2025 ANNUAL REPORT | DEPARTMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS | PARKS AND RECREATION
PARKS AND RECREATION | DEPARTMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS | 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Parks and Recreation
The Parks and Recreation Department aims to enhance the quality of life for all in New Westminster by facilitating parks and recreational opportunities that nurture healthy individuals and families, strong and unique neighbourhoods, a vibrant city, and thriving economy.
Park Operations and Maintenance Converted nine irrigation systems to centralized controls, improving water efficiency, reducing energy use, and enhancing real-time monitoring and management of irrigation across City parks. Completed Phase 1 of the Urban Reforestation and Biodiversity Enhancement Initiative, exceeding the Urban Forest Management Strategy target planting number with a total of more than 2,300 new trees planted citywide. Began Phase 2 of the Urban Reforestation and Biodiversity Enhancement Initiative, which aims to plant over 6,000 new trees on streets and boulevards by 2030, supporting the City’s goal of expanding the tree canopy cover to 27% by 2035. Recreation Expanded inclusive aquatics programming through the introduction of Women’s Only and All Bodies swims, and additional support instructions for patrons requiring one-to-one assistance in lessons. Increased access to swim lessons during the summer months with the addition of weekday daytime sessions running Monday to Friday.
Introduced more accessible and inclusive gymnastics programming, including ASL classes for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community and caregiver-supported toddler classes Launched Intro to Tumbling classes in Queensborough to reduce transportation barriers for residents. Hosted the 2025 Mann Cup national lacrosse championship at Queen’s Park Arena, welcoming more than 20,000 spectators across seven games. Expanded inclusive skating opportunities through accessible public skates and community events, including the Pink in the Rink hockey game featuring athletes from the British Columbia Elite Hockey League U18 Female division. Partnered with MOSAIC and the SD40 Welcome Centre to support newcomer participation in public skating opportunities and encourage community connection through recreation. Increased collaboration with SD40 to provide before- and after-school recreation programs at elementary schools across the city.
Partnered with community organizations, schools, physiotherapy clinics, and the Justice Institute of British Columbia to provide free and low-cost fitness education opportunities focused on safe participation in physical activity. Collaborated with other City departments on major strategic initiatives including the Age Friendly Strategy, Food Security Strategy, People, Parks and Play 10-Year Plan, and Business Continuity Planning. Shared expertise with other recreation workers on creating safe and welcoming spaces through presentations by the Seniors Services and Youth Services teams at the RFABC Conference. Implemented the Social Prescribing program for seniors, offering meals in social settings to foster community connection and to support volunteer coordination and appreciation initiatives.
$2 million received through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund to support Phase 2 of the Urban Reforestation and Biodiversity Enhancement Initiative.
$245,000 received from United Way to support the Social Prescribing initiative.
Parks Planning Renewed Megan’s Place Playground at Ryall Park with new classic and nature-based play features while preserving elements that honour Megan Gunderson’s legacy. Upgraded the central lawn at Saint Mary’s Park to an all-weather artificial turf surface, creating a durable year-round green space for informal recreation and community use. Supported the Mayor’s Youth Climate Leadership Team in creating a new rain garden and community gathering space at Terry Hughes Park featuring native plantings, natural seating, and educational signage.
Reallocated road space on Sixth Street and Belmont Street to create a more vibrant, accessible, and pedestrian-friendly public space aligned with the Uptown Streetscape Vision. Installed a new outdoor fitness circuit along the Queensborough perimeter trail, including accessible exercise equipment such as a wheelchair-accessible hand cycler. Added new off-leash dog areas at Albert Crescent Park and Victoria Hill to expand recreation opportunities for residents and their pets.
Award-winning civic facility təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre was recognized by the Community Energy Association with a Climate and Energy Action Award for its leadership in addressing climate and energy challenges through innovative design and operations.
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