All local residents will be invited to attend a special community party to celebrate the upgrades to Gyro Park in downtown Osoyoos.
The community celebration will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14 after members of Town of Osoyoos council approved that date during Monday’s regular meeting of council.
The celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. and wrap up before 7:30 p.m.
Barry Romanko, the town’s chief administrative officer, said several dignitaries from the provincial government would be invited to Osoyoos to participate in the community celebration.
“A significant amount of work has been done to complete Phases A and B of Gyro Park,” said Romanko at Monday’s meeting. “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.
“Council was approached in spring with a recommendation to hold a community celebration of the Gyro Park facility, however, timing and workload didn’t allow for a spring or summer opening,” he said. “Council recommended an early fall event in the midweek to ensure that it was more of a community celebration.”
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, he said.
“A significant invitation of dignitaries may be an invitation to Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, MLA Linda Larson and past council members who were involved in the initial stages of development,” said Romanko. “Consideration can be given to include a celebration of the completion of 74th Avenue construction with recognition of the Community Work Fund gas tax funding in the initial stages of development.”
Activities during the community celebration could include a small dedication program, live music, and a community picnic with council members serving food and beverages, said Romanko.
Coun. C. J. 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.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
