The Parks and Recreation Department is split into three districts: Greater Vernon (GVPRD), White Valley (WVPRD) and Fortune (FPRD).

Al McNiven is the General Manager of the "Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation District" (GVPRD), where recreational programs are offered for all age groups, from preschool and youth to adults.

Programs range from gym classes, to climbing and kayaking, computer learning, carpentry, drama, golf, break dancing, skateboarding and numerous other activities. During the summer, special day camps are organized including bike trips, soccer camps, summer hockey school, basketball and many other sports and activities. Program brochures are available at the Recreation Complex or via the Greater Vernon Parks, Recreation & Culture website.

The Recreation Complex is busy year round and houses two gymnasiums, an ice arena, a curling rink, an auditorium, a seniors' centre, the boxing club, an outdoor skating rink in the winter and a skateboard park in the summer as well as the Aquatic Centre. Here, swimming lessons and aquatic exercises are being offered throughout the year. Next to the Recreation Complex the Boys and Girls Club and the new state-of-the-art Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre can be found. A few blocks from the Recreation Complex is the Civic Arena, one of the original recreational facilities in Vernon, and just behind Vernon Square Mall, you will find Wesbild Centre.

GVPRD operates numerous parks and trails in the area. Polson Park is the jewel of the North Okanagan and houses the famous floral clock as well as a very popular waterplayground, tennis courts, duck ponds, a walking/running track, a bandshell, a grandstand and the Japanese Garden. The Arts Centre and the Okanagan Science Centre are also located in the park as well as the very popular skateboard park. In addition to Polson Park, GVPRD maintains several beach parks on Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake that offer excellent swimming opportunities and beach volleyball.

Residents and visitors can choose from several hiking and biking trails in the area, such as BX Creek trail, the Grey Canal trail or the biketrail to Okanagan University College. While dogs are not allowed in most parks, playing fields and beaches, there are a number of designated dog parks available for our four-legged friends.

For more information on the programs and services offered by the Parks & Recreation Department call the Recreation Complex at 545-6035 or visit their Web Site at www.greatervernonrecreation.ca.

In 2004, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan was revised and adopted by GVSC. It sets the goals, objectives, and dozens of recommendations for new facilities, parks and recreation services. This document and accompanying maps are available in the 2004 Master Plan - 1.7MB PDF

Primary Goal:
To promote the growth and well-being of the individual and development of community through provision of public facilities and services which respect to the unique environment and result in a benefit to Greater Vernon residents.