Major upgrades slated for Lions Centennial Park

PONOKA -- Ponoka residents are encouraged to share their thoughts on proposed upgrades to Lions Centennial Park.

This comes as a public engagement campaign is now underway following the release of a conceptual design for the proposed improvements. The municipality says that the upgrades aim to transform the park into a revitalized, multi-use public space for gatherings, recreation, events, and community connection.

"Those improvements include upgraded trails, naturalized areas, an active recreation zone, additional docks, barbecues, fire pits, landscaping, new washrooms, a whole host of improvements," said Andrew Jones, Manager of Parks, Recreation and Facilities.

The upgraded trails would be designed to boost accessibility for people with mobility challenges, while the active recreation zone would feature a relocated playground and new adventure park. Improvements to the existing public parking lot and museum parking lot are also featured in the current conceptual design. 

"The big thing we want to remember about Centennial Park is that it's a central community gathering space, and it has been for decades," said Jones in conversation with 89.7 The One. "What we're doing right now is collecting public feedback to honour the park and its role in our community, and all the great work that's gone into it over decades."

Community members can learn more about the proposed design and provide feedback by completing a survey either in-person or online by May 24, 2026. Paper copies are available at the Ponoka Aquaplex, Ponoka Arena Complex, and the Town Office on the second floor of the Ponoka Civic Centre, while residents looking to weigh in online can do so at LetsTalkPonoka.ca.

Once public input is gathered on the conceptual design, Ponoka staff say they will create a more detailed design based on the input received. Construction of the upgrades to Lions Centennial Park will depend on future consideration and approval of the facility design, location, and budget by Council.