The wait is over and upgrades to Polson Park are moving ahead.

The City of Vernon has been given the green light by the North Okanagan Regional District to proceed with some improvements to the park next spring.

“It’s good for all of the regional district that we will get this done,” said Coun. Jack Gilroy.

“It’s a park that’s the gem of the North Okanagan.”

It was just two weeks ago that council demanded that NORD complete redevelopment plans for the park by Jan. 31. It also wanted the work to begin by March 1 or the city would initiate construction on its own.

The city owns Polson Park but parks and recreation is a regional function involving Vernon, Coldstream and the two electoral areas.

NORD officials believe it makes sense for the city to take the lead at this point.

“It’s just a matter of timing,” said Greg Betts, administrator.

Part of that includes the city having access to employees and equipment.

“We have the resources the regional district doesn’t have,” said Gilroy.

Construction will likely begin in early March, although no firm specifics have been determined.

“I expect there will be washroom and bandstand improvements,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert.

The partners in Greater Vernon’s parks and recreation function will cover the costs, and Lippert cautions that this is just phase one of park upgrades.

“The regional district has hired an architect and they will carry on with those (long-term) plans,” he said.

“Who carries on with the work after that will be up to the regional district to decide.”

Debate about Polson Park arose after the historic grandstand was destroyed in an arson fire in 2006.

The blaze generated insurance revenue of $1.6 million, of which there was $1.53 million for the structure, $78,338 for equipment and contents and $31,143.51 for extra expenses

Subtracted from the $1.6 million were the $10,000 deductible and expenses of $115,973 (equipment replacement and portable building rentals until Dec. 31, 2008).

The net remaining from the settlement is $1.51 million.