The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation has committed to delivering more park improvements and sport amenities in South Vancouver.
At last night’s meeting, Park Board Commissioners approved plans to build a new synthetic turf field, walking loop and field house with accessible washrooms in Moberly Park. The Board also directed staff to proceed with assigning field hockey as the field’s primary sport use, following engagement with the local community and existing park users.
In support of a previous motion PDF file (137 KB) to begin engagement and design on an inclusive children’s spray park, plans to renew the playground and install a new field house with accessible washrooms at neighbouring Ross Park were also approved.
Funding for these new park amenities and upgrades will come from the Province’s Growing Communities Fund.
The Park Board’s Parks and Recreation Services Master Plan, VanPlay, identifies southeast Vancouver’s Sunset neighbourhood as an equity initiative zone with gaps in park access, low tree canopy cover and high demand for low barrier recreation.
During engagement, residents shared with staff a desire for a range of new amenities, including walking paths, shade trees and playgrounds, in addition to organized support for a synthetic turf hockey field and spray park.
Supporting Vancouver’s sport field system
Earlier this month, the Park Board approved the Sport Field Strategy, a long-term vision to support and enhance Vancouver’s sport field and ball diamond system. ‘Big moves’ outlined in the strategy included additional investment in synthetic turf fields and identifying field hockey as a short-term priority.
Providing safe, clean, and accessible washroom facilities for all
In 2020, the Park Board adopted the Parks Washroom Strategy, a guide for the planning, building, and operation of parks washrooms across the city. A key recommendation outlined in the strategy is to build new washrooms during park renewals to meet growing demand.