No foolin’: Krestova Regional Park opens April 1
By Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
After raising nearly $500,000 in one month and a further $400,000 soon after the region’s newest park is set to open.
“Softly,” that is. The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) announced the opening of Krestova Regional Park on Saturday, April 1, making it the second largest property run by the RDCK at 55 hectares.
The RDCK had entered into an agreement to purchase the two parcels of land — as regional parkland for use by regional residents and visitors — for a price of $870,000.
During its regular monthly business meeting on Aug. 18, 2022 the RDCK board approved an Area H Community Development Grant of $250,000 be put towards the purchase.
“The community reached out and requested that the RDCK consider purchasing the property for regional park purposes,” said Area H director Walter Popoff.
He said a further $145,000 donation had been secured for the purchase.
“This property, although it was privately owned, has been used by the local community as an outdoor recreation area and a place for residents to enjoy the historic and cultural attributes of the property,” he said.
“We are excited for the public to continue to access this park as an outdoor recreation area and a place for residents to enjoy the historic and cultural attributes of the property. This day wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of the Krestova Park Fundraising Committee who worked so hard to ensure we could create a community park.”
Visitors to the park should be aware that a soft park opening means that there is no designated parking, toilets or interpretive and wayfinding signage, said Joe Chirico, RDCK general manager of Community Services, in a press release.
“Park visitors must stay on existing roads and trails, but please note that these roads and trails are not routinely maintained,” he said.
Basic amenities and low-impact parking areas will be determined by park management planning activities and public consultation in the next two to five years. Krestova Regional Park is located in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) and only limited forms of open land park development are permitted at this time. Subject to ALR regulations motorized use is not permitted in the park.
