Maple Ridge has ambitious plans for Volker Park

The City of Maple Ridge is set to begin the Volker Park Improvements Project.

Timeline: Construction is anticipated to begin at the end of January. Pedestrian access to the park will remain available during construction.

The hours: Park hours will remain unchanged at 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The washroom building will be secured with an automatic door locking system, and the new parking lot will include a gate. Park visits by maintenance staff will be increased with the new spray park and washroom.

Volker Park, located at 21131 – 123 Ave. beside Laity View Elementary School, is being enhanced to better serve local families and provide a safe, welcoming neighbourhood park.  

Phase 2 engagement invited the community to review and provide feedback on the proposed concept design for the park. Engagement took place from October 29 to November 16, 2025, through an online and printed survey and an in-person open house held at Laity View Elementary School. Outreach included notices in the local newspaper, signage at the park, and on City social media channels.

Community feedback: According to the city, responses showed strong support for many of the proposed improvements, including:

Playground: High approval of the new playground design, with requests for additional play features for children aged 2–5 years and more swing options.

Spray Park: Continued strong support for a spray park consistent with feedback received in phase 1 engagement, and recognition for more spray park access in west Maple Ridge.

Seating and Picnic Areas: Support for additional picnic tables, benches, and seat walls particularly near play areas and along pathways.

Trees: Protecting existing trees was a priority for respondents. All existing trees will be retained, and additional trees will be planted as part of the project.

Key Concerns Raised: Participants also shared the following key concerns that the City continues to review, monitor and address:

Traffic and Road Safety: Traffic volumes and speeding on 123 Avenue.

Parking: Limited neighbourhood parking and the potential for increased traffic congestion.

Park Character:  Additional amenities could increase the usage and passive character of Volker Park.

Unsanctioned Uses: Potential for loitering, vandalism, and other unwanted activities.

Proposed Park Improvements: The Phase 2 concept design, informed by earlier community feedback, includes:

A new playground, including a zipline

A neighbourhood spray park

A 20-stall parking lot with accessible spaces

A picnic shelter and picnic tables

A washroom building with two accessible stalls

Additional shade trees

Paved pathways connecting park amenities

A variety of seating options

Safety and Operations: Several design and operational measures are planned to address safety and neighbourhood concerns. The park will remain fenced along 123 Avenue, with a new baffle gate near the spray park entrance to slow pedestrian movement while leaving the park. In the past year, the City has also completed crosswalk enhancements and school zone warning signage on 123 Avenue near Volker Park and Laity View Elementary School.

The Volker Park Improvements Project is funded through the Province of British Columbia’s Growing Communities Fund, a provincial initiative aimed at supporting the development of public infrastructure and community projects.