However, if you make a donation to Parks Alive! at any of our concerts, you'll have a chance to win some cool prizes! All donations are directed back into the program of live, outdoor entertainment in our community parks. |
The Program
Parks Alive! is a
non-profit program dedicated to maximizing the potential of Kelowna’s lakefront and
community parks by stimulating a vibrant arts and culture environment.
The program strives to
create a positive, community-minded presence in Kelowna’s parks that will promote and
expand family values, foster employment and volunteer opportunities, and encourage greater
use of the City’s community parks.
By developing new, family-oriented events during the summer and increasing the scope and
calibre of the program each year, Parks Alive! continues to encourage greater numbers of
people to enjoy their local parks. As well, by encouraging art and cultural expression and
creating opportunities for the community to participate, we help enhance the quality of
life by community members and visitors alike, and create a greater sense of pride in our
community.
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Parks Alive! presents and produces over 52 events and
activities from approximately June to
September each year. Events range from children’s activities, to a weekly theme
concert series, to all day music festivals, arts & crafts shows, and youth activity
programs. Entertainment is family-oriented and suitable for people of all ages and tastes.
Performers range from local artists, to world-class “name” acts, and perform in
a variety of genres. |
Program History
The concept of programming cultural entertainment in Kelowna’s parks began in 1989 with a civic-minded organization named “Kelowna Pride.” Kelowna Pride was started in the wake of the Kelowna Riot in an effort to reclaim Kelowna’s waterfront parks for families and to encourage the “less desirable” elements to refrain from their activities in public spaces.
The City of Kelowna recognized the value of promoting cultural activities in its parks as a way of encouraging community participation and creating a greater sense of pride in our community.
Parks Alive! and Kelowna Pride joined forces in 1998, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Activities are now held
in over fifteen community parks and outdoor public spaces:
~On the Kelowna Pride stage in Kerry Park, located beside ‘The Spirit of
Sail’ fountain and the "Ogopogo" at the foot of Bernard Avenue.
~On the Island Stage and other areas throughout Waterfront Park, located behind The Grand Okanagan
Hotel and “The Dolphins” fountain on Water Street.
~In various
locations throughout City Park, located at the
entrance to Kelowna off Abbott Street.
~Ben Lee Park located in Rutland at the
corner of Franklyn and Leathead roads.
~ Sarsons Beach Park in the Mission
~ Whitman Glen, in North Glenmore behind the IGA Plaza.
~The Arts Common, located between the Rotary Centre for the Arts and the Kelowna Art Gallery
designed by Dot Com Media Inc.
© Copyright 2001 Parks Alive! Rights Reserved.