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People, Parks, and Play
People, Parks, and Play is New Westminster’s 10-year Parks and Recreation Plan, guiding how parks, facilities, programs, and services will grow and evolve through 2035, with a long-term vision to 2050.
As our city continues to grow, this Plan sets a clear direction to ensure everyone has access to high-quality parks and recreation opportunities. It focuses on strengthening connections to nature, supporting health and wellbeing, and creating spaces where people can gather, play, and belong.
Read the Plan
People Parks and Play Master Plan
- Appendix A: What We Heard Reports
- Appendix B: Context and Analysis
- Appendix C: Visitor Origin and Movement Patterns
- Appendix D: Map Folio
Why this Plan Matters
New Westminster is growing, and with that growth comes increased demand for parks, facilities, and recreation programs.
Park space per person has declined, and existing facilities are under pressure. Over the next 10 years, the city’s population is expected to grow significantly, especially in the West End and Downtown, and the City is planning ahead to ensure we’re meeting the need for accessible and inclusive spaces.
This Plan will help the City:
- Address current gaps in parks and recreation services
- Plan ahead for future growth
- Ensure investments are made where they are needed most
The Plan will be implemented over time, with projects phased based on priority, funding, and growth. The City will continue to share updates as projects move forward and will report on progress to ensure transparency and accountability.
How the Plan was Developed
This is a community-driven plan shaped by local voices and informed by data.
More than 3,000 engagement touchpoints helped shape the Plan, including input from residents, Indigenous Peoples, youth, and community groups. Engagement activities included surveys, pop-up events, workshops, and conversations across the city. To learn more about the community engagement process and what we heard, please visit the project page on Be Heard New West.
This input was combined with technical analysis, including population projections, service level assessments, and an equity-focused review of where gaps exist. Together, this ensures the Plan reflects both community priorities and long-term needs.
Plan Highlights
Catch Up – Meeting Today’s Needs
These infrastructure investments focus on addressing current gaps in parks and recreation services:
- Updating existing recreation facilities
- Upgrading seasonal active recreation amenities to all-season use (e.g. all-weather sports fields, multi-sport courts, covered lacrosse box)
- Add new urban park spaces
- Renew and enhance play features, including playgrounds and spray park renewals
- Continue tree planting and invasive species removal
- Additional public washrooms and other amenities within parks
- Add a new community recreation facility that includes a gymnasium, fitness spaces, childcare, and multi-purpose rooms
Keep Up – Planning for Future Growth
These infrastructure investments are dependent on future population growth:
- Plan for a new arena or additional ice sheets and dry floor space
- Plan for a new small-scale leisure pool aquatic facility
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