Surrey breaks ground on first of three new neighbourhood parks in $7.9-million investment

The City of Surrey has broken ground on Acorn Park in South Newton, the first of three new neighbourhood parks in a $7.9-million investment in community green space. The parks in Newton and Guildford are intended to provide accessible outdoor areas for residents to relax, play, gather and enjoy nature closer to home.

Mayor Brenda Locke said park and public-space growth needs to keep pace with Surrey’s population growth, and described neighbourhood parks as part of building healthy, livable communities with quality public spaces in every part of the city.

Acorn Park is a 3.9-acre, or 1.6-hectare, park at 58A Avenue and 142 Street. The $2.5-million project will be delivered in two phases. Open space, multi-use pathways and a pilot off-leash dog area are to open by the end of 2026, followed by a playground, multi-sport court and gathering spaces in 2027.

The $2.6-million Abbey Ridge Park in East Fraser Heights will cover 5.2 acres, or 2.1 hectares. It will include a playground, fitness area, half basketball court, off-leash dog area, walking trails and gathering areas. Construction is expected to begin this fall, with a first phase opening by year-end and remaining amenities available in 2027.

Woodward Hill Neighbourhood Park, beside an elementary school in South Newton, is a $2.8-million, 4.7-acre, or 1.9-hectare, project. Construction is to begin later this fall, with opening planned for fall 2027. It will include a basketball court, nature-inspired playground, outdoor fitness equipment, accessible pathways, shared seating and picnic areas. Many mature trees will be preserved. More information is available at surrey.ca/capitalprojects.