New Westminster – Reflecting an increasing involvement in the community’s arts and culture scene, the City of New Westminster’s Parks & Recreation Department has updated its name. City Council has approved the change to New Westminster Parks, Culture & Recreation.

“With the completion of our Arts Strategy and updating of the Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Plan in 2008, we have enhanced the role of cultural services within city operations,” said Dean Gibson, Director of Parks, Culture & Recreation. “This name change reflects the evolution in the scope of services we provide to the citizens of New Westminster.”

The Parks, Culture & Recreation Department will continue to be responsible for city park operations, recreation facilities and services, youth services, filming coordination and the New Westminster Museum and Archives. In the coming months, a new Arts and Culture Manager will be recruited and the position will be based within the department. This position will work with and support arts and culture groups and initiatives across the City.

The New Westminster Parks, Culture & Recreation Department has undergone a number of name changes since the establishment of the City’s first Parks Committee in 1889. It has also been known as the New Westminster Board of Parks Commissioners (1927), Athletic Commission (1951), Parks Department (1956), Recreation Department (1957) and Parks & Recreation Department (1960). Following Council approval, the change to Parks, Culture & Recreation became official on July 13, 2009.

-30-

Contact:

Dean Gibson
Director of Parks, Culture & Recreation
604-527-4628