New neighbourhood green space debuts with family-friendly celebration
Abbotsford will open its newest neighbourhood park later this month, adding accessible play features and outdoor fitness to the city’s Marshall McCallum area. The City says Gilmour Park, at 33932 Gilmour Road, will officially welcome residents on Saturday, July 25, accompanied by a two-hour block party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. that includes activities and giveaways.
The 1,300-square-metre site was shaped through two rounds of public engagement and occupies previously undeveloped land bordered by single-family houses, manufactured homes and an apartment complex. The design focuses on all-ages use and accessibility, with a playground anchored by a parkour-style agility element, a hill slide, a universal carousel and a spinner. The space also incorporates three outdoor fitness stations, a shaded seating area with a picnic table, and new trees, rain gardens and landscaping.
“This park creates a place where people can get active, spend time outdoors, and build connections with family, friends and neighbours,” said Mayor Ross Siemens.
What to expect at the opening
City staff plan a modest community launch highlighting the park’s features and inviting nearby residents to make first use of the equipment. The block party programming is designed to appeal to families and older adults alike.
- Lawn games suitable for a range of ages
- Face painting
- A food truck on site
- A park-wide scavenger hunt
- Complimentary giveaways
Officials describe Gilmour Park as part of a continuing series of investments in Abbotsford’s park system, following recent upgrades at Engineer Park and a new splash pad at Crossley Park. The city has emphasized adding small neighbourhood spaces that people can reach on foot, while distributing amenities to areas served by different housing types.
Features and access at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 33932 Gilmour Road, Abbotsford |
| Opening date | Saturday, July 25 |
| Event time | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. |
| Park size | 1,300 square metres |
| Amenities | Playground with agility structure, hill slide, universal carousel, spinner; three fitness stations; shade shelter with picnic table; new trees, rain gardens, landscaping |
Neighbourhood context and next steps
Situated amid a mix of housing, the park adds a public gathering spot within walking distance for many residents of the Marshall McCallum neighbourhood. The inclusion of both play equipment and fitness stations signals an effort to accommodate different age groups and abilities in a compact footprint. The shade shelter and seating respond to feedback commonly heard in consultation about comfort and rest areas in local parks.
As with other recent park projects, the city has publicized its intent to strengthen neighbourhood-scale recreation as Abbotsford grows. By sequencing smaller projects—such as earlier improvements at Engineer Park and the splash pad addition at Crossley Park—staff have been routing amenities to multiple parts of the city rather than concentrating features in a few locations. Gilmour Park’s opening continues that pattern, bringing new play and exercise options to a part of town that previously lacked a developed park on this site.
The City encourages residents to attend the opening event and explore the equipment. The celebration is free to attend, with activities organized to showcase the new space and its features.
