VOLKER PARK
Over the past few years there has been a concerted effort by the City of Maple Ridge to upgrade local playgrounds.
Recently I cycled to Volker Park, in West Maple Ridge, for the official opening of the redesigned playground. This park improvement project includes more than the replacement of the old playground equipment. It now has new amenities to keep pace with the growing community. What was once merely a few swings and a spinner (formerly called merry-go-round), now includes pathways, a picnic shelter, seating, shaded areas, grass, trees, bicycle and car parking areas, washrooms, a zipline, and large spray park.
The public event started with the City’s mayor, His Worship Dan Ruimy, at the podium for the official welcoming of about fifty guests, and he acknowledged the valuable input the City got from residents in the area who wanted something functional and modernized for the children and adults in the area. They talked; the City planners and Council listened.
Mayor Ruimy spoke about how we got to this point, giving a bit of background about the importance of parks, and parks development policies. He pointed out that they add life to neighbourhoods and help keep people of all ages happy, healthy and connected.
The upgrades at Volker Park were shaped by community feedback and designed to offer more opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to play, cool off, connect and enjoy the outdoors closer to home. The final product will not disappoint.
The City of Maple Ridge, once merely known as a District east of Vancouver, mostly rural and agricultural, has grown and matured over the years. It is now a developing city that boldly balances the importance of nature, people, community, history and the economy, in a way that has not only impressed people and attracted new people, but businesses as well.
Improvements to public spaces such as Volker Park help shape and enhance neighbourhoods, and provide residents with free recreational options close to home. It is great to see that the health and safety of both adults and children of all abilities, have been included in this win-win community building process.
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