the back door of the restaurant after hours to feed those in need.
In 1956, Jok and Fee bought and shared 365 acres of land in West Kelowna, now known as the Rose Valley, and used 60 acres of land for growing asparagus and for raising chickens, geese, and beehives for honey. Throughout their time in the area, the brothers were known for their generosity, benevolence, and willingness to serve others and the community at large. The Mar Jok Elementary School, which is located next to the departments, was also named in honor of the family.
The timing for planning, design and construction will continue to be taken into account as part of the city’s 10-year capital planning process.
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