New book explores the history of Maple Ridge Golf Course

Lorna Seppala, great-granddaughter of early Maple Ridge pioneer John McIver, has released a book about her family and the history of Maple Ridge Golf Course. “The McIvers and the History of the Maple Ridge Golf Course” recounts how the McIver homestead became the historic course at 20818 Golf Ln. The Maple Ridge Museum and Archives says the family played a significant role in the municipality’s early history.

Maple Ridge was incorporated in the McIver farmhouse in 1874, and the first council meeting was held there as well. The family farm was converted into a golf course in 1925. The course remained connected to the McIver family until the property was sold to the municipality in 1971, with a promise that the land would remain a community golf course for city residents.

The city recently announced plans to close the golf course and build a controversial, 40-acre multi-use community park on the site. The first phase would include stadium-style baseball fields. Future amenities could include walking trails, multi-sport and pickleball courts, play features and gathering spaces.

Residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on the park plan and two other recreation projects during the municipal election on Saturday, Oct. 17. The three projects have a combined cost of $393 million. For information about purchasing the book, contact Lorna Seppala at lseppala@telus.net.