The Save Skaha Park group say over 600 people attended today’s event forming a human chain and being photographed by a helicopter above. One estimate of participation went as high as 900.

All in an effort to stop city hall plan’s to commercialize the east beach/lawn area with a waterslide.

“Viewers will see the green space that Penticton will lose when the 60’ tower with four plastic multi-coloured waterslides is built in order to make a profit for private enterprise,” said the organizers

On June 29, Penticton city council gave the go ahead to a lease agreement with Trio Marine Group for Skaha Marina and a portion of the park. Trio plans to continue to operate and upgrade the marina, along with building new amenities, including a restaurant and a commercial waterslide complex on the area of the park now occupied by the children’s splash pad.

Sunday was a day to beat the drums, sign petitions and commune with those in agreement.

On August 4th 2015, the City of Penticton signed a 29 year agreement, with an option for two 5 year extensions, to lease part of the waterfront parkspace at Skaha Park to the Trio Group for them to build a water park. There was no formal public consultation for residents to express their views on the commercial development of this park land.

“In early September, a law firm specializing in municipal law was hired to represent the many hundreds of people who have donated to a legal fund and the over 4600 residents who have signed petitions. We are currently waiting on an initial opinion.” said the rally organizers.