Annual Report 2014

City of surrey Overviews

Parks, Recreation & Culture Department

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. Its divisions and sections include:

PARKS SERVICES The Parks Services Division is responsible for the planning, development, operation and maintenance of over 3,000 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 Special Events and Filming Section 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 AND COMMUNICATIONs The Marketing and Communications Section is a corporate service that supports the department and corporation by providing expertise, guidance and services related to marketing and communications.

ARTS The Arts Services Division plans and oversees arts services within the City. This includes the Surrey Arts Centre which encompasses a main theatre, studio theatre, contemporary Art Gallery and Tech Lab, as well the Centre Stage Performance venue at City Hall and the Arts Centre at South Surrey Recreation Centre. It administers the Public Art Program and the Surrey Children’s Festival, and oversees the City’s contemporary and public art collections. Staff provides arts education 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 AND NEW MEDIA Web and New Media is a corporate service that supports the department and corporation by providing expertise, guidance and services related to enhancing web presence and leading social media.

2 0 1 4 A c c o m p l i s h m e n t s • The City worked with the estate of Francisca Darts to facilitate a substantial gift to the Darts Hill Garden Endowment Fund managed by Surrey Cares; income from the Fund, which currently sits at $3.9 million, will be used to maintain this important Garden at a standard equal to other botanical gardens in the Pacific Northwest. • The Special Events section generated over $1.1 million in cash sponsorships plus over $700,000 of in-kind value for its numerous quality, free community events. The Film Office issued 82 film permits, resulting in over $1.5 million of economic activity in the City. • The City’s artificial turf field inventory is now at 14, which is the largest of any city in western Canada. This inventory provides over 35,000 hours of annual access for practices, games, tournaments and special events.

• The Cultural Marketing Plan for Arts and Heritage was completed. The Say AH campaign was launched to market and promote arts and heritage services and facilities. • Council approved the Hazelgrove Park Concept Plan and construction has begun with completion slated for 2015. The Plan includes new initiatives for storm water management and protects one of the few remaining stands of mature forest in East Clayton. • Through the Green City Program, more than 4,700 shade trees were planted, boosting Surrey’s inventory of shade trees to over 75,000 street trees and 21,000 park trees. 103,000 square metres of invasive plants were removed from park natural areas to restore habitat and protect sensitive ecosystems.

• The fitness and arts space addition to the South Surrey Recreation and Arts Centre was completed featuring an 8,000 sq ft fitness centre, fitness studio, and a 5,800 sq ft specialized arts space including an exhibition space, visual arts and pottery studio. • The Surrey Museum continued to offer “free” admission through a sponsorship from the Friends of the Surrey Museum and Archives Society. • The Cultural Grants Program received 52 funding requests and awarded $99,700 to 35 groups. The total value of all activities supported by the program was over $1 million. • With the mission of developing new active parks as well as protecting natural spaces, the Parks Division acquired 16.2 hectares (40 acres) of new parkland in 2014. 17,800 annual flowers were planted and 16,600 spring bulbs.

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