The City of Richmond received a provincial grant of $1 million to build a park in city centre, the Alexandra Neighbourhood Park.
The city will contribute $900,000 for a total cost of $1.9 million.
The park will have an ecological focus, based on public consultation done in 2017, and will be co-located with the Alexandra District Energy Building.
The plan includes retaining the existing trees and improving accessibility.
Features planned for the park include pathways for pedestrians and bikes, a basketball court, table tennis, an all-ages playground, grassy areas for picknicking and an off-leash dog park.
The grant is part of $30 million the province is distributing for small-scale infrastructure as part of its COVID-19 recovery plan meant to boost the economy and provide jobs.
In a press release, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie pointed out the area has been growing with many multi-family homes now in the neighbourhood, so the park will help the area become “more vibrant and active.”
The park will eventually be a link between the north and south portions of the Alexandra Greenway.
It is expected to be finished in July and will provide 50 construction jobs.
