A bigger improved beach, a new dock, more seating and picnic zones: RMOW is planning to refresh the popular Rainbow Park to accommodate more people in summer.
More trees in ecological areas and around the lawn for shade, a food truck plaza, hammock lounge, and a paved path and lift will also be added to make the third dock accessible. The park will close for construction this summer, though efforts to relocate some of the park’s popular amenities to other regional parks are underway.
Follow the Whistler Daily Post on Facebook for local news
“Whistler is known for its outstanding parks and the Rainbow Park rejuvenation project will ensure this iconic destination continues to be a cherished spot for the community and visitors we welcome. The improvements will protect the area’s ecological health and ensure the park continues to thrive for many years to come,” says Mayor Jack Crompton.
The revamp will be funded by the Province, and will not impact municipal property taxes. Whistler’s four largest destination parks—Rainbow Park, Lost Lake Park, Lakeside Park and Alpha Lake Park—saw a sharp increase in visitation over the last two years. More than 176,000 visits were recorded in the summer of 2021 for a 77 per cent increase over visitation levels in 2019.
“We know park users tend to gravitate to the perimeter of a park to people watch and enjoy the space, so we’ve maximized the edges to give as many groups as possible a way to comfortably enjoy the park,” says Jessie Gresley-Jones, General Manager of Climate Action, Planning and Development Services.
Follow the Whistler Daily Post on Facebook for local news
Improvements were also made to the entry and parking area last year. A turnaround for the municipal park shuttle service and easy drop-offs was added, and the upper gravel lot organized to reduce congestion. A Valley Trail segment was also built to link the washrooms and Alta Lake Road, and accessible parking added, with prioritized stalls.