Maple Ridge, B.C., Oct 8, 2026 – Maple Ridge residents are invited to get outside, try something new and connect with neighbours outdoors this fall through a new series of free drop-in recreation activities at Volker Park.
The City’s new pop-up Volker Park ‘Rec Box’ opens with an after-school sports session on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The program will bring sports equipment, games, crafts and family activities directly into the park, making it easier for residents to be active close to home.
No registration is required. Residents can drop in, participate at their own pace and enjoy a range of activities designed for children, youth, and families.
The Rec Box is a secure, on-site container that stores sports equipment, mobile play structures and program supplies. It will serve as a home base for five free pop-up activities at Volker Park this fall:
- Thursday Oct. 8 (2:30–4:30pm) After-school Sports - Free, drop-in sports and games
- Wednesday, Oct. 21 (2:30–4:30pm) After-school Sports - Free, drop-in sports
- Saturday Oct. 31 (10am–1pm) Halloween Haunt & Play - A monster mash of free activities including ghoulish crafts and Halloween games
- Saturday Nov. 14 (3–5pm) Family S'mores & Hot Cocoa - Cozy up with s'mores, hot cocoa and a selection of lawn games
- Monday Dec. 21 (2–4pm) Winter Wonderland - Enjoy seasonal music, games, and crafts
Volker Park was selected because it is a large, recently upgraded park that serves families in northwest Maple Ridge and is well suited for outdoor recreation programming. By bringing equipment and City-led activities into the park, the program reduces barriers to participation and expands access to recreation without requiring residents to travel to a facility or register in advance.
The Rec Box was funded through Volker Park improvements project as part of the City’s 2026-2030 Capital Plan and supports Council’s Strategic Priorities and the Parks Recreation and Culture Master Plan.
City recreation staff will coordinate programming, set up and take down activities, and secure equipment in the Rec Box when programs are not underway. The City will also complete regular site checks and maintenance to keep the area clean, safe, and ready for use.
“This program was a collaborative effort across several of our recreation team members, and we’re excited to see it come to life,” said Cidalia Martin, Director of Recreation. “By bringing programming into our parks where people already gather, we’re making it easier for residents of all ages and abilities to be active and enjoy our outdoor spaces.”
The Rec Box will return in 2027 with an expanded schedule that is expected to include Spring Break programming, additional pop-up recreation activities, fitness activations, and outdoor and nature camps.
Activities may be adjusted or cancelled because of severe weather or site conditions. Residents can follow the City of Maple Ridge website and social media channels for program updates and 2027 activation details.
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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