Park Pulse
About this project
Park Pulse is a four-year park improvement program that is currently installing park and recreation amenities throughout the city. This initiative is creating inviting and engaging public spaces for everyone to enjoy. Starting in summer of 2024 additional seating, colourful enhancements to existing park features, improved accessibility, safety, and more are being installed in our parks. Whether you are looking to play, relax, exercise, or learn, our parks are offering something for everyone.
In 2023, the federal government launched the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) through the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to support projects involved in increasing affordable housing, constructing housing related infrastructure, and building community-amenities, such as parks, that support the creation of complete communities. This fund is being used to support Park Pulse improvements over the next four years.
Our parks are more than just green spaces; they are vital community infrastructure that enhance livability, foster social cohesion and contribute to economic development. They play a key role in supporting higher density housing by providing shared amenities and recreational opportunities, making our neighbourhoods more attractive and resilient. Through the HAF-funded Park Pulse program, we are improving our parks, making them safer, more beautiful and more enjoyable for everyone.
What is happening now?
Park Pulse is starting with improvements to 5 parks in high-growth and high-density neighbourhoods in summer of 2024. The sites are distributed between all 4 Town Centres plus Deer Lake Park in the centre of the city. Each year additional parks will be added to the program.
The 2024 sites include:
To further animate a well-loved park, Brentwood Park will feature two colourful courts, a natural fir log play area at the centre of the park, and loungers with umbrellas near the wading pool.
Deer Lake Park has received lounge seating along Deer Lake beach, providing additional seating and shade for enjoyment of the lake views.
To add fun to the park , we’ve done a colourful makeover on the spray pad and added features around the periphery of the water play. We’ve also added picnic tables by the trellis structures and wooden seating platforms around the trees for lounging.
Keswick Park has been treated to a bold refresh on the spray pad and basketball court, as well as some lounge chairs and beach umbrellas and free games to play in the open field.
Kinnee Park received a new sandbox for fun in the sun, along with some new lounge chairs and shade umbrellas, and free outdoor games in the open field.
The Lobley Park playground has been upgraded with new accessible play structures, expanded swings and a rubberized playground surface made from recycled materials. This innovative surface was made possible thanks to a grant from Tire Stewardship BC.
Poplar Park has received upgrades to make the playground more enjoyable and accessible. The main playbox has received rubberized surfacing with a focus on ground play to include children of all abilities. The swing box has increased in size to accommodate an accessible friendship swing. A planted meadow equipped with 2 insect hotels will be coming to the park in 2025 to provide refuge to pollinators and other beneficial insects which form a critical part of the local ecosystem.
We are upgrading the central lawn in Ron McLean Park. The upgrade naturalizes and greens an existing water drainage swale. The project includes new understory and tree planting, river rock, boulders, a new boardwalk to improve access in the park, and new seating along the naturalized area under existing shade trees.
And more
In addition to these mini-projects–playgrounds throughout the city are seeing revitalization, accessibility upgrades, and safety improvements. A big move is being made to upgrade the entire signage and wayfinding system in Central Park.
Park Pulse is an exciting opportunity to accelerate community infrastructure and enhance livability in Burnaby. Stay tuned to learn about exciting improvements happening in 2025 and beyond. Join us in making Burnaby a greener, healthier, and happier place to live, work, and play!