2017 Facility Excellence Award
for projects over $1 million
The City of Surrey has developed an iconic destination facility attracting athletes, international sporting events, and families alike. Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre’s distinctive architectural elements such as an undulating roof and its multiple accessible features make it a favourite for everyone. This multi-use facility is able to meet the needs of all users. The 10 lane, LEED silver standard, and international competition level 50 metre pool has many moveable features, creating variations in competitive and programmable space. From birthday parties riding the water slide to elite athletes on the 10 metre diving platform, Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre has provided both a community space and competition hub in this fast-growing community of South Surrey.
2017 Facility Excellence Award
for projects under $1 million
This state of the art amphitheater, with its well-designed sound system, lighting and layout to make every sound engineer, parent with a stroller, and senior with walker feel perfectly accommodated has been a huge success hosting over 7000 music lovers last year. Recently dedicated to Annette Beaudreau, the project’s beloved and respected recreation leader, the space is a cultural hot spot.
The skateboard park is a big success as well. By engaging the users from the start in the design process, utilizing them during the fund-raising stages, and keeping them on board through ongoing partnership and dialogue – the city has a win-win. They also have found a way to generate revenue from the space by hosting events such as the BC Interior Cyclocross series.
2017 Program Excellence Award
The Wild About Wellness program was developed when West Shore Parks and Recreation staff identified a dramatic increase in anxiety and mental health issues among youth in the community. Given the documented benefits physical activity has in reducing anxiety and depression, the program aimed to combine these benefits with a therapeutic group process. The free program was created using a youth-centred approach which allowed clients to identify the activities and topics most relevant to them. The program was noted for its many positive attributes: partnership model, creativity, responsiveness, low overhead cost and especially impact on the program participants.
2017 Parks Excellence Award
for projects over $1 million
Terra Nova Nature Adventure Play Environment connects families to nature and offers adventuresome play that enjoys broad appeal for children of all ages across Greater Vancouver who are keen to experience it firsthand for themselves.
Emerging from the results of an in-depth community engagement process, the site's history, as well as its significant natural features, the design for the Terra Nova Nature Adventure Play Environment features a unique landscape that embodies the principles of adventure nature play. Incorporating a super-fast slide, two zip lines, a 10 metre tall treehouse and so much more, the elements are contained within 25 hectares of remnant agricultural fields and hedgerows, habitat for resident and migratory wildlife, heritage buildings, walking trails, a nature preschool, an urban farm and community gardens.
