Maple Ridge City Council has greenlit plans for new community facilities as part of a wider strategy to enhance recreational offerings in the area. One of the key changes includes transforming Hammond Community Park’s main baseball field and pool into a modern two-story community center and an aquatic facility.
Mayor Dan Ruimy emphasized the importance of updating these facilities to keep pace with the city’s rapidly growing population, which is expanding at twice the national rate. “People have been expressing the need for these upgrades. They want more recreational options and additional public spaces where they can socialize, play, and connect with others,” Ruimy explained to CityNews.
Additionally, there are proposals to revamp the Maple Ridge Golf Course’s 40-acre property into a vibrant community hub featuring a public park and baseball fields. However, this plan has faced opposition from golfers, including Joe Camara, the course operator, who expressed disappointment over the potential changes. “It’s a tough situation. The golf course has a century-old history in this area,” Camara lamented. “Ultimately, it’s a decision that involves the residents and the city, and we’ll have to adapt to whatever outcome is decided.”
In response to concerns about costs, city officials have tasked staff with exploring ways to minimize the financial burden on taxpayers while moving forward with these ambitious community development projects.