Two new Maple Ridge parks set for approval

Maple Ridge residents will have two new places to play and relax in. Parks on 134th Street and 236th Street.

Plans for Deer Fern Park include a half sport court, playground and fitness area.

Plans for Deer Fern Park include a half sport court, playground and fitness area.

Residents in the remote Silver Valley subdivisions will have two new places to play and relax if council OK’d the new $310,000 Deer Fern Park on 134th Avenue and 236th Street at its Tuesday meeting.

The concept plan was supposed to get approval by Maple Ridge council following an open house earlier in the month.

The District of Maple Ridge bought the property in 2010, got some ideas from what residents wanted earlier this year, then came up with a plan that includes a half-sport court area, playground equipment, an open grassed area and a trail with fitness area.

Three walls will surround the sport court will make it easier to practise racquet ball or lacrosse.

Trails will be paved with asphalt to make it easier for strollers and wheelchairs to navigate.

Residents in the area should welcome the new facility. They’ve been living there for eight years waiting for it, says a staff report.

People also will have a new place to play at 133 Avenue at 237A Street. Council’s expected to approve a new plan for that area, called Cedar Park.

The total area of the district-owned space is 1.2 hectares, but that includes a riparian area.

Ideas for the park came from eight residents who sat in on the design committee.

The most popular items were a children’s playground, enough room to kick a ball around, walking trails and a sport court so kids could play road hockey or basketball.

And that’s what’s included in the concept plan on which council voted Tuesday.

A trail will also connect the park to the conservation area and include a small foot bridge across a stream.

Cost for the project is $310,644.

• You can view the park plan’s online.

Maple Ridge News