The City of Surrey has started construction on the first of three new neighbourhood parks, signalling the rollout of a $7.9-million investment intended to expand accessible green space in growing communities across the city.
Acorn Park is first to be built
City officials broke ground on Acorn Park in South Newton this week. The 3.9-acre (1.6-hectare) site at 58A Avenue and 142 Street is being built in two phases. The first phase — open space, multi-use pathways and a pilot off-leash dog area — is scheduled to open by the end of 2026. Playground equipment, a multi-sport court and gathering spaces will follow in 2027.
“As Surrey continues to grow, we need to make sure our parks and public spaces grow with it,” Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said. “Investing in neighbourhood parks is an important part of creating healthy, livable communities and ensuring residents have access to quality public spaces in every part of our city.”
What’s coming to Guildford and East Fraser Heights
Two additional parks are included in the package:
- Abbey Ridge Park (East Fraser Heights): A 5.2-acre (2.1-hectare) park that will feature a playground, fitness area, a half basketball court, a dog off-leash area, walking trails and gathering spaces. Construction is slated to start this fall with initial elements opening by the end of 2026; remaining amenities are expected in 2027. Estimated cost: $2.6 million.
- Woodward Hill Neighbourhood Park (South Newton): A 4.7-acre (1.9-hectare) park adjacent to an elementary school, scheduled to begin construction later this fall and to open by fall 2027. Planned amenities include a basketball court, nature-inspired playground, outdoor fitness equipment and accessible pathways. The project will emphasise preservation of mature trees. Estimated cost: $2.8 million.
The three projects together account for the city’s $7.9-million commitment to neighbourhood parks this cycle. City communications point residents to surrey.ca/capitalprojects for further details and timelines.
Local consequences and civic context
The parks are intended to provide nearby recreation and gathering spaces as Surrey’s population grows. Building across multiple neighbourhoods signals an attempt to distribute amenities geographically, but the phased approach and staggered timelines mean residents will see new features at different times.
Preserving mature trees at Woodward Hill indicates a focus on retaining established natural features rather than fully rebuilding green spaces; however, construction schedules that begin this fall and continue into 2027 may disrupt nearby uses, including school access at Woodward Hill and dog walking at Acorn Park while areas are developed.
Details about ongoing maintenance funding, long-term programming and community engagement during construction have not been outlined in the city announcement. Residents seeking specifics on playground design, accessibility standards and off-leash pilot evaluation are advised to consult the city’s capital projects page or contact municipal staff.
| Park | Size | Estimated cost | Key timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Park | 3.9 acres (1.6 ha) | $2.5 million | Phase 1 open by end of 2026; remainder in 2027 |
| Abbey Ridge Park | 5.2 acres (2.1 ha) | $2.6 million | Construction starts fall 2026; phased opening through 2027 |
| Woodward Hill Park | 4.7 acres (1.9 ha) | $2.8 million | Construction begins late 2026; open by fall 2027 |
For residents weighing how these parks will affect local neighbourhoods — from traffic and parking to recreational programming — the coming months will be critical for the city to provide details and respond to community feedback as construction proceeds.
