Salmon or trees? Residents have until Aug. 27 to weigh in on two fun proposed concepts for a new playground at Maple Ridge Park.
In a significant first step towards enhancing the beloved Maple Ridge Park, the City has unveiled two playground concept designs – Salmon Run (Concept #1) and Life of Trees (Concept #2) – for public feedback. Residents are encouraged to go to engage.mapleridge.ca/mrparkplayground by Aug. 27 to learn more about the proposed concepts and take a survey about the playground and other potential future park improvements.
The new playground, part of the first phase of enhancements, will improve accessibility and offer an exhilarating play experience for all at Maple Ridge Park, located at 232 Street and Fern Crescent alongside the picturesque South Alouette River. A cherished destination for both residents and visitors alike, the park boasts a rich history as one of the oldest municipal parks in the area, with a mature forest, native flora, and diverse wildlife. It also plays host to the awe-inspiring spectacle of salmon migrations each fall, further highlighting its ecological significance. 
The planned playground, which will replace some components and add to the existing play amenities, seeks to seamlessly blend with the park's natural beauty while offering modern amenities for recreation and enjoyment. The two proposed playground concepts, Salmon Run and Life of Trees, have been designed to cater to a variety of preferences and retain the healthy trees amongst the playground.
The second phase of the enhancements for Maple Ridge Park includes replacement of the splash park planned to start in fall of 2024.
 
Public Feedback to Shape Playground Design
The City launched the public engagement to ensure the final playground design captures the essence of the park and caters to the desires of the community. Residents can also participate in two on-site open houses on Tuesday, Aug. 15 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. or on Thursday, Aug. 24 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The input collected through the online survey will play a pivotal role in shaping the playground's final design so that it aligns with the aspirations of the community. 
Looking to the Future
The survey also includes questions regarding priorities for infrastructure replacement within Maple Ridge Park, including the replacement of the splash park. By participating in this survey, residents will contribute to guiding future improvements that will further elevate the park's recreational and leisure offerings. 
The transformation of Maple Ridge Park aligns with the City’s 2023 Parks, Recreation, and Culture Masterplan. This comprehensive strategy seeks to revitalize and enhance various parks within the city, ensuring that they continue to serve as vibrant hubs for recreation, community interaction, and environmental conservation. 
The playground renewal initiative is an integral part of the City's 2023 Capital Plan, underscoring the commitment to investing in infrastructure that enriches the lives of Maple Ridge residents.
For more information about this project, please visit engage.mapleridge.ca/mrparkplayground. 
For questions about this project, please contact Chad Neufeld, Manager of Parks Planning and Development, at 604-467-7338 or cneufeld@mapleridge.ca.