People, Parks, and Play: Connections for All
New Westminster Parks and Recreation Plan Update
The City of New Westminster is updating its Parks and Recreation Plan! The plan will guide future priorities and investments in parks and recreation facilities, services, and programs for the next 10 years, while also describing a future vision to 2050. This plan will have an impact on all residents in New Westminster. We invite you to help shape it!
To create the renewed Parks and Recreation Plan for New West, we want to know:
- How you use parks and recreation spaces (think: pools, community centres, playgrounds, big and small parks, dog off-leash areas, etc.)
- How satisfied you are with parks and recreation spaces and available programs—for example, what’s working well, and what needs improvement
- Any barriers you experience in accessing recreation and parks offerings
- Your ideas for the future of parks and recreation in New Westminster
Parks and recreation spaces and services make communities healthier and stronger, helping everyone stay active and connected to their community. New Westminster’s population is growing, but the City has limited land to expand the parks and recreation network. The City recognizes that innovative approaches are needed to grow parks and recreation offerings to meet the diverse needs of the community. The updated plan will help address this growth by identifying ways to improve parks, recreation facilities, programs, and services — now and in the future.
Residents from tots to teenagers, young adults to seniors, and people of all backgrounds and abilities: New Westminster wants to hear from you! Your input will shape the direction of parks and recreation services for the next 10 years and beyond.
Share your views!
Share your ideas to ensure that the City's Parks and Recreation Plan reflects your interests and needs! There are several ways for you to give input:
Fill out the online survey, open now until May 28, 2024.
Enter a draw to win one of 30 ten-visit passes to City of New Westminster recreation facilities! Take the survey now.
Visit an upcoming pop-up event:
- River Market Boardwalk (near the Tugger play area) - Saturday, April 27, from 1:00-4:00 pm
- təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre - Monday, April 29, from 3:00-7:00 pm
- Moody Park- Saturday, May 4, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Join us for the Fun & Games Fest at Moody Park! We’re hosting an all-ages, family-friendly pop-up, complete with ping pong, mini sports, a photo booth, bubbles, snacks, and more. Come for the fun, stay to share your thoughts on parks and recreation!
- Ryall Park & Queensborough Community Centre - Thursday, May 9, from 2:00-5:00 pm
- Sapperton Plaza - Saturday, May 11, from 12:00-3:00 pm
- Simcoe Park - Wednesday, May 15, from 2:00-5:00 pm
- Farmers Market (Tipperary Park) - Thursday, June 6, from 3:00-7:00 pm
Light snacks and family-friendly games will be available at each event. Stop by anytime during the pop-up times, and stay for as little or as long as you want. All events will include the same content and questions for your input.
Join the online public workshop:
Wednesday, May 22, 7:00-8:30 pm. Click here to register.
Stay tuned for a second round of engagement later in 2024, where you will be invited to give input on draft recommendations for the updated Parks and Recreation Plan.
Background
The previous overarching plan for parks and recreation across New West was adopted in 2008. Called the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, it has successfully shaped the delivery of parks and recreation services over the last 15+ years. The plan is now in need of an update to help the City improve recreation facilities, programs, and services across New Westminster over the next 10 years, while also describing a future vision for parks and recreation to 2050.
Guiding principles
Our parks and recreation amenities, facilities, programs, and services aim to be accessible, inclusive, safe, and welcoming to all. The following principles will guide the updated Parks and Recreation Plan to meet a wide range of community needs. We encourage you to think about what these mean to you when sharing your input:
- Diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism: How can parks and recreation be more welcoming to people of diverse backgrounds and experiences? (e.g. income, gender, culture, race, age, ability, body type, etc.)
- Truth towards reconciliation: How can New Westminster better integrate local First Nations values, culture, stories, and art in parks and recreation? How can parks and recreation better uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples?
- Community belonging, connecting, and wellbeing: How can parks and recreation create opportunities for people to connect, build relationships, and participate in their community? What types of spaces and programs do people enjoy most?
- Climate resilience: In what ways does climate change impact our daily lives in New West? How can parks and recreation address climate change and help us reduce our carbon footprints?
- Local economy: What role do parks and recreation play in supporting a vibrant economy and local businesses? How can parks and recreation draw more residents and visitors to New West?
- Service adequacy and standards: How can parks and recreation respond to community needs as New West grows? Are parks and recreation currently meeting the needs and expectations of the community?
