Image: (From left to right) Councillor Bud Mercer, Councillor Nicole Read, MLA Kelli Paddock and Councillor Chris Kloot celebrate the opening of five new community recreational facilities Friday in Chilliwack. / City of Chilliwack / X
Growing Communities Fund

Chilliwack unveils new community amenities with provincial funding

May 18, 2024 | 6:00 AM

CHILLIWACK — With the support of over $1 million from the BC Growing Communities Fund, the City of Chilliwack has completed five new community amenities aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities for residents. The projects include upgrades and new facilities at Fairfield Park, Jinkerson Park, and Vedder Park.

Fairfield Park now boasts a dedicated dog off-leash area, providing an open environment for dogs to play and socialize.

Jinkerson Park has undergone significant upgrades with the addition of a pump track, another dog off-leash area, and a multi-use game area. The pump track, also featured at Vedder Park, was built with approximately $500,000 from the fund. The tracks are designed with berms, open turns, straights, directional arrows, and a flat entrance/exit area, catering to both beginners and advanced riders.

“These neighbourhood pump tracks, dog off-leash areas, and the Jinkerson Park multi-use game area create new opportunities for residents to get outside and enjoy some fresh air in the community,” said Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove.

The $418,000 multi-use game area at Jinkerson Park offers a paved surface, basketball hoops, line markings, and large and small recessed nets, making it inviting for various sports including ball hockey and soccer.

Fairfield and Jinkerson Park’s dog off-leash areas, created with $170,000 from the fund, feature separate spaces for small and large dogs, to help provide a safe environment for all pets.

“With access to stunning lakes, rivers and mountains, enjoying the outdoors has always been an important part of life for people living in Chilliwack,” said Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent.

“These park upgrades will make it easy for people of all ages and abilities – and their four-legged friends – to get outside and stay active in Chilliwack,” added Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack.

The latest developments with celebrated with an event Friday (May 17) in Chilliwack.