City of Surrey 2019 Annual Financial 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, protect the natural environment and enhance the quality of life for residents of Surrey. The department is organized into core service divisions:

ADMINISTRATION & SUPPORT SERVICES Administration and Support Services’ key role is to provide administrative support to the General Manager and Division Managers and oversees implementation of Surrey’s Sport Tourism Strategy. COMMUNITY AND RECREATION Community and Recreation Services (CRS) operates diverse, state-of-the art facilities across Surrey where individuals, families and the community gather for improved health and well-being through social, educational, recreation and fitness opportunities. Its purpose is to provide quality, accessible health and wellness programs where participants can build relationships and learn. In early 2019, Community Safety transitioned to this division. Accomplishments for Community Safety will fall under the Policing Transition Departmental Overview however, the Performance Measures are included in the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department. CULTURE The Culture Division leads the planning, development and implementation of Cultural Policies, Cultural Facilities, and contribution of knowledge and leadership to local, regional and national arts, culture and heritage issues and initiatives. The Division provides City-wide arts, heritage, and cultural services including cultural grants and supports the development of community arts and heritage organizations. Public Art Program, Arts Services, Performing Arts, Special Events, Heritage Services, and Filming portfolios for the City are also a part of the Culture umbrella.

MARKETING, COMMUNICATION, WEB AND NEW MEDIA

The Corporate Marketing and Communications Division provides expertise, strategic guidance and services related to marketing and communications and community engagement. The Web and New Media Section oversees the City’s social media policy and web content. PARKS The Parks division plans, develops, and maintains the City’s extensive park system, a civic marina and three cemeteries. The division plays a key role in the stewardship of the natural environment and the engagement of our residents, through the delivery of a variety of outdoor programs, services and events, including nature-based education and stewardship programs, active recreation and play amenities, and community engagement initiatives. It also provides advice and permits to community event organizers through Festivals, Events Service Team (FEST) Committee. SUSTAINABILITY OFFICE The Sustainability Office is responsible for implementing the recommendations contained in the Surrey Sustainability Charter 2.0 with over-riding goal of making meaningful advances in sustainability in the City of Surrey. The Office also spearheads the implementation of the City’s climate action including mitigation and adaptation strategies.

2 0 1 9 A C C O M P L I S H M E N T S • Opened the new North Surrey Sport & Ice Complex. • Launched a public awareness campaign resulting in the removal of over 128,000 kg of garbage and the planting of over 13,000 native trees and plants. • Received Gold Certification for accessibility in four recreation facilities as part of the Rick Hansen Assessment Certification program. • Assessed over 3,000 newcomer clients through our settlement services in recreation centers. • Established sensory friendly spaces at several City facilities and at all of Surrey’s signature events. • Hosted 33 tournaments, 9 Provincial events, 8 Regional events, 3 National events, and 6 International events through Sport Surrey. • Acquired more than 73 hectares of parkland, including 64.55 hectares of nature preserve and habitat corridor parkland and planted over 4,400 street and park trees and 23,320 native plants.

• Designed and developed nearly 10.8 km of new trails/ paths/boardwalks in the parks system. • Expanded Bear Creek Park Light Festival to a two week-long event with over 35,000 visitors. • Celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Stewart Farmhouse. • Completed year one of Surrey CityLab in collaboration with SFU and KPU. • Provided one-on-one support to 156 children with disabilities in camps and licensed preschool programs. • Reduced the City’s paid print advertising by 40% by shifting advertising to digital and growing the e-NEWS subscriber base by 38% to over 90,000 subscribers. • Reached over 72,859 followers, with over 62,991 engagements (likes, reactions, comments) and responded to over 3,000 questions or comments on the City’s main social media channels.

• Installed an accessible and inclusive playground at Unwin Park in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. • Completed construction and opened West Village Park in collaboration with District Energy. • Completed construction of Cemetery Services master plan for Surrey Centre. • Unveiled Public artworks including: Phyllis Atkins’s artwork for Bear Creek Bridge titled “We Are All Connected to This Land”; Erica Stocking’s artwork “Blankets” at West Village Energy Centre, “The Frasers” creative bicycle racks for Fleetwood Town Centre by Laara Cerman, Chito Maravilla’s mural and gate titled “view from the Topo and Lifting Hands” for Maple Park and; 2019 public art street banners by Debbie Westergaard Tuepah and Katina Giesbrecht. • Launched a new user-friendly online registration system for programs.

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