Coldstream's Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park has provided locals and tourists alike with a world-class natural playground for half a century, and on Saturday, members of the community showed the park their appreciation.
More than 100 people gathered at Juniper Beach to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kal Park July 5.
The park's land was once destined to become golf course and subdivision, but environmentalists succeeded in preserving it as a provincial park. Fifty years later, the people who came to show their appreciation could scarcely imagine not having those lands in their natural state for all to enjoy.
The event was put together by BC Parks and Friends of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, a non-profit society that stewards the land. Brenda Couture, president of the society, remarked on what makes Kal Park special to her.
"It's the location. It's so close to the community, yet when you're in the park you feel like you're in the wilderness," she said. "There are paths that you won't see anyone on sometimes. You can swim, you can kayak, you can canoe, you can hike, you can bike, you can do horseback riding. Everything is available here, so it's wonderful."
Friends of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park helps control invasive species in the park, and even on the 50th anniversary day they were out doing an invasive weed pull.
"We were awarded last year the Outstanding Award for Community Organization with the Invasive Species Council of BC, so we're really proud to receive that award, and that was through our efforts to control invasive species in the park," Couture said.
Having so many supporters come out for the event was validating for the group that works to safeguard the natural gem that lies in the heart of the North Okanagan.
"It made us all feel great that people appreciate the park, they care about the park, they're engaged in preserving it for future generations," Couture said.
