Project update, March 18, 2025: Thank you to all who participated in providing feedback in the second round of engagement on People, Parks, and Play! We were pleased to see over 650 community members attend our pop-ups, and almost 200 people answer the online survey.

This engagement has now concluded, and our team is working to summarize what we heard from the community. Check back here for a summary of what we heard through engagement, and keep an eye on your email to see if you are one of the lucky winners of our prize draw!

New Westminster Parks and Recreation Plan Update

The City of New Westminster is updating its Parks and Recreation Plan to guide the future of parks, facilities, services, and programs for the next 25 years, with a 10-year action plan to 2035. This plan will ensure that New Westminster’s parks and recreation spaces continue to support a growing and diverse community. Your input is essential to refining the recommendations.

This is the second round of engagement, building on what we heard from the community in 2024. During Round 1, residents shared their experiences, priorities, and ideas for improving parks and recreation. Key themes included cultural representation, accessibility, affordability, youth-centered programming, and the need for more inclusive, multi-use spaces. For more information, the Round 1 What We Heard report is available here.

Based on this input and analysis, the City has drafted strategic directions and key actions to guide future investments and improvements. Now, we want to hear from you again! This round of engagement will help confirm that the plan aligns with community needs before it is finalized.

Round 2 engagement

We asked for community feedback on the draft strategic directions for the People Parks and Play Plan from February 21 through March 17, 2025. Residents and interest holders were invited to attend pop-ups across the city and/or complete an online survey. Workshops were also held with several community groups and partners.

Background

The previous overarching plan for parks and recreation across New Westminster 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. New Westminster is now in need of an update to the 2008 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan. The new Parks and Recreation Plan will help the City improve parks and 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.

This is the second round of engagement, building on what we heard from the community in 2024. During Round 1, residents shared their experiences, priorities, and ideas for improving parks and recreation. Key themes included cultural representation, accessibility, affordability, youth-centered programming, and the need for more inclusive, multi-use spaces.