Godwin Farm Biodiversity Preserve Park opens thanks to family gift

THE City of Surrey officially opened the Godwin Farm Biodiversity Preserve Park on Saturday afternoon. A family-friendly celebration commemorated the occasion with tours of the 26-acre park, children’s activities, bucket truck rides, live music, and included attendance of the park’s benefactors – the Godwin family.

“On behalf of Council, and all Surrey residents, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Godwin family for gifting this beautiful parkland to our city,” said Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner. “It is clear that much care was taken to create and nurture the lasting, living green legacy that we have before us today. As a result of their generosity, the Godwin Farm Biodiversity Preserve Park will provide natural green space for residents and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.”

Gifted to the City of Surrey by the Godwins as a part of Canada’s Ecological Gift Program, the preserve is home to a significant fish bearing stream, pond, orchard and hundreds of mature trees. Visitors can view a variety of bird life and walk along the looping trail network.

“The gift of this park as a biodiversity preserve ensures its natural eco-system will be protected, which is a key component to Surrey’s sound environmental stewardship” said Surrey Councillor Bruce Hayne, Chair of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee. “Citizens enjoy and benefit from the abundance of large protected natural areas found throughout Surrey, and the gift of Godwin Preserve will surely enhance this enjoyment.”

“The Godwin Farm Biodiversity Preserve Park is an inspiring example of how Canadians can use the Ecological Gifts Program to directly contribute to the protection and conservation of our ecosystems and sensitive species for future generations,” said Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

The Godwin Park opening is part of the 20th Annual Surrey Environmental Extravaganza, a series of over 100 free nature programs and events happening until June 11. For more information visit www.surrey.ca/parks