COQUITLAM, B.C., April 6, 2022 – More parks enhancements are on the way this year at Coquitlam parks, thanks to a $250,000 City investment that includes portable furniture and equipment, youth summer jobs, winter lighting and a community tree planting program.
On Monday night, Council approved one-time funding from the City’s Land Sales Reserve Investment Fund to support a variety of parks initiatives this year that will engage the community in making Coquitlam’s parks more vibrant, inclusive and welcoming for all. One of the highlights is a new Coquitlam Tree Spree campaign that aims to plant 10,000 trees in 2022.
Initiatives Rolling Out in 2022
The new funded parks enhancements are:
- Coquitlam Tree Spree: This new tree-planting initiative and public-education program will see volunteers and staff plant 10,000 trees across Coquitlam – double the City’s typical tree planting target. The new program, which coincides with the first year of Coquitlam’s new Environmental Sustainability Plan, will include public education materials, tree giveaways to residents and businesses, and tree-planting sessions incorporated into community events and activities. An online counter will track the progress of trees planted.
- Parks Operations People (POP): This youth-employment program will provide six to eight youth with summer jobs at City parks. Mentored by staff, the youth will work in a variety of areas, including trail and turf maintenance and program support, and be eligible to return in future years based on their performance, attitude and career plans. Providing employment opportunities for local youth was a recommendation in the City’s 2020 Youth Strategy.
- Park Use Data and Feedback: To assist with future decision-making, the City will collect improved and reliable park data and user feedback this year through three initiatives: a pilot project using Wi-Fi data to track park use; the installation of additional infrared people-counters at parks and trails to track anonymous user data (e.g. numbers, travel direction and user types, such as cyclists or pedestrians); and short in-person surveys conducted by POP participants.
- Mackin Park Winter Lights: Following enthusiastic public response to the 2021 winter light display at Mackin Park, the City will continue and expand the program for the coming winter.
- Portable Park Amenities: In response to increased park use and community interest, the City will be providing movable and flexible amenities this year at various parks. This will include movable park furniture, such as picnic tables, chairs and hammocks at Town Centre, Blue Mountain, Mackin, Glen, Burke Mountain Pioneer and Marguerite parks; pairs of table tennis tables at Blue Mountain, Glen and Mackin parks; and a portable bike pump track at Glen Park that is double the size of last year’s track at Mundy Park. The City will also be supplying new canoes, paddles and flotation devices for the Learn to Paddle program at Town Centre Park.
More information about the initiatives shared with the community through the City’s PRC E-News, City’s webpage and social media channels in the coming weeks.
Coquitlam Tree Facts
Coquitlam is dedicated to supporting a vibrant urban forest on public and private land. The City proactively manages parks, natural areas and street trees and conducts public education as part of its commitment to protecting and developing the inherent benefits trees bring to the community. To learn more, view the Coquitlam Tree Facts infographic or visit www.coquitlam.ca/trees.
Stay Informed on Coquitlam Parks, Recreation and Culture
To stay up to date about Coquitlam Parks, Recreation, Culture and Facilities news and updates:
- Subscribe to the PRC E-news Newsletter at www.coquitlam.ca/enews to receive bi-weekly parks, recreation and culture updates;
- Check out the weekly City Page on page 6 of the Tri-City News or at www.coquitlam.ca/connect;
- Follow @cityofcoquitlam on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube; and
- Download the free CoquitlamConnect app from the App Store or Google Play, or through the links at www.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamconnect.
Media contact:
Kathleen Reinheimer
Manager, Parks & Facilities
604-927-3533
kreinheimer@coquitlam.ca