McDonald Park

Imagine a cozy green corner in the heart of a residential area — that is exactly how McDonald Park welcomes its guests. This picturesque oasis, located in the city of Kamloops, Canada, covers an area of just over 3 hectares and is one of the oldest recreational zones in the northern part of the city.

The park perfectly combines opportunities for peaceful relaxation and active leisure. It has everything needed for locals and tourists alike: from shady pathways for walking to modern sports facilities. Thanks to its well-developed infrastructure, which includes picnic areas and a performance stage, the park has become an important cultural and social center for the local community.

McDonald Park is especially valuable for families with children and sports enthusiasts. The presence of a seasonal water complex, various courts, and well-maintained lawns makes it a versatile destination where everyone can find something to enjoy at any time of year.

To find out the latest information about events or facility booking rules in the park, you can contact the city administration. These contact details will help you plan your visit in advance and check the current status of the sports courts or the schedule for seasonal activities.

Below are the official contact details for the site:

A visit to the park offers plenty of opportunities for active outdoor recreation. Sports fans will appreciate the basketball courts, as well as the tennis and pickleball courts — a popular game that attracts many players here during the warmer months. All courts are maintained in excellent condition and are open for public use.

For family fun in the summer, there is a water spray park. It’s an ideal spot for children where they can safely play with water jets to escape the heat. Nearby, you'll find convenient picnic tables and a large gazebo, perfect for organizing an outdoor lunch while enjoying the shade and socializing.

The cultural life of the park is also quite vibrant: concerts are regularly held at the local bandshell as part of the "Music in the Park" program. Additionally, the park often serves as the starting point for major city events, such as the annual "Boogie the Bridge" charity run. For pet owners, there is a designated area where dogs are allowed on a leash.

The park is located at 501 McDonald Ave in the North Shore residential area. The most convenient way to get here from the city center is by car, crossing the bridge over the Thompson River. Upon arrival, visitors can leave their cars in the free public parking lot located right at the park entrance.

If you prefer public transport, local buses run through the North Shore area, with stops located within a few minutes' walk of the park (for example, in the King St area). You can also use taxi or ridesharing services, which will take no more than 10–15 minutes from the center.

For those using a navigator, you can use the coordinates POINT(-120.3634265 50.6895323). The park is easy to find as it is a major landmark for local residents and is within walking distance of many residential blocks.

McDonald Park is rightfully considered one of the oldest and most significant public spaces in the North Shore district of Kamloops. For many decades, it has served as the main gathering place for the local community, maintaining the atmosphere of a cozy neighborhood park despite the dense surrounding development.

An interesting chapter in the history of this place was the presence of a specialized radio-controlled (RC) car track. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the park became a hub for technical modeling enthusiasts: it twice hosted the prestigious ROAR Canadian National Pavement Championships, attracting participants from across the country.

Currently, the development of the territory is governed by the McDonald Park Neighbourhood Plan. This document aims to ensure the park remains modern, eco-friendly, and convenient for residents, taking into account their wishes for preserving greenery and updating sports infrastructure.

For a casual stroll, exploring the grounds, and a short rest on a bench, 1–2 hours should be quite enough. This is plenty of time to walk the perimeter of the park, watch a game of pickleball, or simply enjoy the peace among the trees.

If you are planning a family picnic in the gazebo, active sports on the courts, or if you've come on a hot day for the kids to play in the spray park, you should set aside half a day. Also, keep in mind that during concerts or city runs, your stay in the park may last a few hours longer than usual.

The park is open to visitors daily, from early morning until late evening. This space in Kamloops typically welcomes guests from 07:00 to 23:00, allowing you to enjoy walks at both dawn and under the evening lights.

Please take note of the seasonal nature of certain facilities: the children's spray park usually operates from June 1st to early September, while the pickleball courts are available from April 1st. We recommend checking the official city website before your visit to ensure there are no temporary restrictions related to public events or maintenance.

The North Shore area, where the park is located, offers guests the chance to explore other interesting locations. Exploring the surrounding area will allow you to better feel the local flavor, visit historical sites, or find additional places for family fun.

The following sites are located in the immediate vicinity or within a short drive: