Dog owners in Vernon will need to find alternative spots to walk their pets next week, as the BX Dog Park will be closed for maintenance.
The City of Vernon has announced that the park will be closed on Monday, September 23, and Tuesday, September 24, to allow for planned maintenance work on the sediment pond. This annual maintenance, which involves dredging the pond, is essential to supporting flood mitigation efforts downstream.
To ensure the safety of the public and maintenance crews, equipment will be set up and safety fencing will be installed, prompting the temporary closure. The park is expected to partially reopen on Wednesday, September 25, but access to the area surrounding the sediment pond will remain restricted until October 15.
In the announcement, the city reminded dog owners that activities in riparian areas can damage local vegetation. Pet owners are asked to keep their dogs under control to prevent harm to plant life in the area.
While the BX Dog Park undergoes maintenance, the City of Vernon suggests dog owners visit other dog-friendly parks, including Marshall Field Park, Mutrie Road Park, Mission Hill Park, Carlson Park, the Grey Canal Trail, Middleton Mountain Park and Trails, as well as the pet-friendly beaches at Kalamalka Lake and Ellison Provincial Parks.
