Eagle Bay park project resumes after drainage issues uncovered

Photo: CSRD

Unforeseen drainage challenges have prompted a redesign of a new Shuswap park.

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District says construction has resumed on the Eagle Bay Community Park project, which is expected to be completed in the spring.

"Challenges with drainage, geotechnical concerns with soil conditions, protection of the septic field and elevations, particularly for the planned sport court area, prompted the need for some redesigning of the park plan," the CSRD says.

"While it was disappointing to have these delays, it is far better to ensure we get the sport court properly sited and built with appropriate drainage so it can sustain long-term use," says CSRD community services team lead Ryan Nitchie.

"The changes we have made will maintain nearly all the elements of the previous design, except for the nature-play area − that area will now become an expanded lawn space."

The park will feature a children’s playground with accessible play components, outdoor fitness equipment, multipurpose sport courts, green play spaces, and a picnic shelter.

The nature play area was removed to avoid potential interference with the septic field that serves Eagle Bay Community Hall. A rock pit and piping system is also being installed at the site to prevent issues with drainage.

The additional work increased the cost of the project by $250,000.

"Despite the challenges discovered when we got the shovels in the ground, we know this is going to be a tremendous community asset for public use when it opens next spring," said Nitchie.