Outstanding design of park spaces was recognized by the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) with two projects earning a 2023 Parks Excellence Award.
The City of Surrey for Edgewood Park and New Westminster’s Sixth Street Play Area at Westminster Pier Park were both singled out for design excellence for using natural elements and accessibility.
New Westminster’s Sixth Street Play Area at Westminster Pier Park was honoured for its innovative design to support improved connectivity to the riverfront, an expanded play program, and opportunities for social connections.
Sixth Street Play Area, New Westminster
“The Sixth Street Play Area is a great example of how recreational amenities and infrastructure can be combined to create a connected public realm, and increase opportunities for healthy living and social activity.” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone. “Congratulations to New Westminster’s Parks and Recreation staff on winning BCRPA’s excellence award.”
The Sixth Street Play Area was constructed in spring 2021 at the west entrance of Westminster Pier Park, adjacent to a new accessible pedestrian/cyclist overpass and ramp. Integrated into the design of the Sixth Street ramp and overpass, the new linear play area provides a unique recreational experience with the added benefit of sun and rain protection from the ramp above. The play area also includes native and adaptive trees, resilient play surface made from recycled and natural materials and feature lighting.
Edgewood Park in South Surrey’s Grandview Heights neighbourhood features an accessible playground and is bordered by a natural corridor planted with native tree species and understory shrubs and groundcover.
Edgewood Park is also part of Surrey’s city-wide Biodiversity Conservation Strategy to be a healthy, livable, and sustainable city. A pollinator meadow was added adjacent to the playground with educational signage and has subsequently drawn in volunteer groups, such as Surrey’s Natural Areas Partnership (SNAP).
“The City of Surrey embarked on an innovative redesign that successfully preserved and utilized the community’s natural resources to benefit all residents,” says Katie Fenn, CEO of BCRPA. “Surrey is well deserved of BCRPA’s Parks Excellence Award for its accessibility and success of the pollinator meadow.”
