GET TO KNOW THE McKinley BEACH TEAM
This month, we’re proud to introduce Ron Spence, the longstanding Marina Manager at McKinley Beach – and a familiar face to many of our boating and lake-loving residents.
Ron brings a wealth of experience to McKinley Beach, with a background in management, consulting, and accounting, and a lifelong passion for boating. A 25-year member of the Kelowna Yacht Club, Ron has also served on its board of directors and chaired the Kelowna Boat Show, making him an invaluable asset to our growing community.
Ron’s connection to McKinley Beach actually dates back long before the marina was completed. In 1999, he prepared a feasibility study for the Gaucher’s on a potential marina project on the future McKinley Beach. In 2016, he was again contacted to manage the soon to-be-completed marina. Ron eagerly accepted the opportunity to help shape a community overlooking the beautiful waters of Lake Okanagan.
During the boating season, Ron’s days are full and dynamic. From managing slip, SUP, and kayak rack leases to handling marina memberships, daily maintenance, financial reporting, and customer service, Ron ensures that marina operations run smoothly for all residents and their guests.
What Ron enjoys most about managing the McKinley Beach Marina is simple – the people. He loves interacting with fellow boating enthusiasts and helping residents make the most of their time on the lake. One of his most memorable moments?
Outside of work, Ron’s passions include boating, golfing, playing guitar, and spending time with his wife, family, and grandchildren – often wintering in sunny Mexico during the off-season.
One interesting fact residents might not know: the entire McKinley Beach breakwater is secured by polyrope to 62 massive concrete anchors beneath the lake, each weighing several thousand pounds – a unique and durable engineering feat.
Looking to the future, Ron is excited to watch the community continue to thrive.
We are grateful to have Ron’s leadership, expertise, and passion anchoring our marina operations – and we know many residents feel the same.
2025 PARKING PASSES NOW REQUIRED
Attention residents: new parking passes are required for 2025.
ALL PREVIOUS YEAR PASSES ARE NOW INVALID,
AS WE HAVE TRANSITIONED TO A NEW SERVICE PROVIDER.
Active parking patrol and ticketing will begin over the May Long Weekend. Vehicles with three unpaid tickets will be subject to towing.
Please pick up your new pass at the front desk of Our Place as soon as possible to avoid any issues. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain fair and organized parking for all residents.
SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR NEIGHBOURS
The Little-Jung Family’s Love for Lake Life and Community Spirit
Falling in Love with McKinley Beach
When Jonathan Little and Mary Jung first began exploring communities with access to lake life, they knew they were searching for somewhere special – a place with breathtaking views, outdoor living, and a genuine sense of connection. Their first visit to McKinley Beach sealed the deal. Back then, you had to hike down to the waterfront, and there was only a small deck with a pergola. Sitting on the beach that day, taking in the peaceful setting, they were immediately hooked. They knew they had found their future home.
Today, what Jonathan and Mary enjoy most about living here Is the combination of lake views, boat access, and the unbeatable convenience of being just ten minutes from work. It’s the perfect balance of natural beauty and everyday ease.
Being One of The First!
When they moved to Chocolate Lily Lane in February 2017, only one other house was there, and the community was still in its early stages. Chocolate Lily wasn’t connected to Water Birch Circle yet, with just 15-20 homes under construction in Phase 1. Watching McKinley Beach grow over the years has been incredible, with each new street and home adding to the vibrant community.
Some of their fondest memories include the welcoming spirit of McKinley Beach. Jonathan recalls pulling their new boat into the marina for the first time, feeling unsure, and immediately being greeted with help and warm smiles from the staff and fellow boaters. It’s that sense of community that truly makes McKinley Beach feel like home.
Their Advice to New Neighbours
For new residents, their advice is simple: say hi, smile, and get to know your neighbours. There are so many wonderful people living here, and those small connections are what build the strong community atmosphere that McKinley Beach is known for.
More to Love
A big highlight for them has been the addition of the tennis courts, which quickly became their favorite feature. Jonathan often practices with his ball machine or hits with Mary or other community members. They also enjoy long walks with their dog and, above all, boating, which has become their family’s happy place.
