History

The history of New Westminster Parks & Recreation Services had its beginnings in 1861, when the City's first park, the Cricket Club was established at the current Woodlands School site. In 1886, Queen's Park was established.

Highlights of New Westminster Parks and Recreation improvements include: the acquisition of key park sites during mid-to-late 1800's and the construction of the Queen's Park facilities (Arena and Arenex) in the 1930's. From 1940 through the early part of the 1950's little construction took place. However, since that time, there has been continual emphasis on the improvement of parks and recreation facilities and services throughout the City.

Major facility development was initiated in the late 1950's, with the construction of Century House, however, most of the City's recreation facilities - including the Centennial Community Centre, the Canada Games Pool, Moody Park Arena and the Queensborough Community Centre were constructed in the 1960's and 1970's.

Today New Westminster is recognized throughout Canada and the United States for its creative customer focused approach to the provision of leisure services and as a flexible, innovative and diverse Department, which contributes in an essential way to the quality of life of City residents.

[Historical Pictures] [Benefits of Recreation]