Gyro Park. (Keith Lacey photo)
This is a final reminder that all local residents have been invited to attend a special community party to celebrate the significant upgrades to Gyro Park in downtown Osoyoos.
The community celebration will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14.The celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. and wrap up before 7:30 p.m.
Several dignitaries from the provincial government have been invited to Osoyoos to participate in the community celebration and Mayor Sue McKortoff and councillors Carol Youngberg, Jim King, Mike Campol and C.J. Rhodes are all expected to be in attendance.
“A significant amount of work has been done to complete Phases A and B of Gyro Park,” said town chief administrative officer Barry Romanko at a recent meeting of town council. “Included in the work was the construction of a new washroom and concession building, creation of the plaza area and the walkway to the beach.
“Funding for these projects included general revenues, development cost charges and Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funding. The most significant amount of funds was contributed by RMI funds. A significant amount of work and community improvement resulted from the reconstruction of 74th Avenue from 89th Street to Highway 3. The project was funded from Community Works Funds and development cost charges.”
It’s important to celebrate community successes through community events that function as “grand openings” of major facilities, said Romanko.
There will be a need for a small formal program that outlines the history of the Gyro Park renovation project and recognize contributors to the project.
Activities during the community celebration will include a small dedication program, live music, and a community picnic with council members serving food and beverages.
Rhodes said the Gyro Park upgrade has been one of the largest and most successful community projects in this town in many years and he’s heard only positive response from local citizens.
“I’m very supportive of this (community celebration),” he said. “Upgrading Gyro Park was a very big ticket item in our community … it has been a great thing and it has been well received.”
Coun. Mike Campol agreed and said he’s sure there would be great response to the community celebration at Gyro Park.
During last week’s regular meeting of council, McKortoff and several councillors reiterated their support for the community celebration and hope hundreds of local residents show up.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
