THE Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation announced on Tuesday that it is removing the remaining fences to reopen the east side of Strathcona Park. 

Although the work is expected to take a few days to complete, the park will be open for public use while work is underway. Visitors will be able to safely access the park pathways, outdoor track, off-leash dog area, Cottonwood community gardens, and more.

“We know this park is integral to the community, and we are pleased that this will once again be a space to socialize and connect with one another,” says Donnie Rosa, General Manager, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. “We also know that a lot has happened here, which is why we have worked closely with Indigenous and community partners to ensure we were providing the extra care needed to treat the land.”

While the east side of the park was initially closed for remediation in May following the closure of an encampment onsite, the west side has always remained open. Remediation work primarily included removing turf and gravel surface areas before replacing, leveling and maintaining it until it was ready for public use. Crews also undertook arboriculture work such as replanting trees.

Park Board staff will continue to work with community partners on expanding programming at Strathcona Park, while also supporting community-led gatherings and activities to bring people together and welcome visitors back to the park. Staff will also be working with the public in the coming months to improve off-leash dog amenities in the park.

The all-weather sports field at Strathcona Park will also reopen for permitted activities shortly. User groups can now book for sessions beginning in November. All other sports fields in the park will remain closed for organized play to allow for the new turf to take root.