Trivia time!
How many parks and green spaces do you think Surrey has within its borders? We’ll give you a hint, the number total is three digits.
More than you were expecting? Well, get ready for this… 600 is the number of lush green spaces you can explore right here in Surrey. From regional parks that span over 860 acres, to community parks meant for everyone and anyone to enjoy a little nature-educed repose from urban life.
What better occasion than the promise of a clean slate that comes with the new year to get out in nature just a little bit more? 2017 was a big year for Surrey’s parks, with the opening of five new official parks throughout various communities in Surrey. So if you’re big on bucket lists, here are five new parks to discover in 2018.
Godwin Farm Biodiversity Preserve
9016 164 Street
Nestled in the Fleetwood neighbourhood of Surrey, Godwin Farm Biodiversity Preserve was donated by The Godwin Family in order to preserve not only the stunning land, but their family legacy. Over the years, the Godwins poured over the terrain, planting a variety of tree species such as Sequoias, Redwoods, and Firs. The park is even home to a registered heritage tree that stands over 175 feet tall! Because of this park’s ecological importance, four-legged friends should be kept at home.
Bose Forest Park
6203 164 Street
Spanning over 18 acres, Bose Forest Park is situated on the border of Surrey’s Cloverdale neighbourhood, and opened recently in early October of 2017. Featuring multi-use trails that sprawl over two kilometres, Bose Forest Park is also home to 80 year old trees that various mammals and birds call home. Bose Forest Park plays host to important wetland and swamp ecosystems. With picnic tables and trails that are on the shorter side, this park is definitely #KidApprovedBC!
Oak Meadows Park
16271 22 Avenue
At a modest 4.2 acres, Oak Meadows Park in South Surrey may be on the smaller side, but it’s packed with a beautiful, mature second growth forest, meadows, wetlands, and trails for walking and cycling. Oak Meadows Park is now a part of the Grandview Ridge Trail, which provides residents and visitors with a way to travel through South Surrey without the need of a car. The greenway system will connect cycling and walking routes from 24th Avenue south to 16th Avenue, and over to beautiful Redwood Park.
Community Parks
Forsyth Park (10632 139 Street) opened at the end of October, 2017 in the City Centre neighbourhood in North Surrey. Created as a part of a Canada 150 project through TD Bank, Forsyth Park is just brimming with activities for all ages, including a destination nature playground, off-leash dog park, picnic areas, and pathways.
Wills Brook Park (2955 160 Street) officially opened in mid-May of 2017. Boasting 7.7 acres of forest trails and off leash dog areas, Wills Brook Park is a must-visit when frequenting the South Surrey neighbourhood.