Data from the City of Kamloops suggests that during a COVID-19-induced 2020, local park usage was sky high.

Parks Manager Jeff Putnam says there were 1,003,278 visits at the City’s four nature parks – Dallas-Barnhartvale, Kenna Cartwright, Valleyview, and Peterson Creek – last year, a 64 per cent increase in visits compared to 612,000 in 2019.

“We’ve always known that Kamloops residents and visitors love our unique nature parks and trail system, so reaching one million visits is incredible,” he said. “We’re thrilled that our amazing trails and outdoor spaces were so well utilized during a very difficult year for residents.”

The data on trail usage came from 12 trailheads within city boundaries as well as from counters at the Aviation Way Rivers Trail and West Highlands Park.

“Staff collect trail data at regular intervals throughout each year in order to understand usage trends at each location,” Putnam added.

This trail use information helps the City develop its park and trail maintenance plans and priorities. It also helps provide data that is used to apply for grant funding.

(Photo: City of Kamloops)