Maple Ridge, B.C., May 13, 2025—The City of Maple Ridge reminds residents to share their input by May 25 on three significant proposed recreation initiatives that aim to meet the community's growing needs.
The City is making its largest-ever investment in critical community infrastructure with the expansion of recreational facilities and accessible green spaces, as it prepares for thousands of new residents who will move to Maple Ridge in the coming decades.
Based on technical assessments, service demand analysis, community feedback, and alignment with the City’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, the City is proposing to move forward with plans for the following:
- A new aquatic and recreation facility at Hammond Community Park, providing indoor pools for year-round swimming, fitness, community programs, and multi-purpose gathering spaces for all ages and abilities
- An arena expansion at the Albion Fairgrounds, adding two new rinks to support growing demand for year-round ice and dry-floor sports.
- A new 40-acre multi-use community park, repurposing City-owned lands currently the site of the Maple Ridge Golf Course, including stadium-style baseball fields and other future park amenities.
“Council has heard loud and clear about the demand for recreation in Maple Ridge – the need for more field time, ice sports at capacity, and families unable to book swim lessons,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “With a population of over 100,000 and growing at twice the national average, the pressure on our parks, arenas, and pools will only increase. That’s why Council is planning for the future of our city and creating spaces for youth, families and senior to stay active and healthy. We encourage everyone to have their say.”
Upcoming engagement opportunities include a virtual open house, and an additional open house has been scheduled. Visit Engage.MapleRidge.ca/Move-Meet-Play to learn more.
Improving Access to Recreation in Maple Ridge
The City is proposing to redevelop the golf course site to its originally intended use as public park space when it was purchased in 1971 to serve the community's broader needs. The transition of this City-owned site into publicly accessible, multi-use recreation park space has become a priority, given provincially led zoning changes and plans for the Lougheed Transit Corridor Area, which will lead to more homes in west Maple Ridge and increased demand for recreation and other City services.
The City recognizes that this relocation will impact the golf course operator, golfers, area residents, and baseball groups, and is committed to working with user groups.
“Relocating the baseball fields to a new community park allows us to create space at Hammond Community Park for a much-needed recreation centre without purchasing new land,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “It’s a financially responsible solution that meets our current needs while creating long-term opportunities. This new park will be a legacy for Maple Ridge, with river views, accessible trails, picnic areas, and stadium-style baseball fields honouring Larry Walker. Future features like a cricket pitch, spray park, or bike track will be shaped by what we hear from the community.”
Have Your Say
The City encourages residents to view the concept plans and provide feedback through an online survey. This engagement phase will help refine the proposed aquatic and recreation facility design, confirm amenities, and inform what types of programs could be offered. Three open houses have taken place.
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities:
- Wednesday, May 14, 6:30–8:30 p.m. – Virtual (pre-registration required; email RecFacilityStudy@MapleRidge.ca)
- Thursday, May 15, 7:00–9:00 p.m. – Open House-Albion Community Centre, 24165 104 Ave.
- Information booths at upcoming City events and facilities
Visit Engage.MapleRidge.ca/Move-Meet-Play to learn more.
Future Steps
Following phase two engagement for the aquatic and recreation facility, future steps for the project include program refinement and completion of the site assessments, including archaeological, geotechnical, and traffic assessments. The completed report is anticipated to be brought to Council in summer 2025. Once the feasibility study is complete, Council will review funding options, including grants and partnerships, before proceeding.
Detailed planning for new recreation amenities also includes engagement with key partners, including Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations and other groups. The proposed new Hammond aquatic and recreation facility is situated on lands of historical and cultural significance to Katzie First Nation and geographically near their Port Hammond traditional village of “Cxwi't.”
Background on the Recreation Facility Feasibility Study
The facility and site concept for the proposed aquatic and recreation facility in Hammond reflects community feedback. During the first engagement phase in 2024, more than 3,000 residents shared their input through workshops, open houses, and a public survey. Hammond Community Park was chosen as the preferred site as it is fully serviced, City-owned, accessible by transit, and large enough to support a new facility. It eliminates land purchasing costs and supports population growth along the Lougheed Transit Corridor.
For more information, contact Christa Balatti at RecFacilityStudy@MapleRidge.ca or 604-467-7310.
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Media contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 467-4319 C 778-955-4249 E PPurewal@MapleRidge.ca