The Regional District Central Okanagan (RDCO) has reopened select trails in Rose Valley Regional Park after a 16-month closure caused by damage from the McDougall Creek wildfire.

This includes sections of the Yellow Bell Loop Trail and Bunchgrass Trail in the Phase 1 recovery area. Parking lots at the Westlake Road and Starlight Crescent trailheads are open, and the area will be available to visitors daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

鈥淭his has been, and will continue to be, a lengthy and challenging process," said Wayne Darlington, manager of parks. "We appreciate the community鈥檚 patience and enthusiasm as we continue the recovery process to make more areas of the park safe to enjoy for everyone."

The reopening follows extensive recovery work, including assessments of trails, the removal of 664 hazardous trees, and restoration efforts such as filling ashpits and repairing trails. Reopening the trails near Rose Valley Elementary School was a priority.

鈥淥ver the years, Rose Valley Regional Park functioned as an outdoor classroom for many of our teachers and students,鈥� said Rose Valley Elementary School teacher Nadine Siever. 鈥淲e look forward to the opportunity to take our students out on the land in the new year to hike and identify trees and plants.鈥�

Most areas of Rose Valley Regional Park remain closed due to extreme hazards, including dangerous trees, ashpits, and unstable soil. Trespassing in closed areas is prohibited and could result in a $500 fine. The RDCO will reopen additional areas of the park as they are deemed safe.

Recovery efforts, including salvage logging and trail restoration, will continue into early 2025. Park visitors are encouraged to check the for updates on conditions, and additional reopening announcements.