Maple Ridge, B.C., August 27, 2026 — Volker Park has reopened with an expanded playground, new water spray park, washrooms, picnic shelter and tables, parking lot and additional seating to give neighbourhood residents more ways to play, enjoy the outdoors, cool off and connect.
Located near Laity View Elementary School on 123rd Avenue, the upgraded park reflects community input and is designed to welcome visitors of all ages and abilities. The park design focused on improving accessibility and inclusion and features paved pathways and barrier-free routes to amenities, accessible washrooms, disc swing, spinner, rubber play surfacing and inclusive play activity panels.
“Parks are an important part of who we are as a community and one of the things people love about living in Maple Ridge,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “Investing in neighbourhood spaces like Volker Park provides more opportunities for residents to stay active, healthy and connected. These improvements reflect what we heard from the community and will give children more ways to play, help neighbours connect and make it easier for families to enjoy the outdoors close to home.”
The Volker Park Improvements Project was funded through the City’s 2026 – 2030 Capital plan and the Province of British Columbia’s Growing Communities Fund, which supports local infrastructure and amenities in growing communities.
“The Growing Communities Fund is helping communities like Maple Ridge build the public spaces families need as neighbourhoods grow,” said Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows. “The improvements at Volker Park will give nearby residents of all ages and abilities more opportunities to connect and stay cool in warmer months.”
Community Engagement
The final park design was informed by two phases of community engagement. During Phase 2 engagement last fall, residents reviewed the proposed concept design and provided feedback that showed strong support for:
- More play features for children aged two to five years and more swing options.
- A neighbourhood spray park on the west side, reflecting Phase 1 engagement input and the need identified in the City’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan.
- More seating and picnic areas, including benches and seat walls near play areas and pathways.
- Tree protection and new planting - all existing trees will be retained and additional shade trees will be added.
Next Steps
Hydroseeding and tree planting will take place once water restrictions are lifted and fall rains return. The timing will support better grass seed germination and healthier tree establishment in cooler conditions.
To celebrate the upgrades to this neighbourhood park, residents are invited to the official opening on Thursday, September 3 from 2 – 3pm, including a ribbon cutting and treats.
For more information, including engagement results and project progress photos, visit Engage.MapleRidge.ca/VolkerPlayground.
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Media Contact
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249 E Media@MapleRidge.ca