City of Surrey 2016 Annual Report

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. 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, nature programs, and the use of outdoor athletic facilities and community gardens. The division hosts major events, provides guidance to community event organizers and manages filming within the City. Civic Beautification works to make public spaces beautiful and inviting. 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. MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS The Marketing and Communications Section supports the Department and Corporation by providing expertise, strategic guidance and services related to marketing and communications.

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. COMMUNITY & RECREATION Community & Recreation Services is responsible for the operation of community pools, arenas, recreation and community centres, while building healthy communities for all people to be active and engaged for life. This division 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.

2 0 1 6 A C C O M P L I S H M E N T S

• The Surrey Filming Office continues to welcome large productions to our community, issuing over 178 film permits accounting for more than 264 days of filming this year, including titles such as Prison Break, Why We’re Killing Gunther, Supergirl, The Flash, and The 100. • Surrey hosted the 2016 edition of the prestigious Creative City Summit. The sold out conference (216 delegates) for municipal cultural workers, planners and educators from across Canada featured keynote speakers, panels, peer-to-peer sessions and local study tours showcasing Surrey’s arts and heritage facilities, public art and special events. • The Kids Gallery at the Surrey Museum produced two exhibitions in 2016: Water & Food. These new interactive displays help kids learn about sustainability and caring for the future in fun and active ways. The Surrey Museum offered free admission through a sponsorship from the Friends of the Surrey Museum and Archives Society.

• Planning is underway to deliver on the adopted 2017-2021 Capital Plan for Parks & Recreation Capital Projects which includes the North Surrey Triple Ice Surface Replacement, Cloverdale Twin Ice Surface, Clayton Recreation & Culture Facilities, two Artificial Turf Fields, Surrey Museum Phase 2, Newton Athletic Park Master Plan and 10660 City Parkway Creative Cluster Arts Hub. • The Public Art Program celebrated the unveiling of several new artworks including: Four Season Drums by Brandon Gabriel at the Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre; a pair of iconic sculptures titled Circulation by Cooke Sasseville at the Grandview Aquatic Centre; and Water Guardians, by Salish artist, Susan Point at the Hazelgrove Park. • Guildford Aquatic Centre received the Lieutenant Governor’s Award in Architecture Medal; and a Fraser Valley Commercial Building Award of Excellence in the Community Recreational Category.

• As part of the City’s ‘Age-friendly Strategy for Seniors’, over 1,100 seniors participated in City forums and community outreach sessions focused on health, safety, connectedness and transportation. • Opened Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre, a 94,180 square foot facility featuring a 10 lane 50-metre Olympic- competitive swimming events. The Centre received five awards for its design and construction. • Council adopted the Shade Tree Management Plan. New park openings included Hazelgrove Park in June, and Surrey Bend Regional Park opened in April in partnership with Metro Vancouver. • The 2016 Women’s World Softball Championship successfully hosted 30 nations in July 2016 with an estimated attendance of 120,000 over 10 days. size main pool, leisure and lifestyle pool, as well as the capacity to host

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