Kamloops' Albert McGowan Park will get new playground, water park

Starting Monday, Albert McGowan Park will be getting a makeover, the city says.

The park will be getting a new accessible playground and water park for residents of Upper Sahali to enjoy.

The construction will be done in phases and is expected to be completed by next fall.

Some disruptions to green space and parking can be expected during the first phase of the project, which will see the current playground torn down. The water park will also be closed.

By the end of November, the first phase should be completed, the city says.

That means a new playground with accessible play features, shade structures and accessible rubber surfacing will be open to the community by that point.

However, access to the new playground will only be available over grass during the second phase of construction as the new accessibility pathway won’t be open until fall 2025.

Next spring, the second phase will begin in March and will include the full replacement of the current water park with a new system, surfacing and water features.

The water park, some nearby green space and a portion for the parking lot will be closed.

According to the city, the new accessible water park will be similar to the new spray park in Riverside Park.

Construction is expected to finish in September 2025.

Both phases of construction will not impact the north field, Hal Rogers Activity Centre, public washrooms, Gambles Pond and baseball diamonds, the city says.