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PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURE DEPARTMENT
CITY OF SURREY OVERVIEWS
The programs, facilities and services of the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department reflect people
working together to improve recreation opportunities and enhance the quality of life for residents
of Surrey. The department has the responsibility for the following divisions/sections:
PARKS
The Parks Division is responsible for the planning, development,
operation and maintenance of approximately 2,700 hectares of parkland,
a civic marina and three cemeteries. It also oversees the stewardship
of the natural environment, street trees, and nature-based programs,
and the use of outdoor athletic facilities and community gardens. The
division hosts major events, provides guidance to community event
organizers and is a one-stop agency for filming within the City. Civic
Beautification offers initiatives and resources aimed at making public
spaces beautiful and inviting.
COMMUNITY & RECREATION
Community & Recreation Services is responsible for the efficient
and effective operation of community pools, arenas, recreation
and community centres throughout the City, while building healthy
communities for all people to be active and engaged for life. This
division facilitates and delivers programs and services that are
accessible for seniors, youth, children and families. It also engages
participation through volunteerism and inclusivity of Surrey’s diverse
community, including people with disabilities, in all service areas.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
The Marketing and Communications Section supports the Department
and Corporation by providing expertise, strategic guidance and services
related to marketing and communications.
ARTS
Arts Services plans and oversees a wide range of facilities and
programs within the City to build awareness and appreciation
for the benefits of the arts, provides arts education to students
and develops new audiences through the presentation of exhibits,
public programs and theatre events.
HERITAGE
Heritage Services plans, oversees and operates the Surrey
Museum, City Archives, and the Historic Stewart Farm. It supports
the City‑wide stewardship of documentary and material cultural
heritage collections and the presentation of community history. It
works to build appreciation for Surrey’s history and heritage through
the presentation and circulation of exhibits, tours, public programs,
curriculum-based school programs and special events.
WEB & NEW MEDIA
Web and New Media supports the Department and Corporation
by providing expertise, guidance and services related to enhancing
the web presence and ensuring customers receive timely
information from the Website and Social Media.
2 0 1 5 A C C O M P L I S H M E N T S
• Achieved $5,881,000 in partnership
and sponsorship revenues that helped
contribute to operating efficiencies in
Parks, Recreation and Culture.
• Acquired 18.6 hectares (32 acres) of new
parkland, and planted 66,168 spring bulbs
and 26,224 annual summer flowers.
• Planted 4,800 street trees and 1,227
shade trees along with 8,400 native
seedlings and small container stock
native trees.
• Hosted 3,229,100 user visits to our
recreation facilities.
• Hosted 256 events through FEST
for the various community events.
• Implemented the Softball City Phase 2
renovation project. Works included a
complete infield renovation of the two
south ball diamond infields, renovation of
the large passive turf and shrub panels
on the north, south and west entrances,
major upgrade to the sports field and
passive turf irrigation system, sports field
lighting service renovation and repairs and
tree removals and replanting.
• Participated as a key partner in the
2nd phase of United Way of the
Lower Mainland Avenues of Change;
an innovative and place-based initiative
with a primary objective to have more
children ready to succeed by the time
they start school.
• Hosted a Grand Opening of Guildford
Aquatics Centre in May 2015 and
substantially completed Grandview
Heights Aquatic Centre.
• Surrey Art Gallery celebrated its 40th
anniversary with a series of large
exhibitions that focused on the region
south of the Fraser and local artist.
• Designed and curated Part 1 of the
Kids Gallery at the Surrey Museum,
an exhibition that teaches children and
families about sustainable and responsible
energy use.
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