What sets McKinley Beach apart is easy to describe – you simply can’t beat the combination of lake views, the beach, the marina, and the thoughtfully designed amenities.
NEW AMENITY BOOKING APP COMING SOON!
We’re excited to announce that McKinley Beach will be rolling out a new Amenity Booking App over the next month! This app will allow residents to easily book the tennis courts, pickleball courts, and the aerobics room directly from their smartphones or computers.
The new system is being introduced to help improve community organization, establish clear.
guidelines, and ensure fair and easy access to all our amenities for everyone. More information and instructions on how to download and use the app will be shared in the coming weeks. We look forward to making your experience at Our Place even smoother and more accessible!
EMBRACING THE OKANAGAN LIFESTYLE A WEALTH OF AMENITIES
McKinley Beach is a standout community in the Central Okanagan, offering a range of amenities that enhance residents’ lifestyles. The pristine beach provides direct access to Okanagan Lake, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or enjoying the scenery. The area also features walking trails, a kilometer of beach, and boat/SUP storage, promoting an active, outdoor lifestyle.
Beyond the natural beauty, McKinley Beach is complemented by luxury amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, picnic areas, and greenspaces for community gatherings. Designed for privacy and tranquility, it fosters a close-knit neighborhood with regular events and spaces for social interaction. This combination of adventure, comfort, and serene beauty sets McKinley Beach apart.
Click Here for an informative pamphlet providing a helpful tool for evaluating communities side by side.
MIND & BODY WELLNESS SERIES
GET FIT AND FIND YOUR ZEN: NEW AQUA FIT & YOGA CLASS OFFERINGS
Meet Markus Glowacki; Our New Fitness Trainer & Aquafit Instructor & Rachelle Taylor – Yoga & Meditation Instructor
We’re excited to welcome Markus Glowacki to the Our Place fitness team at McKinley Beach!
Born and raised in Kelowna, Markus brings a degree in Exercise Science, years of personal training experience, and a passion for helping people reach their health and wellness goals.
Markus’s background includes training athletes of all ages, leading classes like TRX, Group Strength, and Aqua Fitness, and supporting community members with fun, accessible workouts. His fitness philosophy? “Exercise is medicine – small, consistent steps lead to real, lasting change.”
Another Our Place welcome to Rachelle Taylor for a special series of Yoga and Meditation classes this May!
Rachelle is a seasoned yoga and meditation teacher with over a decade of experience guiding others toward greater presence, balance, and well-being. Rooted in the wisdom of the body and the rhythms of nature, her classes weave together mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation to help students feel more grounded, open, and alive.
With certifications in yoga, breathwork, and spiritual coaching, Rachelle’s teaching style is both deeply intuitive and skillfully informed. Whether you’re new to the mat or returning to your practice, she creates a welcoming, supportive space that meets you exactly where you are.
GET READY FOR AQUAFIT!
Markus’s new Aquafit class kicks off Monday, May. 12, 11:00am at the McKinley Beach pool! Expect 45 minutes of dynamic, low-impact exercise in a fun and welcoming environment – perfect for all fitness levels.
To register or arrange payment (via e-transfer), contact Markus at [email protected].
UPCOMING YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES AT OUR PLACE
Mondays, Agril 28 to May. 26 (no class on Victoria Day.)_
All Levels Yoga
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Learn to Meditate Workshop
7:15 PM – 8:15 PM
Let’s move, breathe, and be – together. To sign up for Rachelle’s May classes, visit www.rachelle-taY.lor.com/mckinley.
MONTHLY COMMUNITY NEWS
Our focus is on establishing consistent and reliable communication. We will continue to roll out monthly community newsletters filled with updates on events, neighbourhood improvements, and all that is happening around McKinley Beach. Our goal is to keep you connected, informed and actively engaged in community life.
Have questions about upcoming events, community guidelines, or available amenities? The McKinley Beach Resident Website is your ultimate resource. It’s the place to go for the latest updates, important announcements, and helpful resources designed to make your life here even better.
Each month, you’ll find the latest community news, event details, and key reminders right at your fingertips.
Visit the website to explore all the available resources and stay updated with the latest news in the Community Chronicles.