Monday’s press release – Save Skaha Park hires legal counsel and files a civil claim on September 25 in the B.C. Supreme Court, challenging the lawfulness of the city’s deal with Trio Marine to expand the marina with a water slide.

A Kamloops lawyer retained by the Penticton protest group to be paid for by donations. Notice of claim states ten items to be considered by a judge in a request to quash the “signed deal”.

The Save Skaha Park group claims the area is Penticton’s only natural park, “graced with hundreds of beautiful trees, meandering paths, and a small creek.”

“It is a relaxing, restorative place and needs no enhancement. A commercial waterpark is totally inconsistent with its purpose and will destroy its serene and healing ambience so valued by Penticton residents,” reads the press release. The group is also concerned that the lease deal with Trio Marine could set a precedent for other parks, that commercializing the park without community consent would make it easier for this and future councils to do the same in other parks.

“Save Skaha Park thought long and hard before making this decision. We wish no ill to our mayor and councilors or to Trio, but we cannot let this bad decision go unchallenged, writes organizer Lisa Martin in the release. “We feel there is just too much at stake for the future of our City. “We simply can’t stand by and let this happen without a fight. We believe that the purpose of our parks is people, not profit.”